Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Cynthia's Attic heads to Decatur Book Festival!

One of my all-time favorite events, The Decatur Book Festival, is this weekend. I'll sign my 'Tween book series, Cynthia's Attic, along with humor/lifestyle favorite, WOOF: Women Only Over Fifty.

Stop by booth # 110 (near the children's stage) and say "Hi"!




Mary Cunningham Books on Amazon

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Cynthia's Attic: Childhood Bullying

Maggie Goes On A Diet:

This book is about a 14 year old girl who goes on a diet and is transformed from being extremely overweight and insecure to a normal sized girl who becomes the school soccer star. Through time, exercise and hard work, Maggie becomes more and more confident and develops a positive self image.

This new release creates controvery with the word Diet. Will it lead to eating disorders, or help children understand the value of eating a healthy diet and exercising? While I haven't read the book, my first impression is that parts leave good messages; eating healthy, exercise. Another message, however, leaves me cold. In order to be popular and keep friends from bullying you, get thin and participate in team sports. The fact that Maggie loses weight and plays soccer is good, but this shouldn't be the only way to have friends. I'm also troubled that, apparently, the bullies have no accountability for their hurtful actions.

Not Fat Because I Wanna Be: By LaNiyah Bailey

The path that led 6-year-old LaNiyah Bailey to become a child author began with cruel taunts. LaNiyah Bailey said she was called “fat, fat-elephant and some kids told me I looked like I was having a baby and that I walked funny.
But LaNiyah wasn’t big because she was sitting on the couch all day eating cookies or french fries.

This book is written in first person about LaNiyah's struggle with bullies, doctors, and finally understanding her body. I haven't read this book, either, but the message seems like a good one, straight from LaNiyah.

No matter which book you choose, both have valid messages that should lead every school to provide education, along with a strong, anti-bullying mandate.

Maggie Goes On A Diet - Amazon

Not Fat Because I Wanna Be - Amazon

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Planet Explorers Walt Disney World - Laura Schaefer


Does Walt Disney World need an introduction? Probably not, but author, Laura Schaefer give us a super intro!

Planet Explorers: Walt Disney World 2011, a guide book for kids, has as many fun facts, trivia, and links as you need to create the perfect vacation to one of the most popular destinations on earth.

You’ll see inside the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, the water parks, Downtown Disney, and the resorts.

She even rates the rides and attractions with symbols throughout the book:

S = Scary
D = Dark
A = Awesome: don’t miss this attraction
T = Thrilling: think roller coasters
W = Wet: you might get soaked

Looking for tips on characters? The best food? Live shows? You'll find it all. She even offers tips on keeping your wait at the most popular attractions to a minimum.

A timeline, pictures and tons of details make this book a must read before you book your next trip to Disneyland. Whether your favorite is From Spaceship EarthThe Seas with Nemo and Friends, or one of my favorites, Big Thunder Mountain, this guide has all the information you need.

Author, Laura Schaefer, got her start as a contributor to the University of Wisconsin's student paper The Daily Cardinal and went on to write regularly for The Princeton Review and Match.com.


She is the author of The Secret Ingredient (Simon & Schuster 2011), Planet Explorers Chicago (Planet Explorers Publishing 2011), Planet Explorers Walt Disney World (Planet Explorers Publishing 2011), The Teashop Girls (Simon & Schuster 2008), and Man with Farm Seeks Woman with Tractor (Thunder's Mouth Press, 2005).
Laura Schaefer on Amazon
Laura Schaefer on Smashwords
Laura Schaefer Website:



Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Planet Explorers Chicago in Cynthia's Attic

From the Brookfield Zoo, Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium and the Field Museum, Planet Explorers Chicago by Laura Schaefer, brought up fond memories of my first visit to the Windy City when I was about eight years-old. I’ve never forgotten that trip to one of America’s most impressive cities, and this book reinforced those memories.
Explore the planet with this Chicago guidebook written just for kids. This 60 page ebook includes everything your 8-12 year-old needs to know about Chicago and nearby attractions, in addition to the ones listed above, the Lincoln Park Zoo and Six Flags Great America as well as notable buildings, parks and stadiums like Wrigley Field. From fun facts to history, from attraction highlights to pictures, maps, and quizzes, Planet Explorers guidebooks have it all.  

But, in case you think this is simply a guide/travel book, you’ll also read facts and see pictures of some pretty notorious characters like Al Capone, John Dillinger, and even deep dish pizza! LOL!

Chicago boasts a famous resident, too. Barack Obama, our 44th President lived there, and his hero, Abraham Lincoln, was chosen as the Republican candidate for president in the country’s first national political convention in Chicago.

Fun facts and pictures make Planet Explorers Chicago, a must-read if you’re planning a trip. Even if you’re not planning to visit, after exploring this book, you’ll swear you’ve been there.
Author, Laura Schaefer, got her start as a contributor to the University of Wisconsin's student paper The Daily Cardinal and went on to write regularly for The Princeton Review and Match.com.

She is the author of The Secret Ingredient (Simon & Schuster 2011), Planet Explorers Chicago (Planet Explorers Publishing 2011), Planet Explorers Walt Disney World (Planet Explorers Publishing 2011), The Teashop Girls (Simon & Schuster 2008), and Man with Farm Seeks Woman with Tractor (Thunder's Mouth Press, 2005).

Laura Schaefer on Amazon
Laura Schaefer Website: