Tuesday, December 30, 2014

From Grammy Pags Stories - Thank You for a great 2014!

Happy New Year from Grammy Pags and the Gang!
Hi Everyone!!
2014 - what a year - what a blast!!

Thanks so much for your kind support of my children's books in 2014.  What a journey!! Your Facebook follows, shares, tweets, retweets, links, pins, and blog shares are so appreciated!!  You have given me encouragement and incentive to write and to continue writing for kids!!  I am most grateful and I'm looking forward to 2015!

In 2009, when I began writing stories for my grandchildren, I never thought I'd be writing for other kids!  If someone would have said, "Oh Grammy, you will be writing books for many kids.  You will read your books in schools and libraries.  You will be signing books, attending writing conferences, and donating money from your book sales to scholarships and nonprofits."  I wouldn't have believed it, but it's all happening and I'm so excited!

I was especially happy to donate another $2500 to the "Angels in Charge" Scholarship from the sale of  The Little Lambs and the Very Special Mission .  This book, my first, was released in 2013.  It is dedicated to the children and teachers of Sandy Hook and the scholarship goes to kids from Newtown High School who are planning a career in education.

This past spring, I had such fun meeting and working with illustrator Ratna Kusuma Halim of Indonesia.  Ratna illustrated Three Little Gnomes and a Boy Named Orion . Though she lives half-way around the world, working with her felt was like living and working in my flower garden, right along with the gnomes.  It was a magical, international, cultural experience for me that I will always treasure!

I met Matt Pi and his rescue dog, Duke, this past summer.  Matt told me about the volunteer work of the Rescue Road Warriors.  They transport abused, unwanted, and abandoned dogs to safe shelters, foster homes, and adopted families.  I was so touched by his story and the message, that I thought others might like it too, so Duke 'n' Matt, Rescue Road Warriors was born.  A portion of all sales helps the work of the Rescue Road Warriors.

The "Meeda and Me" series has been a blast for me.  This summer, my 3-year-old granddaughter, Sofie, introduced me to her imaginary friends, "Meeda" and "the Woozler."  Meeda lives in Sofie's mirror and the Woozler lives in a hole in her backyard.  These characters were such fun that they led to the first 3 books in the "Meeda and Me" series.  All three books include "Look Back in the Book" activities.

This series is for kids 3+.  The books are easy / early readers for kids grades 1 - 3
Grammy Pags & Sofie


  • Book #1 - Meeda and Me introduces Sofia Margaret and her imaginary friend, Meeda.
  • Book #2 - The Woozler introduces the grouchy, old Woozler.  Sofie and Meeda want to be his friend, but he's not interested - well, sort of.
  • Book #3 - Merry Christmas, Woozler - Sofie and Meeda are having fun getting ready for Christmas, when Sofie starts to worry about the Woozler.  He's outside in the cold in his hole under the apple tree.  The girls devise a plan for a little Christmas surprise for him.

What's coming in 2015?
More books in the "Meeda and Me" series.  I will also be releasing a fun ryhyming / rap picture book that teaches kids their colors: "Grammy's Rockin' Color Rap-a-licous Rap"and I plan to release "Doonsey's Beach Adventure, the Great Rescue, Part 2," and maybe a few more surprises!!  Stay tuned!  

Thank you again for your support and encouragement!  
God bless you all!  Happy New Year and here's to 2015!!
Love, Rhonda Paglia of  "Grammy Pags Stories"

Grammy Pag's Website


Happy New Year from Grammy Pags Stories

To Grammy Pags' Website

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

December 14: Remembering Sandy Hook, the 20 first grade students, and their teachers

The Little Lambs and the Very Special Mission
The Little Lambs and the Very Special Mission is a sweet, gentle story that came to me during my prayers for the children and teachers of the Sandy Hook [CT] Elementary School tragedy. The book is dedicated to the victims of the tragedy and all victims of violence.  

The messages of the story? 
Love ~ Hope ~ Kindness.

The Little Lambs and the Very Special Mission

Story Synopsis:  God asks a field full of sweet, playful little lambs to help Him with a very important mission. He tells them that the people of Earth have forgotten to be loving and kind to each other. God needs their help to remind the people of Earth how much He loves them. With the little lambs’ help, the world becomes a better place. 

ALL PROFITS from the sale of this book are donated to the "Angels in Charge" scholarship. The award goes to graduating students from Newtown [CT] High School who are planning a career in education. The school district chooses the student, or students, who best meet the scholarship requirements.  To date, four seniors have received a total of $5,500.00. To read a little about the 2014 student recipients, here are the links to past blogs I wrote about them.  

Part 1 - 2014 Angels in Charge Scholarship Recipient  
Part 2: 2014 Angels in Charge Scholarship Recipient

Background and special note:  I'm a retired elementary teacher. My first assignment?  First grade - I taught 6-year-olds. When the tragedy happened at Sandy Hook on December 14, 2012, I related to those teachers and the kids in so many ways.  Later in my career, we practiced school-wide lockdown drills.  We turned off the lights, and locked our doors - if it had a lock.  We hid our students in our classroom to the best of our ability, and kept them silent until the all clear bell sounded.  I know the Sandy Hook teachers did everything in their power to protect their students and keep them safe on December 14, 2012. To me, those teachers were heroes.

I didn't ask for the "Little Lambs" story.  It was literally "given to me" during my prayers for the victims and their families.  The story wouldn't leave me alone.  I didn't want it, but it haunted me until I wrote it down.  With help from student artist, Taylor Galaska, we created this little story to honor the Sandy Hook children and their teachers, and all victims of violence.   

The "Angels in Charge" scholarship honors the teachers.  The students who receive this award plan to pursue a career in education.  Students must meet a set of criteria including: academic excellence; community service; and they must be recognized as a role model to their peers and the children in their community.  I am so proud of them and you can read more in the blogs linked above. 

My prayers continue to be with the families and for all victims of violence.  I pray everyday for Love and Healing and Kindness in the hearts of everyone on Earth.   
Rhonda Paglia "Grammy Pags"

The Little Lambs and the Very Special Mission has been endorsed by the American Institute of Health Care Professionals.


Student & co-illustrator
Taylor Galaska

Rhonda Paglia is a "Moms Choice Silver Award" Winner for her "Meeda and Me" early / beginner reader picture book series and an "Inkspokes Select Book Award" recipient for the easy reader version of "Three Little Gnomes and a Boy Named Orion." She recently received a "Gittle List Top 10 Indie Children's Book List" award for her newest book, "Grammy's Rockin' Color Rap-a-licious Rap." 

In a former life, Ms. Paglia was an elementary teacher. She and her husband live in Pennsylvania. They have three grown children, five grandchildren, and a little pup named Bella. "Grammy Pags," as she is called, enjoys gardening, tap dancing, yoga, and writing stories for kids! She has authored 10 children's books, 8 of which she has also illustrated. "There are more books on the way!" she says. Ms. Paglia is a member of SCBWI, PennWriters, and WestPA Authors.

Grammy Pags Stories Website:  www.rhondapagliaauthor.com
Grammy Pags Stories on Facebook: www.facebook.com/grammypagsstories
Grammy Pags Stories ~ Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00G5X3WO2
Twitter: Rhonda Paglia @grammypags1



Monday, December 8, 2014

2 NEW Books from Grammy Pags Stories - "Meeda & Me" . . . and "The Woozler"

The Woozler for Kindle
Meeda and Me for Kindle
"Meeda and Me" ~ This is an introduction to Meeda and Sofia Margaret.. Meeda is Sofie's best friend and lives in Sofie's mirror.  Sometimes, she comes out!

"The Woozler" - The Woozler lives in a hole under Sofie's apple tree.  He's very unhappy!  Someone took his treasure map.  Meeda and Sofie want to be his friend.  Will they be successful?

Both books, that include "Look Back in the Book Activities," are also available for Kindle. Introductory price ~$3.99.  Enjoy!!

IF you like these stories, please leave a review!!  Thank you!! Love, from Grammy Pags

NEW ~ "Meeda and Me" series. 
For kids 2+, Reading Level grades 1-2. 
"Look Back in the Book" activities included!


Rhonda Paglia aka "Grammy Pags" with
her 5 grandchildren: Sofie, Sylvan, Caleb
Orion and Rowan
Rhonda Paglia - aka "Grammy Pags"
Rhonda Paglia is a children's author, a retired elementary teacher, and a "not so retired" grandmother from Pennsylvania. She and her husband have three grown children, five grandchildren, and a little Yorkie-poo named Bella.  "Grammy Pags," as she is called, enjoys gardening, tap dancing, yoga, playing the recorder, reading, and, of course, writing stories – especially for her grandkids!  Rhonda is the author of “The Little Lambs and the Very Special Mission,” “Three Little Gnomes and a Boy Named Orion,” “Doonsey’s Beach Adventure, the Great Rescue,” and “Duke ‘n’ Matt, Rescue Road Warriors,” her first        non-fiction book.


Twitter: Rhonda Paglia @grammypags1


Tuesday, December 2, 2014

NOW LIVE from Grammy Pags Stories - "Meeda and Me" books 1 & 2

Books 1 & 2 of "The Meeda & Me" Series -  NOW LIVE
Written and Illustrated by Rhonda Paglia
Grammy Pags Stories

Meeda and Me for Kindle
Meeda and Me - paperback



"Meeda and Me" ~ Sofia Margaret and Meeda are like sisters and very much alike, but they are not!  This is an easy reader, early learner "just like me" book with key vocabulary and "Look Back in the Book" activities.

The Woozler for Kindle
The Woozler - paperback
"The Woozler" doesn't like people and someone took his treasure map.  He moved into the girls' backyard.  They would like to be his friend.  This is an easy reader, 
early learner book with key vocabulary and "Look Back in the Book" activities.











 - aka "Grammy Pags"
Rhonda Paglia "Grammy Pagswith her
5 grandchildren, Sofie, Sylvan, Caleb,
Orion and Rowan
Rhonda Paglia is a children's author, a retired elementary teacher, and a "not so retired" grandmother from Pennsylvania. She and her husband have three grown children, five grandchildren, and a little Yorkie-poo named Bella.  "Grammy Pags," as she is called, enjoys gardening, tap dancing, yoga, playing the recorder, reading, and, of course, writing stories – especially for her grandkids!  Rhonda is the author of “The Little Lambs and the Very Special Mission,” “Three Little Gnomes and a Boy Named Orion,” “Doonsey’s Beach Adventure, the Great Rescue,” and “Duke ‘n’ Matt, Rescue Road Warriors,” her first non-fiction book.

Website:  www.rhondapagliaauthor.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/grammypagsstories
Twitter: Rhonda Paglia @grammypags1


Friday, November 28, 2014

Author Interview Thursday - with Grammy Pags Stories

Thank you so much, Children's Author, David Chuka 
for inviting me to be part of your "Author Interview Thursday!"  


Rhonda Paglia is a children's author, a retired elementary teacher, and a "not so retired" grandmother from Pennsylvania. She and her husband have three grown children, five grandchildren, and a little Yorkie-poo named Bella.  "Grammy Pags," as she is called, enjoys gardening, tap dancing, yoga, playing the recorder, reading, and, of course, writing stories – especially for her grandkids!




Books by Rhonda Paglia of "Grammy Pags Stories"

AND . . . the NEW:  "Meeda and Me" series . . . 
recipient of a prestigious "Mom's Choice Silver Award" 



Book #1 - Meeda and Me (soft cover)
Book #2 -  The Woozler (soft cover)
Books #3 -  Merry Christmas, Woozler (soft cover)
Book #4 -  Trouble with Chocolate (soft cover)
(2015 release) Book #5 - How to Train Your Woozler, without getting in Trouble 
(2015-16 release) Book #6 - Treasure Hunt
(2016 release) Book #7 - Happy Birthday, Woozler

ALL books available in soft cover and for Kindle.
Visit Rhonda Paglia's Amazon Author Page here.  
Website:  www.rhondapagliaauthor.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/grammypagsstories
Twitter: Rhonda Paglia @grammypags1
Blog:  rhondapaglia.blogspot.com
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00G5X3WO2

Thursday, November 13, 2014

Grammy Pags Tall Turkey Tale! Tale #2

Join the fun!  

FACEBOOK FRIENDS contributed the following words 
to be included in this little tale! 
[To join the fun, send your short story to Grammy Pags at:  grammypags1@gmail.com - Turkey Tale!]

Writer must use ALL words 
and keep the story below 500 words.
Here they are: "Family, turkey, pilgrims, John, Priscilla, Indian, stuffing, pumpkin, pie, yams, green beans, parades, napping, tofurkey, love, laughter, stuffing, feast, memories, cooking, cranberries, gobble, kids, bountiful, harvest, blessings, grateful, parade, football, glutton, nap, compost, leftovers, dish-washing, cleanup, warmth, gravy, crisp, sweet, savory, moist, center pieces, don't eat me, I stuff the turkey, then the turkey stuffs me, burp, fluffy mashed potatoes, seconds. volunteer soup kitchen, snow, November , sweet, kitchen, smells."  




Written and Illustrated by Rhonda Paglia
A Grammy Pags Story ~ just for fun!
c. 2104

Thanksgiving today:  I stuff the turkey, then the turkey stuffs me!! BURP!!!!
 But, perhaps the first Thanksgiving started like this . . . 

“GOBBLE, gobble, gobble!” 

“What was that?” wondered Mrs. Pricilla John.  She was cooking green beans, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin pies.  Savory smells were coming from her kitchen.

It was November.  Snow had not yet begun to fly.  Laughter filled Pricilla’s ears.  Her kids were having a pilgrim and Indian parade.  Pricilla was so grateful for these memories, for her family, and for their blessings

“GOBBLE, gobble, gobble!”  

She heard the noise again. This time it was louder, closer!   “I’m hearing things,” thought Pricilla and she went back to her work.

The parade ended.  The kids started kicking the ball.  Football, they called it.  Mr. John, known as Papa, felt like a glutton.  The compost was waiting, but he just wanted to relax and take a nap.   He was glad the kids were outside.

Pricilla added marshmallows to the yams and stirred the gravy. She made fluffy mashed potatoes.

“Something’s missing for this feast,” she said to herself.  “I need something special; something crisp, sweet, warm, and moist.   Hmm, what should it be?”

 “Not me!” whispered the Gobbler.  His knobby knees were shaking and quaking with fear! 

Suddenly a package flew in the kitchen window and landed with a crash in the sink!  Dishes that needed washed and cleaned up flew in the air!   
 
“What’s this?”  Pricilla jumped, she was startled!  She picked up the dripping blob, turned it over, and wiped it off.  She peeked out the window.  Her kids were still playing.  Nothing seemed unusual. 

Pricilla carefully opened the package.  She was a little nervous!  Not too many packages landed in her sink! Inside was something white.  The label read, “Tofurkey.  Vegetarian product.  Made only with the finest organic soybeans and tofu.”

She took a sniff.  Not much to it.  “Beans,” she thought.   “Edible.”  Pricilla had an idea!  “This is it!” she said, “our main course!!” 

“Thank you,” she called to the mysterious package thrower. 

“Gobble, gobble, good!” thought the Gobbler.  

He shut his eyes and leaned tight against the cabin wall!

He heard Pricilla whack the tofurkey with great vigor!  His heart beat faster.  He heard the stuff sizzle in her frying pan.  He could smell the stuffing and cranberries and flavors mixing together.  

Don’t eat me!” he thought.

Pricilla set the table and straightened the centerpiece. “Come and get it!” she called to her family.  “It’s a special feast!  No seconds or leftovers for the volunteer soup kitchen this night!”   

Papa John and the kids raced into the kitchen!  Delicious smells were everywhere.  The family gave thanks for their bountiful harvest.   “What a Thanksgiving Day!” said Papa.  “I think we should celebrate every year!”  And so it was!

“Gobble, gobble, PHEW!”  

Mr. Turkey  backed slowly into the woods, safe for another year.  



Rhonda Paglia ~Grammy Pags
with her 5 grandchildren:
Sofie, Sylvan, Caleb,
Orion, and Rowan
his Blog is brought to you by Grammy Pags Stories
Rhonda Paglia is a children's author, a retired elementary teacher, and a "not so retired" grandmother from Pennsylvania. She and her husband have three grown children, five grandchildren, and a little Yorkie-poo named Bella.  "Grammy Pags," as she is called, enjoys gardening, tap dancing, yoga, playing the recorder, reading, and, of course, writing stories – especially for her grandkids!

Rhonda is the author of “The Little Lambs and the Very Special Mission,” “Three Little Gnomes and a Boy Named Orion,” “Doonsey’s Beach Adventure, the Great Rescue,” and “Duke ‘n’ Matt, Rescue Road Warriors,” her first non-fiction book.




Website:  Grammy Pags Stories
Special website for The Little Lambs: https://sites.google.com/site/littlelambs20/


Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Grammy Pags and Friends are sharing Turkey Tales!!! Today~Tale #1

FACEBOOK FRIENDS contributed the following words 
to be included in this little tale! 
Writer must use ALL words 
and keep the story below 500 words.
Family, turkey, pilgrims, John, Priscilla, Indian, stuffing, pumpkin, pie, yams, green beans, parades, love,
tofurkey, laughter, stuffing, feast, memories, cooking, cranberries, gobble, kids, bountiful, harvest, blessings, grateful, parade, football, glutton, nap, compost, leftovers, dish-washing, cleanup, warmth, gravy, crisp, sweet, savory, moist, center pieces, don't eat me! I stuff the turkey, then the turkey stuffs me, burp, fluffy mashed potatoes, seconds. volunteer soup kitchen, snow, November, sweet kitchen smells



First guest Turkey Tale Teller:  
Rosie Russell ofBooks by Rose ~ author of 



Farmer Tofurkey knew when he bought his farm, raising turkey’s was just something he knew he could never do. He loved everything about them, their bright colored feathers, their wattle red skin that hung from their long necks, and their keen vision with a 360 degree field of view.

He set them all free years ago and really never knew what happened to all of them except a few that he secretly visited. Their names were John and Priscilla Feathers. They lived in a tiny little cabin, deep in the woods. Mr. and Mrs. Feathers had love for their home and their pleasant surroundings. In the month of November, they counted their blessings and felt grateful, as they knew they had escaped the city from the all the folks that were a glutton for the taste of them. And they didn't miss the yearly parade with the band playing repeatedly “I stuff the turkey, then the turkey stuff me!” followed by a loud burp!! They never understood how anyone could partake in such activities!

They did have their own celebration every year but only with the bountiful harvest of foods that came from the nature around them. Every year, John and Priscilla would cook up a feast in their tiny kitchen with all of their favorites: savory stuffing with gravy, crisp green beans, fluffy mashed potatoes, cranberries, and moist pumpkin pie. With the smells of their dinner in the air, they would all chant with laughter and gobble “don’t eat me!”

As Mrs. Feathers was putting the centerpieces on the table she peeked in on the kids in the living room. Little Tom, was sitting in his favorite chair, piled with blankets, reading all of his cherished books about pilgrims and of course, a book about his favorite Indian, Hiawatha. Sweet baby Yam Yams was sound to sleep napping in her playpen. The picture of this, would bring her warmth for her family and in her heart for years to come.

After dinner, Mr. and Mrs. Feathers always worked together with the clean-up. John would throw the peelings in the compost as Priscilla would do the dish washing. They knew within seconds, Farmer Tofurkey would be by to collect their leftovers to take to the Volunteer Soup Kitchen as he did every year.

With the snow falling lightly, they all snuggled up watching football. They never did find out if the Seattle Seahawks won the game or not, they had all dosed off for a nap.


Check out Rose on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Books-By-Rose/683636425012139

Rhonda Paglia ~Grammy Pags
with her 5 grandchildren:
Sofie, Sylvan, Caleb,
Orion, and Rowan
his Blog is brought to you by Grammy Pags Stories
Rhonda Paglia is a children's author, a retired elementary teacher, and a "not so retired" grandmother from Pennsylvania. She and her husband have three grown children, five grandchildren, and a little Yorkie-poo named Bella.  "Grammy Pags," as she is called, enjoys gardening, tap dancing, yoga, playing the recorder, reading, and, of course, writing stories – especially for her grandkids!

Rhonda is the author of “The Little Lambs and the Very Special Mission,” “Three Little Gnomes and a Boy Named Orion,” “Doonsey’s Beach Adventure, the Great Rescue,” and “Duke ‘n’ Matt, Rescue Road Warriors,” her first non-fiction book.

Special website for The Little Lambs:  https://sites.google.com/site/littlelambs20/



Thursday, October 30, 2014

My entry for the Halloweensie Contest

Whooo is under that blanket?
by Grammy Pags
This is my entry for the Halloweensie Contest.  Requirements:  100 words or less and include the words "pumpkin, creak, and broomstick!"  Fun!!

Scary Night!

By Rhonda Paglia 
A Grammy Pags Story

Ghouls and monsters, goblins too,
Witches cackle, ghosts go BOO!

Creaking doors and squeaking mice,
Hooting owls, I heard them twice!

On a broomstick, old witch rides,
Zipping past the moon she glides!
I hurry home!  I slam the door!
I shut my eyes! I can't take more!

But what is this, I smell, then spy?
It's apple cider and pumpkin pie.
I wrap my blanket 'round me tight,
Still shaking from this scary night.

OUTSIDE my door on Halloween,
Are the spookiest things I've ever seen!
On Halloween INSIDE my door,
Please pass the pie . . .
I'd like some more.


Monday, October 13, 2014

Blogging from the Heart - Children's Author Tour


Hi Everyone,

I have been invited to participate in the “Blogging from the Heart” Tour by my author friend, Enisca Jones. 

Author Enisca Jones
Before I take my turn, I would like to introduce you to Enisca, the author of the “Anya Stories” and “Just Write it!”

~ Enisca L. Jones ~ was born in Nassau, Bahamas. She grew up with a love for the outdoors which was mostly seen in her fondness for climbing trees and going to the beach. She was, and still is, a barefoot girl who loves to explore. A new comer to writing and illustrating, she is determined to use her new found love to share valuable life lessons, adventure, creativity and her heart with the world. She is an avid reader, artist, blogger and most of all loves to tell stories.  Her first series of books include Anya's Stories Valuable Lessons that teach the lessons of Love, Independence, Responsibility, Decision Making and Listening.  Anya Goes Exploring Coloring and Activity Books that teach about the sites of Nassau Bahamas.   Mookie's Excellent Adventure has now joined her group of books. Please check out Enisca’s stories at:
Thank you for inviting me, Enisca! 

YYYYYYYYYYYYYY
Rhonda Paglia
aka - Grammy Pags
Before we start, I want to introduce myself: 
I’m Rhonda Paglia of “Grammy Pags Stories.”  I’m a retired elementary teacher and a "not so retired" grandmother from Pennsylvania. My husband and I have three grown children and five grandchildren. We also have a little Yorkiepoo named Bella!  She’s my shadow!!  I enjoy gardening and tap dancing - YES, I'm a Grammy tap dancer!!  I also do yoga, play with my grandchildren and Bella, and of course, enjoy writing stories for kids!







I have been asked to answer 4 questions on this blog, so here we go!

1.  What am I working on?
Coming soon!
I have several projects going on right now.  I’ve finished a funny, actually, it’s a pretty wacky book, that will help young kids learn their colors.  It’s titled, “Grammy’s Rockin’ Color Rapalicious Rap.”  Yeah, I know, it sounds crazy and it is – but it really rocks!  This Grammy had fun rapping and writing it.  Now I’m looking for an illustrator to bring it to life. 

Doonsey's Beach Adventure,
the Great Rescue
I’m also working on Doonsey’s second adventure.  Doonsey is the main character in his first book titled, “Doonsey’s Beach Adventure, the Great Rescue.”  Doonsey is a feisty ocean crab.  He’s small, but mighty, and he loves to explore.  The inspiration for Doonsey was a little wind-up toy I purchased for my granddaughter when we were vacationing at Kure Beach in North Carolina.  She immediately named him Doonsey, and before I knew it, Doonsey started on a merry adventure – exploring the beach, and later becoming a hero!  I have one or two more ideas for Doonsey adventures, so stay tuned.

Three Little Gnomes
& a Boy Named Orion
,
Illustrated by
Ratna Kusuma Halim
The other story that is tip-toeing around in the back of my mind is a sequel to the “Three Little Gnomes and a Boy Named Orion.”  Now that the gnomes have been introduced, I’d love for them to share more adventures in and around Grammy’s garden.  We’ll see. 

2. How does my work differ from others in its genre?
Droppin' Time Stes
Teaching is my background and my love, so I always try to add a learning activity or component to my stories.  Sometimes the learning is subtle, like in “Three Little Gnomes.”  One of the gnomes is hard of hearing.  He talks REALLY LOUD!  His friends don’t make fun of him or call him names because of this problem. They just try to gently remind him to be a little more soft spoken.  The name Orion gives him ends up quite fitting, and helps this particular gnome remember to be a little more quiet.  I’ve also added a recipe in the Gnomes book for “Droppin’ Time Stew.” Kids can make it with an adult.  In the “The Little Lambs and the Very Special Mission,” my hope is that kids . . . and adults too . . . will follow the Lambs’ “BE” messages:  to BE
Follow the BE Attitudes
kind, Be a friend, BE polite, etc.  If we would all follow the “BE’s”, we would help make the world a better place.   In Doonsey’s adventure, kids have the opportunity to create their own Beach Buddies.  And in “Duke ‘n’ Matt, Rescue Road Warriors,” there are key vocabulary words with definitions and some look back in the story pages.  I write books I would have enjoyed using as a teacher.


3.  Why do I write/create what I do?
Duke 'n' Matt,
Rescue Road Warriors
I started out writing stories with my own three children when they were young.  We had a blast and they still have their original story folders.  Writing with my kids helped them become early readers.  As an elementary teacher, I would always have my students write and illustrate their own stories.  It was a huge undertaking, but I can’t tell you how many students, who are now adults, have told me that they kept their books and how grateful they are to have those special treasures.   Now that I’m a grandmother, I write stories with my grandchildren.  It’s great fun!  We have written cute, endearing stories, and my grandchildren love them because they get to be the main characters.  These stories will probably never make it into a real book, but you just never know.  A few of the titles are “Tractor on a Stick,” “The Scary Monster,” “Sofies trip to the Zoo,” and “Rowan’s Great Adventure." Do they sound like adventures you would read?

4.  How does my writing/creating process work?
I have been writing for fun.  My stories are based on real . . . and imagined events . . . that happen with my grandchildren.  I use facts, but also take the liberty of stretching the tales andadding some imagination to tell the stories.  After reading “Rowan’s Great Adventure,” to my grandson, Rowan, he said, “Grammy, that didn’t really happen!”  I laughed until I cried!  I’m still laughing!! [To date, this is one of those unpublished stories.] 

The Little Lambs
and the Very Special Mission

co-illustrated with
Taylor Galaska
I never thought about releasing any of my stories to the public, because I was just writing for the fun of it.  But all of that changed after the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School on December 14, 2012.  Twenty-one first graders and their 6 teachers were killed that day.  As a mom, a grandmother, and a retired elementary teacher, I was horrified by what happened.  I prayed for the victims and their families.  I prayed hard. During my prayers, I was “given” a sweet children’s story.  I didn’t ask for it and I was shocked when the story came to me.  I didn’t know what to do with it.  I tried to push it away, but it wouldn’t leave me alone.  So I followed through and wrote and illustrated it to the best of my ability with the help of 14-year-old, Taylor Galaska. That story became “The Little Lambs and the Very Special Mission.”  This story is dedicated to the children and teachers of Sandy Hook.  I donate all of the profits to the “Angels in Charge Scholarship.”  The funds go to students from Newtown High School, CT, who are planning a career in education.  I wanted to do something to honor the fallen teachers.  “The Little Lambs” is a sweet, gentle story and has a universal message.  It has received the endorsement of the "The American Institute of Health Care Professionals, Inc., November 12, 2013:  
  http://www.aihcp.org/blog/rhonda-paglias-little-lambs-special-mission/ To date, I have sold 1,000 books and have donated $5000 to the scholarship.  I'm very proud of that accomplishment.

So, how does my writing / creating process work?  It depends on the situation, the idea, and the moment.  I would say most of my stories come to me with a beginning, middle, and end.  I just try to put everything together and make it fun.  

The next Doonsey adventure has been on my mind.  This summer, we were on vacation at the beach. During my walk one morning, the whole scenario came to me.  When I got home, I took notes so I wouldn’t forget my ideas and could work on the story when I had time.  That one came together quickly.  Now I just need to work on the illustrations – which are really difficult for me – so it may be a while before the next Doonsey story is ready.  I have several other story ideas, but I don’t have the ending yet.  Sometimes the endings are the most difficult for me.  Again, it depends on the story.

The other part I enjoy is the designing my books.  I have done all the layout and design of all my books - from cover to cover. It's quite a process, but I enjoy the artistic aspect and the end results are very rewarding.  I'm not a professional designer, so it's a huge accomplishment when my book is in hand, and  I can say, "I did that!" Writing and creating books are something that I never dreamed I would be doing, but I'm having aa great time!

Grammy Pags and Bella
Well, I’ve got to run!  Bella wants to go for a walk, Doonsey wants me to start illustrating, the grandkids are calling, and Papa wants dinner!  Such a busy place!

Thanks for reading and thanks to all the other children’s authors who shared their stories on:
The Blogging from the Heart Tour!

YYYHappy reading everyone!! YYY




To learn more or to follow Grammy Pags Stories, check out these links!
Website: www.grammypagsstories.com ~ or ~ www.rhondapagliaauthor.com
Special website for The Little Lambs:  https://sites.google.com/site/littlelambs20/


YPlease check out these other “Blogging from the Heart” children’s authors!!Y

Carmela Dutra - Author of The Adventures of Lorenzo Bear: http://lorenzothebear.com/
Ensica Jones – author of the Anya Series: www.anyasstories.com
Kristen Lamb - author of the Dani P. Mystery series: http://www.authorklamb.blogspot.com/
Cat Michaels - author of Sweet T and the North Wind and Finding Fuzzy: a You-Decide Tale of a Lost Friend:  www.catmichaelswriter.com
C. L. Murphy - author of the Lovable Lobo Series - http://lovablelobo.com/index.html
Jamie Stevens - author of Peep's Spring Surprise - http://peepandfriends.com/
P. J. LaRue The Mystic Princesses and the Whirlpool  www.mysticprincesses.com  
Karen Emma Hall – author of Hello Teeny Pheeny: http://www.kidliteratureauthors.com/
Kirstin Pulioff – author of the Princess Madeline series: www.kirstinpulioff.com