Official Book Launch this Saturday & Sunday- Great Way to Support the Alzheimer's Association

Lights!  Camera!  Action!  Check out the video mom and I did explaining our fun on-line book lauch starting tomorrow, Feb. 27 and running through Sunday, Feb. 28, 2010!  30% of all book proceeds this weekend will go to the Alzheimer's Association.

Iggy the Iguna Helps Kids Be the Best they Can Be!

The real Iggy the Iguana!

Melissa Williams has been writing stories since she was eight years old.  Many of her stories were inspired by real life experiences with childhood pets.  One such pet, Iggy, inspired her book series...

Melissa as a child with Iggy

This is so dog-gone exciting for me to interview an Iguana! I think we could safely say this is an exclusive interview, because how often do you see a dog on wheels interviewing a way cool Iguana, right?

Welcome Iggy! Thank you to all my readers for tuning into my very exclusive interview with one handsome and kind Iguana. (I blush as I do this interview)…

Frankie:  Hey Iggy! First of all, I think you are so cute! Would you ever consider being my boyfriend?

Iggy:  Ha! Thanks Frankie! But, I think Liz may have a problem with me moving on so soon. :O)

Frankie: Ok, let’s get down to more serious things. We have lots in common with what we both teach children about acceptance and overcoming challenges. I really like that about you. What would you say is the one biggest thing kids struggle with today? How do you help them with that?

I think that kids are so worried about what others think about them. Its almost as if bullying has gone to a whole new level these days, so we have to set an example to teach kids not to leave others out or make fun of them behind their back. It is time to start treating others the way you would want to be treated! Everyone's life situation, environment, and background makes them unique and shouldn't be held against them through judgment.

Frankie:  You visit many schools sharing your message. Can you tell us about one of your favorite visits? Or something a child said that inspired you?

Sometimes I ask kids what they have learned from my story, and many of them will say to always be yourself and don't make up things to look "cool." It is awesome to hear that they are relating to me.

Frankie:  Speaking of inspiration, what inspires you to keep helping your mom, Melissa write books?

We always remember that the kids (the fans) and the parents are the biggest inspiration for us. When we get emails from people telling us that they are waiting for the next book to come out or they appreciate the values and messages in the series ... it motivates both of us even more. When you start doing something for others and they show their appreciation, it helps you keep going, even into the wee hours of the night.

Frankie:  What advice would you have for kids who think they may want to be a writer/author someday?

Do it! Never second guess your passion and God-given gifts, they are meant to be put back into the world. If you are a young inspiring author to be, definitely find a mentor, someone you look up to and can guide you. Surround yourself with like-minded people and get involved in writing clubs and classes and immerse yourself in literature and even movies. Start to understand why the writers have chosen certain themes, characters, and the deeper meaning behind their writing.

Frankie:  If a bully comes up to you and tries to pick a fight, what advice do you have?

Don't fight. It will make everything worse. If the bully sees that he is bothering you, he is just going to keep doing it. Ignoring the aggression at first will help, but also offering your friendship later may be just what he or she needed but didn't know it.

Frankie: As you know Iggy, I am in a wheelchair (I like to consider it my custom hot-rod). What would you say to another child if you saw them picking on me?

I would stand up for you and defend you by asking, how would they like it if someone was that mean to them? I would let them know that I was your friend, and I would get us away from the situation. This will ultimately make bully feel foolish on the inside, even he if he tries to hide it with more mean words on the outside.

Frankie:  How old are you Iggy and how long does an Iguana usually live? I know being a character in a book means you can live on forever, which I think is awesome.

I am 10 years old, and since my character is basically human-like in the book, I can live as long as humans do.

Frankie: What is your biggest wish for children?

I wish that kids won't be discouraged when things to go right or perfectly the first time around. We have to give ourselves chances to make mistakes and learn from them. Ultimately, when we are accepting to ourselves, we will share that acceptance toward others. Believe in yourself and never give up!

Thanks so much, Iggy!  I know the kids who follow my blog will learn so much from you.  I think you really rock... err, well maybe slither, huh?  Well, what I am trying to say is I think you are so cool!

For more information about Iggy and Melissa visit their very fun website!

Order copies of Iggy's books today!



 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Frankie Learns All About the Olympics!

Lynnmour School in Canada has practically had a front row seat to the Olympics- well sort of, as they are near by the event.  In fact, the Olympic torch even ran past their school and they took part in watching.  Isn't that fun?
They have taught me so many things about the Olympics and I love learning about it ALL!  In fact, because of their awesome blog project they were hosted on the official Olympic site-- way, way cool!
As a gift they sent me a  very special Olympic pin, which I am showing off in this photo (you have to look kind of close- not too close though or I might lick you!).  Thank you to all my friends in Canada- I love you guys!
I will wear my pin when I visit schools and do my therapy dog work, so I can show it off.  Thank you again everyone- you are all pawsome!  ARF-A-ROO!
Read more at Frankie's Friends, the Canadian Connection

Kid Tested & Kid Approved

Nothing better than kids reviewing my books!  Wait till you hear what Madeline, age 8.5 and Sophia, age 7 had to say about my newest book, Frankie, the Walk 'N Roll Therapy Dog Visits Libby's House!  It is way cool.  As part of their curriculum being taught at home (which I think rocks!) they review books for Reader Views Kids.  Isn't that great?  So check out their reviews below.  Arf-a-roo, Madeline & Sophia!

Frankie the Walk 'n Roll Therapy Dog Visits Libby’s House

Barbara Gail Techel
Joyful Paws (2010)
ISBN 9780980005240
Reviewed by Sophia (age 7) and Madeline (age 8.5) McElroy for Reader Views (02/10)

Madeline: This is a true story about Frankie the walk 'n roll dog becoming a therapy dog. Frankie visits nursing homes to make the older people feel better. Every time Frankie visits, the older people love it! Frankie’s mom is very proud that Frankie is a therapy dog. Frankie goes to a special nursing home called Libby’s House. Frankie meets a 70-year-old man named Daniel. Frankie loves to play with Daniel; they have a lot of fun.

My favorite picture is when Frankie takes a bath in the sink. My favorite part of the story is when Frankie becomes a therapy dog. I think kids should read this book because it encourages children to keep on moving and to do their best. Frankie is so special because she can make many people feel better. First I thought about how sad it is that Frankie can’t walk but she is so happy and makes people happy too.

I have read the first book, “Frankie the Walk 'n Roll Dog,” and this one is great also!

Sophia: This is a book about a dog named Frankie and she is becoming a therapy dog. She helps sick and old people. She is a cute dog. My favorite and funny picture is when Frankie is wearing a bumper sticker on her wheels. A sad part was when Frankie’s friend Daniel died on Friday. Isn’t that sad? I would be sad if my grandma died. I liked this book because I like all the pretty and nice pictures. If I saw Frankie I would go pet her! My favorite part was when they visited Libby’s House. She is my favorite dog in the whole wide world. I like this book because she is a therapy dog and makes people feel good. I liked “Frankie the Walk ‘n Roll Dog” as much as this book. I wish I could see Frankie in real life. Frankie is so cute I can’ believe my eyes!

We both recommend “Frankie the Walk 'n Roll Therapy Dog Visits Libby’s House” by Barbara Gail Techel. This book is great, including the cover!