What Is Muscular Dystrophy? Muscular dystrophy or MD (pronounced mus-kyoo-lur dis-troh-fee) is a degenerative muscular disease where the muscles of the body get weaker and can stop working. For people who have MD, the proteins in the body are not made properly, and without these proteins, the muscles break down over time, so people with MD have problems with the way their bodies work. Erica has MD and she sometimes struggles with day-to-day problems, but she is learning how to manage her growing pains with the help of her new pet, Tripod the dog. It isn't easy for Erica, as her new dog Tripod is a brand new challenge. Erica's mom has brought home many pets over the years that needed homes. But this time it's different, this dog has challenges of its own. Can Erica make friends with the new addition to the family? Cynthia Fabian is an author and speaker who resides in New Jersey. She spent most of her life as a teacher of English and ESL. Though she no longer teaches, she continues to help children to cope with all types of obstacles in their lives. "It is a joy and pleasure to help others find a way to climb new obstacles and accept older ones. I only hope that children and their families can find happiness and acceptance in their lives." Her other books: Second Hand Art, a community survives a hurricane using recycled art. Orchestra in Our Brain, a story about a boy with epilepsy and the music our brain creates. Can't and Able, an inspirational story about two stars with an anti-bullying theme. Publisher's website: http: //sbpra.com/CynthiaFabian

What does it feel like when you just can't do what the other kids, I mean stars, do? Can't kept trying, but he never seemed to shine as brightly as the other stars, and was always teased and bullied by others. Can't feels that he is less than the other stars and just cannot shine. It wasn't until Can't realized he Can, that everything changed for him. Find out how Can't became a hero and ultimately became Can. Able is the star who had it all. Able helps Can't to realize that he can really shine. Connect with Can't, Able, and all the stars that live in their neighborhood and beyond in the star-studded children's book Can't and Able: An Inspirational Story. The colorful artwork by Daniel Stevens creates beauty and fun throughout the universe. And as we all know, the star is the limit! Originally from New York City, Cynthia Fabian now enjoys meditation and the quiet life in Somerset, New Jersey. "I grew up with a disorder. I always felt like I could not shine, just like Can't. When I became a teacher, I saw many children that were experiencing the same difficulties. They were teased and often felt smaller. This book is for all of you, struggling and not knowing how to change your circumstances. If you simply believe, you can change your own circumstances. Believe in yourself and you will see the wonders of change are in your power." Publisher's website: http://sbpra.com/CynthiaFabian

Robert, a five-year-old with epilepsy, has a seizure at school. The students don't understand what a seizure is all about, and one child even makes fun of Robert.To make Robert and the other students understand what happened, the Coach gives the children a lesson in music, describing it as an Orchestra in Our Brain. He illustrates just how the brain works by using musical metaphors.Robert's brain decided to play the wrong note, so he had a seizure. The orchestra in his brain was slightly off key.This book's simple and non-graphic way to explain epilepsy to children is one that will allow kids to understand seizures, and to learn about people who are different than themselves. Previously a teacher, Cynthia Fabian now speaks in libraries and schools. "I have had epilepsy my entire life and have always had to overcome obstacles in many ways. This book is more about making yourself the best, by keeping a positive attitude than anything else." She lives in Somerset, N.J., and is writing her next book, Can't and Able, using star metaphors. Illustrator Bio: Daniel Stevens has a B.A. in Industrial Design from the Pratt Institute. His experience ranges from designing clothing and furniture to creating children's illustrations. He has also worked for Disney and MTV, and is the artist for Second Hand Art, the author's previous book about recycled art.Publisher's website: http: //www.strategicpublishinggroup.com/title/OrchestraInOurBrain.html

Ten-year-old Henry wishes he could stop stuttering and be as good as his sister Melba. Henry, his sister, and their mother live in Rockaway Queens near the beach, and Henry loves to escape to the boardwalk. He never knows what he will find there. One day, there might be a band playing music he's never heard. Another day, he might see a person riding around on a strange thing that looks like a giant tricycle, but has four wheels instead of three. And some days, Henry finds Allen, a local artist who uses recycled materials to make beautiful works of art and doesn't mind talking to kids. Those are Henry's favorite days. But the best day of all is the day Henry realizes what Allen's Second Hand Art can teach him about himself! Once they were broken and abandoned, but they can become beautiful in time. Sometimes they even create a shape that resembles a flower. It is this metaphor that beauty in life and broken dreams can yield positive results. -Henry Allen Stevens Jr. Author Cynthia Fabian teaches English to speakers of other languages. When she is not teaching, she can be found crafting writing of all varieties. Children stories are her favorite genre. Henry Allen Stevens Jr. is an artist who works with emotionally challenged children. He is a vocalist, and has four young adult children of his own. Illustrator: Daniel Stevens Publisher's Website: http: //www.strategicpublishinggroup.com/title/SecondHandArt.html