This is the story of Peter Pudgy, and how he changed his name. Peter didn't like being called pudgy, but didn't think he could do anything about it. In fact, he didn't do much of anything at all. He didn't like to run or jump or go outside-and he didn't really even like to walk But he did like food. He ate all day and sat all day. He sat and watched TV and played video games while he ate and ate and ATE. Peter liked to eat He also liked baseball, but he was not much help to his team, the Good Guys. He was too slow and chubby. But one day, not so long ago, that all changed...

WHAT WOULD YOU DO...if your child hands you their unfinished snack as they rush out the door?

In "If You Hand Your Mom a Rice Cake," one mom shows you exactly what she did-what not to do. Walk through the day with her as you show your child just what happens with that unwanted rice cake from breakfast to afterschool snack.

You'll be sure to go back for more

AUTHOR'S NOTE:

According to Shrek, ogres--like onions, have many layers. Well, so does this story.

Layer one is the frustrating mommy mode moment that morphed into Facebook comic relief. Yep, right there in the middle of social media cyber space, a children's book idea was born

Layer two is the story itself; a silly mommy misadventure with a rice cake. It's fun. It's whimsical. It's benign. And it took just a couple of months to put it all together.

Layer three is a little more complicated. It requires some backstory.

The back story...

My daughter often cried when I wasn't home as she got off the school bus. It made me reflect upon what I did during the day. I discovered that my priorities were off balance and I searched for a way make things right, to apologize. The middle of this story evolved into an explanation of what kept me so busy during my children's school day. It also shows my unyielding efforts to get home first.

After this book was finished (2011), it sat gathering dust while I had a showdown with my pride. That's when I realized that the explanations for my busyness were more excuse than anything else. Eventually, I cut out the excess by quitting my part-time job and finishing graduate school once and for all.

Finally, after another year of experimenting, journaling and praying; the decision to homeschool resurfaced (the first surface is another story). This became the completion of one evolution...and start of another layer.

Long story short, there is a cyclical affect a parent's actions have on both self and child. When I peeled back my layers of parental consciousness, I found leaks in the foundation. I also found an evolutionary next step toward authenticity...which revealed more leaks, which...well, you get the picture

A question for you...Ever had a "rice cake moment" inspire your parental evolution?

Find the "Rice Cake Book" on Facebook (https: //www.facebook.com/ricecakebook) and share your thoughts Thank you for supporting our evolution by buying this book

Sophie is a happy, sparkly girl and she has so much fun at home But then... One morning, her Mommy comes into her room and says that its time for school. Sophie isn't sure if she wants to go. Will she feel as cozy and safe at school as she does at home? Join Sophie through her first two days of school, and discover with her, how much fun school can be. With sweet illustrations and a funny upbeat style, this book will make you smile, laugh and generally make you and your child feel GOOD (and really good about school )

"You know your Daddy loves you in every single way..." In this heartwarming confirmation of a father's love, that special little person in your life will hear the most powerful message a father can send, "I love you." For fathers young and old, new and not-so-new, this sweet rhyming book is meant to be read aloud to your child creating a special bond and a memory that will be treasured for a lifetime.

Little Jake is around three years old. He is very happy and active. His big, smiling blue eyes show the constant twinkle of mischief going on in his mind. Sometimes Jake bites off more than he can chew, but his Mother always follows behind his blunders with wise words and love. A warm look at children and their families.

The second novel from Melissa Bailey, author of The Medici Mirror. Perfect for fans of Barbara Erskine. One summer's day, Freya's husband and son vanish at sea. A year on, and struggling to cope, Freya returns to the lighthouse-keeper's cottage on a remote Hebridean island, where she and her family spent so many happy times. Haunted by visions of her old life, Freya's dreams are dark and disturbed. And when a stranger, Daniel, is washed ashore during a storm, they turn even more menacing. As dream and reality start to merge, Daniel seems to be following Freya's every move. What does he want from her and is he everything he seems to be? Is her mind playing tricks? Or is the danger that she senses very real?