Author Visit Robert Gould

Mothers Day Wish from Uncle Jake

On this Mother’s Day
I wish you endless joy and bubbly laughter too
I wish that smiley smiles and giggly giggles
Wrap around and envelop you

I also wish
That all around the world
The air will fill with happy, “love you” songs
From every little boy and girl

For, you are the maternal vessel of life
You are our comforting protector and forever friend
You are the Mother of all of our tomorrows
And your love has no end

So, I wish that on this Mother’s Day
You are spoiled and pampered in every way
Then, please take a moment
Just to be with you, yourself and you
Give yourself a hug ‘n’ smile
And maybe shed a happy tear or a few
Sing a song, do a dance or anything you wish to do

This is your day–so in every way–
Please have a HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY

LJ Martin—for all seasons and a universe of reasons
May 10, 2009 ©

LJ Martin aka Uncle Jake will be appearing at Once Upon a Story…. this month.

Story Time with Author Karen Beil Thursday, March 26th 11:00am

Join Author Karen Beil as she reads from her delightful new picture book Jack’s House and the hilarious Moover Over!

This Thursday at 11:00am Preschooler Story Time

Visit Karen’s web site Here

Have you heard the old story about The House that Jack Built? Most people assume Jack built the house. But one tired pooch disagrees.

Jack’s hard-working, big-truck-driving, hammer-pounding pooch, Max, wants you to know his side of the story in this exciting tell-all tale.

“This book was built for those youngsters with a jones for trucks and other big wheels, and it delivers in spades.”
- Kirkus Reviews

“A wonderful twist on an age-old rhyme. . . . The vehicles that drive up to the site delivering materials and excavating are rugged and tough, appealing to the construction enthusiasts, but the soaring house is the centerpiece of the story, and Max’s care in building it is obvious. This beguiling book will be a hit . . . ”

- School Library Journal

When an obnoxious cow elbows her way on board a crowded trolley, the hard-working driver loses count and his passengers go flying, even the pigs! What’s happening to the passengers? Will they ever get where they’re going?

“Readers will cheer as the ill-mannered bovine gets her comeuppance, and Meisel’s energetic and humorous acrylic illustrations will keep them in stitches as they practice counting by twos.” - School Library Journal

“Meisel’s colorful illustrations fit this tale perfectly, with the sweet facial expressions of the cow lending surprise to her rude behavior. Not only will readers learn to count by twos, they will also learn the words used to describe pairs: duet, couple, twosome, partners . . . in this funny story.” - Kirkus Reviews

Local Author Nancy Johnson

Sunday, March 22 at 3:00 pm

The Medicine Cabinet

Words of Wisdom & Well being for Women

by Johnson and Johnson

This lovely book is intended as an antidote to the erroneous thought that “we are not good enough.” We women are absolutely fabulous and we need to affirm our worthiness daily, nightly, and always. Messages of healing and positive affirmation lead to a true self-concept and more pleasure in living. Healing thoughts, new thoughts, help us remember our passions, power, and prayers for a significant, courageous, happy existence. Cultivating uplifting thoughts is good practice in exercising the mind.

Beautiful photographs accompany thoughtful words. Use this collection of poems and essays as a “meditational tool.” Read and restore yourself in abundance and beauty.

Author Suzanne Selfors & Illustator Catia Chien

Sunday March 29th at 3:00pm

To celebrate the release of their book, Fortune’s Magic Farm, author Suzanne Selfors and illustrator Catia Chien are sponsoring a contest.

WRITERS: In Fortune’s Magic Farm, Isabelle meets people who have secret magical powers. In one page or less, describe the moment when your character discovers that he/she has a magical power.

Winner will receive a basket of books and a $30 gift certificate to Once Upon a Story.

ARTISTS: In Fortune’s Magic Farm, Isabelle encounters magical plants with powers to cure sickness and to make people fly. Draw or paint a picture of your own magical plant.

Winner will receive a basket of art supplies and a $30 gift certificate to Once Upon a Story.

Deadline to enter is March 25th. Drop entries at Once Upon a Story.

Winners announced on Sunday, March 29th, 3pm

Once Upon a Story

3740 E 4th street, Long Beach, CA

562 673-5777

Come and meet Suzanne and Catia!

Dallas Clayton Local Writer / Artist Visit

This Sunday March 15th at 2:00PM

Based on the simple concept of dreaming big “An Awesome Book” is the inspiring debut work of Los Angeles writer/artist Dallas Clayton. Written in the vein of classic tales by Dr. Suess, Shel Silverstein, and Maurice Sendak it is a sure hit for all generations young and old.

Story Time – Joan Betty Stuchner & Joanne Renaud

Special story time & Art project at 11:00 am & 3:00 pm this Wednesday

Canadian author Joan Betty Stuchner will be here this Wednesday at 11:00am for a very special story time.

Learn more about Joan:

Her blog

Her Bio

Her Books

When Martin Luther King Jr. uttered the famous words “I have a dream” during the March on Washington rally in 1963, Josephine Baker—the only woman to speak and perform at the rally—knew what he meant. As a poor African American growing up in St. Louis, Josephine had faced great hardships, but she never stopped dreaming of seeing her name in lights. Knowing that her dream would be difficult to achieve in the United States, she moved to France, where she became a famous singer, dancer, and entertainer. While in France, she broke free of prejudices, helped the French resistance in World War II, and became a civil rights leader. At the March on Washington, Josephine refused to perform for segregated audiences. Josephine’s continued stand against segregation helped end the practice in the United States.

Josephine’s Dream is a beautifully illustrated children’s book based upon the events in the life that allowed her to achieve her dream. The book teaches the importance of family, the importance of following one’s dreams, and the importance of living true to one’s values. It also emphasizes the difference that one person can make in the world.

Josephine’s Dream was written by Joan Stuchner and illustrated by Chantelle Walther.

In honor of Black History Month, Joan Stuchner will visit Once Upon a Story Books on Wednesday, February 4, 2009, at 11 a.m., for a reading of Josephine’s Dream and a presentation on the life of Josephine Baker.

At 3:00 Joan will be back with Joanne Renaud and their book Honey Cake

Joan will do a reading from the book and then Joanne will talk with us about her illustrations and then lead the kids in an art project.

Learn more Joanne here

Broken Meow – Story Time Saturday Dec. 13 at 11:00am

This Saturday Story Time Local author Lauren Levine will be here with her delightful book  “The Broken Meow”

Learn more about Lauren here

Grayla the cat broke her ” meow”

The big fuzzy Dog sprained her “Bow – Wow”

Then the cow stubbed her “Mooo”

Author/Illustrator Matt Whitlock this Sunday

Matt Whitlock currently an artist for Nickelodeon TV show, “The Fairly Odd Parents.” Former Disney artist, part-time author/illustrator, full-time pop-culture junkie will be at OnceUpon a Story Sunday, December 7th at 2:00PM

Matt will talk about his book Punk’s Christmas Carol and give a drawing demonstration.

Learn more about Matt here

and

see all his books here

Author Apperance – Archibald the little mouse with a BIG Heart

This Saturday, December 6th at 11:00AM

Meet Archibald the little mouse with the Big heart and the author of his boook Sylvia Lieberman.  Please join us for a very specil Saturday story time with author Syilvia Lieberman.

      Learn more about Archibald & Silvia HERE