Who could guess that Talitha is anything more than an ordinary skirt?Before we meet today's author, I want to announce that the winner of the free copy of Nike Chillemi's inspirational mystery/crime novel, Acts of Malice, is:
kmb14787@...
Congratulations! I'll be in touch with you via email, and we'll get your book right out to you. I encourage readers to keep commenting and/or subscribe at right (above my list of books) in order to learn about new releases! U.S. subscribers are entered in the drawings a second time when they comment.
And now let's meet novelist Becky Van Vleet, author of the children's picture book, Talitha, the Traveling Skirt (for ages 3-8) (Elk Lake Publishing Inc., August 2019).
Becky Van Vleet is a retired teacher and principal. She and her husband make their home in Colorado Springs, where Becky enjoys gardening and hiking and biking in the great outdoors.Becky was inspired to write her first children’s picture book about Talitha to preserve a true family story. Becky is the mother of four adult daughters, each of whom also wore Talitha. To date, five of Becky’s granddaughters have also worn the little skirt.
She has another children’s picture book coming out in August of 2020, Harvey, the Traveling Harmonica. Her website is dedicated to creating and preserving family memories which she is passionate about.
Becky relishes spending time with her family and especially reading books to her grandchildren.
Please tell us one random thing we might not know about you.
I enjoy lap swimming two mornings a week at 6:00 AM. Boy, do I ever wake up on those two days!
And you live in Colorado? I'm shivering just thinking about trying to stay warm those mornings.
Please tell us a bit more about the plot of Talitha, the Traveling Skirt.
Who could guess that Talitha is anything more than an ordinary skirt? Well, I could! You see, I have watched the history of this little skirt unfold in my lifetime for three generations.A little red plaid skirt began traveling within my family in 1948 and has continued to travel across the country for more than 70 years. I was inspired to write this children’s story to preserve my family history.
Talitha’s name means “little girl” from Mark, chapter four, in the New Testament. Early learning, family life, family traditions, and imagination are key concepts in my picture book. Discussion questions are included to inspire dialogue and to check comprehension.
What is it about Talitha that will make your readers care about her?
As I wrote this children’s book, inspired by a true family story, I decided to write a fun, imaginary tale in which the skirt is the main character. Children will care about Talitha because she encounters problems when she least expects them and overcomes. Talitha loves all the little girls in her special family and never wants to be lost or forgotten. I believe all young children desire to give and receive love within their families and wish to belong. They never want to be lost nor forgotten.
What is something you’ve thanked God for this week?
Just a couple of days ago, my 7-year-old grandson and I were talking about our blessings. When I asked Julius what his blessings were, he gave me such a sweet and sincere reply. When he later went home, I thanked God for my grandson’s young faith and understanding of family blessings.
It really is a comfort when you know your children and grandchildren love the Lord.
What is the last novel you read that you would recommend?
I recently finished reading Callie by Sharon Srock. I was encouraged by Callie, the main character, as she worked through difficult grief and never gave up hope.
What are you working on now?
I am currently working on a young adult historical fiction novel about my father’s adventures on the USS Denver in World War II. The research has been so enlightening, and I’m very thankful I recorded my father in 1990 when he was lucid and willing to share his adventures and near-death experience upon this light cruiser.
Where else can readers find you online?
beckyvanvleet.com
The book can be purchased online via the following button:
If you would like to read a sample of the book, you can see it HERE
Finally, what question would you like to ask my readers?
How do you create, preserve and share memories within your families?
Thanks, Becky, for visiting and telling us about yourself and your book. Readers, Becky has offered to give away a free copy of her book. To enter, leave a comment and your email below in answer to her question, above. "Please enter me" won't get you entered. Remember that U.S. subscribers are entered an additional time in each drawing. The drawing is done by email, so leave your email address, like so: trish[at]trishperry[dot]com.
Only United States residents are eligible for the drawing, but anyone can subscribe to the blog posts via the GDPA-compliant Feedblitz box above my list of books, at right.
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Annoying legal disclaimer: as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases; drawings void where prohibited; open only to U.S. residents; the odds of winning depend upon the number of participants. See full disclaimer, GDPA notice, and my Disclosure of Material Connection HERE
8 comments:
Thank you, Trish, for featuring me today. This was such a fun book to write, especially since it was inspired by our true family story. I hope I hear from your readers what their ideas are for creating and sharing family memories and traditions!
What a fun idea for a story! I can't wait to read it. In my family, I've saved tons of clothes from when my children were little and have passed them on to their children (my grands). I love watching them wear something daddy or mommy wore when they were little. And I love telling them the story of something we enjoyed doing while their parent was wearing the clothing. That's one way I share memories. Lately, I've been sharing family stories on my blog. That way the stories will stay available to the different members of my family.
Congratulations!
I love the book concept, especially knowing the skirt is real and just about my age. I am the family "keeper," so the sentimental side caught my attention. We just moved and I said goodbye to some items my kids don't want, but I kept and tagged many other items with notes telling the significance. My grandmother also did that, and I treasure her handwritten tags as much as the items they are attached to. Vherlock at yahoo dot com
I suppose many of us have those childhood items from our kids' early years, and we want them to have them some day. When I moved across country two years ago, I tried to downsize. But those childhood items are treasures I don't ever want to lose. I also have the christening dress and blanket that were mine as an infant. Very sweet mementos.
Thank you for sharing this post this book is one I know my granddaughter would love to read! SARAHTAYLOR601973(at)YAHOO(dot)COM
I have 2 grown children now, and I made them each a binder that is full of school papers of them since they were in preschool including pictures, report cards, and all kinds of papers that they wrote or colored an d their report cards. They love looking through them and now their children, my grandchildren can look through them. I also have a couple of their outfits they used to wear when they were oh so very young, which our granddaughter has also worn some of her mamas clothes when she was young. I also have some of my sons' clothing which I passed down to his son , my grandson. Your book sounds so very cute, and the cover is so very , very cute! Thank you for the chance. God Bless you. aliciabhaney (at) sbcglobal (dot) net
To all of you who responded--I apologize you're just now hearing from me. With some sickness in my family, including me, I fell behind. We are all doing better now, Praise God. TRISH, thank you again for featuring me--I'm so glad you saved those special keepsakes when you moved. Thank you, SARAH, for commenting--I hope your granddaughter can read my book--she will love the illustrations! ALICIA, what a great idea for the binder and saving those outfits. VIE, I had no idea anybody else tagged items like I do. I am the "family keeper" too! ANGIE, I appreciate how you share a story with your grandchildren when they wear that special clothing item. I would encourage ALL OF YOU to keep sharing and passing down family stories and memntos. I'd love to share your stories on my website with my readers. My website is devoted to creating and preserving family memories. Please contact me at beckyvanvleet9@gmail.com if I can feature your ideas!
Not sure if this post is still open for entries but for my family it's all about photographs. Thanks for the chance.
positive DOT ideas DOT 4you AT gmail DOT com
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