Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Special Spotlight : Thomas and the Lily Pond by author Jane Whiteoak

Dear readers, today's spotlight is about the popular Children's Book titled Thomas and the Lily Pond written by the exceptionally talented author Jane Whiteoak. Please note that Thomas and the Lily Pond will be a FREE DOWNLOAD for everybody for 2 days from Dec 13 - Dec 14, 2012 across all Amazon Stores. Click on this link to go to Amazon book page- FREE BOOK 

Here is a chance to gift your children this exceptional book that tells a wonderful story and enables children to learn what's good and what's right.

Let us read a few thoughts that author Jane Whiteoak has shared with us today.


 

Author Jane Whiteoak                     Thomas and the Lily Pond at Amazon

 Q. Why have you focused your writing in the children's book genres? Who inspired you for your current creative works? What is so special about Thomas and the Lily Pond?

Author's words -  I have placed my focus on children's books and have thus far stayed with that genre. Perhaps in the future, I may writie a book for Young Adults.
 

Nature is a great inspiration, I love animals and often wonder if they could speak what would their experiences and life stories be? My grandchildren are an inspiration to me also, particularly the four year old, as children are so open and honest. They'll say anything and question everything! They're completely uninhibited, which is really refreshing. I really enjoy spending time and engaging in conversation with young children, they've yet to be influenced or judged by societal standards.

I would like to thank the readers for taking the time to read this blog and hope that everyone takes bullying very seriously. If a child is bullied, it leaves an indelible impression on them for the rest of their lives. This can impact self esteem, lack of confidence in people, trust issues and ultimately lifestyle choices. Bullying starts at a young age, I've witnessed it and must say that, I was shocked to see this trait amongst three- five yr. old children!

My goal with "Thomas and the Lily Pond", is to reach young children, so that they may become aware of this behaviour and recognise it, if unfortunately confronted by it, through absolutely no fault of their own.

I thank the readers for taking an interest in this subject and really hope that they see, as described in the book, how peer group pressure can also inadvertently, play a role in promoting a bully to an even higher platform. Perhaps this new generation, through knowledge and awareness can eventually eradicate this despicable trait completely.



Connect with Author Jane Whiteoak



Book Spotlight - Chapter Excerpt and Review links



Ebook : THOMAS AND THE LILY POND

Author : Jane Whiteoak

Genre : Children's Book


FREE DOWNLOAD - DEC 13 - DEC14, 2012 AT AMAZON

Reviews : Multiple 5 stars




  
Blurb : The book is for children ages 4-6 yrs. old. It can be read to the children in a pre-school/ Kindergarten setting by a teacher or relayed to them as a bedtime story by parents or grandparents.

Thomas and the Lily Pond is about a group of happy and very contented animals living in a forest. Their world is turned upside down by the arrival of a huge frog named Bruno. His primary goal is to take over the lily pond as his new home and to manipulate the group of animals through flattery. Since Thomas the turtle, is the sole occupant in the pond, of which the frog desires, Bruno starts to immediately bully the docile hard working turtle.

 Through peer group pressure the other animals, slowly turn on their once beloved friend. His is left all alone, while the others plot, a midnight food heist under Bruno's direction. Chaos ensues, when they arrive back to the forest, as a wild storm erupts and sweeps them all into the rough, swirling waters of the river and the lily pond. Many cannot swim and call out for help as the only one left on shore is Thomas. He does not hesitate to help his friends and attempts a daring rescue.  The most difficult and dangerous one of all to save from drowning is Bruno, the nasty, bullying frog!




Book Chapter Excerpt

Binnie and Corinna flew on ahead, high over the tree tops, keeping a watchful eye on their friends walking beneath them. Spike and Roman led the entire group. Spike was very certain that he could defend them all from any strangers. Roman, also felt very important, as he would be a hero by taking this great big bag, piled to the very top with delicious food.

Sammy and Rupert scurried quickly, marching on either side of the skunk and raccoon. They ran ahead, then back and forth, all the while trying to hurry everyone along. There was enough star light shining through the evening sky for them to see the forest path. They crossed under the berry patch leading to the ditch, and marched along the road.

Princeton was at the very end, as he was much slower than the others. The animals all trudged along and trudged along and trudged along.  

While marching, Sammy suddenly had a thought and said, “It’s too bad, that Thomas could not come with us, and he would have so much fun!”
“You heard what Bruno said, Thomas is too pokey!” called out Spike.
“Anyway,” answered Roman, “I’m doing the work here. I can carry it all by myself, we don’t need Thomas!”
“Still, he is a hard worker, and our friend. Maybe he would have liked to come along?” sighed Rupert
“No,” said Roman. “We don’t need him with us, didn’t you listen to Bruno? I’m doing this job!”

The group finally stopped walking as they had arrived at the place, marked with an “X” on the map. Binnie and Corinna soared high above the city houses watching for strangers, while Roman eyed the enormous bag, set inside a large metal can.

“This is it!” said Roman, in a very excited whisper.
“SH-SH-SH-SH,” said Sammy, all the while jumping up and down in delight. “Someone might hear us!”

It was dark outside now, the only light came from the houses, along the tree-lined street. They were at the end of a very long driveway. Roman got a grip on the large can while he carefully began to climb slowly upward. He grasped the middle of the big handle and up, up he went. As he was nearing the top, to remove the lid and look inside, the great big container suddenly began to SWAY… BACK AND FORTH, BACK
AND FORTH, THEN  IT TIPPED OVER!!!

“Look out, look out,” shouted Rupert.
“It’s falling, it’s falling!” shouted Sammy.
Sure enough, the enormous tin toppled over with Roman now lying underneath it. The bag opened up and pieces of food started to spill out all over the street!

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