I've been extremely lucky in my writing career.


Two publishers. Two fabulous graphic artists. While I've always had input on covers, my "eye" usually defers to the professionals. I believe, on MM&M, I suggested a margaritas glass and Ryan ran with it! With Cynthia's Attic, the original concept with the clock showing, subtly, in the background, captured the "going back in time" storyline, perfectly.

Margaritas, Mayhem & Murder cover was designed by Ryan Thomas Doan for Imajin Books. The first time I saw it, I gasped. He sliced through the theme of the story with a creative knife, oh, and the bee blew me away. 

Why, you ask? Read the book! 😊

My children's series, Cynthia's Attic - Echelon Press - was blessed to have Nathalie Moore creating the covers. What a beautiful eye she had for color and design! I love all five covers.

What is your opinion of covers? Are you attracted to the cover,  first? Do you pull a catchy cover off the shelf, then read the title? I happen to think they matter in this world of  millions of authors and stories vying for millions of readers.

Margaritas, Mayhem & Murder - Andi Anna Jones Mystery is getting great reviews! Get your paperback or Ebook, today!

[Amazon] [Smashwords] [Google Play] [Kobo]

 “If Evanovich's Stephanie Plum were a travel agent, she'd fit right in [with] Andi, a wanna-be detective readers are sure to love.” —Regan Black, USA Today bestselling author of the Escape Club Heroes series

“Charming, lively, and unpredictable, Margaritas, Mayhem, & Murder excels in a vivid story mystery fans will relish.” —Diane Donovan, Senior Editor, Midwest Book Review

"Wow. Snappy dialog, quirky characters, opens with a curious bang and yanked me through the pages." -Jean Rabe, USA Today bestselling author

“Grab a margarita and hold on tight; you're in for a wild ride.” —Karen MacInerney, Agatha Award nominee and author of the Dewberry Farms Mysteries

“A clever sleuth, wacky characters, exotic settings, and a large dose of humor will keep readers chuckling to the end.” Nancy J. Cohen, author of the Bad Hair Day Mysteries

“What a fun ride! This is a cozy on caffeine, and has all the elements you need: a feisty heroine, a handsome sheriff, a mysterious death, exotic locales, and whip-smart, laugh-out-loud dialogue. ” --Julia Buckley, author of the acclaimed Writer’s Apprentice Mystery Series and Undercover Dish

Mystery Series.

Follow Author, Mary Cunningham on Amazon!

 

The Bears of Blue River, by Charles Major

(Killing) The Bears of Blue River

Imo, that should be the title.

The summer before my brother entered 5th grade, he trotted to the library, just two short, small-town blocks from our home. His purpose? To check out a book he desperately wanted to read, Charles Major's classic about the adventures of a young boy, Balser, growing up in Southern Indiana.

The Blue River was a huge part of our childhood days. Before the public swimming pool, or the local country club, we spent many weekends, camping on the banks, and swimming in the ol' swimming hole above the dam in the picturesque little river a few miles south of our Corydon, Indiana hometown. I'm sure that's why Tom was so eager to read the book.

Georgia Stockslager Fisher had been head Harrison County librarian since 1911. It would've been around 1951 when my older brother strode, confidently, through the doors, and up to the huge wooden desk to check out the book he'd heard his friends talk about. The great adventure story set, almost, in our own backyard!

Ah, but, not so fast, young man!

Miss Georgie refused to let him check it out. Said it was 5th grade reading level, and since he wouldn't be in 5th grade for another three months, he'd have to come back then. Tom flushed, bright red, turned and walked out of the library, never to return. My mother was incensed! She stormed in to the library and confronted the imposing figure sitting on her all-empowering library throne. To no avail. I don't believe my mother or brother entered those doors again until Miss Georgie retired, or died, or both, and my brother stopped reading, except for mandatory homework selections.

I've held that story in my memory for well over a half century. Always curious to read the book that caused so much controversy. Now that I think about it, I'm not sure my mother would've let me read it. No matter. My elementary school days were spent devouring sports biographies (Aaron to Zaharias), not history.

So, it's 2013, my mother has long passed. So, regrettably, has my brother. But, curiosity got the best of me and I downloaded the Kindle version of The Bears of Blue River.

The story starts innocently enough. Young Balser Brent and his family moved from North Carolina to the banks of the Blue River when he was five or six and his father received eighty acres, at the huge sum of one dollar an acre, in a deed from President James Monroe, no less.

At the time of the story, Balser is thirteen or fourteen, with a nine-year-old brother and a one-year-old sister. During a trip to the "drift" to catch a mass of fish (yes, the book says, mass, although I wonder if it's one of many misprints in the Kindle version), the trouble begins with Balser's first bear encounter. Bam! One bear down, a couple dozen to go, I reckon.

Before you think I'm a squeamish, gun-hating, Peta-lover, I do understand, especially in the 1800s, that killing was a necessary way of life, for food, clothing, and protection. In most cases, Balser and his friends did just that. From the legendary fire bear, who blazed up when he was angry, to deer, wolves, fox, and beaver, no animal was sacred, or without purpose.

I was, however troubled when a male wolf, looking after two cubs was killed, and then the mother was, subsequently lured out of the den, and shot, too. The only reason given for killing the pair was the boys wanted the cubs as pets. During another gruesome scene, one of Balsers friends is burned alive, along with the fire bear mentioned above. The final killing scenes includes a fawn and its mother. The fawn is shot in order to lure the mother to its side. Bam! Another one bites the dust. The coup de grâce, an especially brutal fox-trapping scene, which I won't describe, ends the book on a sickening note, at least for this reader.

So, back to Miss Georgie. I have no doubt her authoritarian manner instigated my brother's reading reluctance, at least for a few years. I wonder, however, how his townie, wouldn't kill a bug, psyche would've been affected by Balser and his, kill anything that moves, mentality.

Guess I'll never know. While I don't agree with the reasoning, or the method, the librarian may have had a point.

I appreciate the historical nature of the book, and the vivid pictures the author paints of early Southern Indiana history, but am disturbed by the fact that killing is portrayed as easy, frequent, and with no regrets. Not my kinda book, nor, I suspect, my brother's.

Thankfully, my mother continued to let me check out books, even under the watchful eye of Miss Georgie, but only when my beloved aunt, Gertrude, became head librarian, did my mother go back through those massive doors.

I'd recommend The Bears of Blue River, for sixth grade and beyond, and only then if the reader is comfortable with killing, and the raw brutality of living in the wilds of a Southern Indiana woods.

For a more innocent slice of Southern Indiana life, read, Cynthia's Attic!

Mary Cunningham Books

Cheryl Malandrinos does the Blog Hop!

Cheryl Malandrinos is not only an author, she keeps extremely busy posting interviews and reviews at The Book Connection and The Children's and Teens Book Connection where she has generously reviewed my previous series, Cynthia's Attic.

Welcome to Cynthia's Attic, Cheryl!

1. What are you working on right now?

I’m participating in 12×12. Authors write one picture book each month for a year. So far I’m five for five. Having compiled a set of 30 ideas last November as part of Picture Book Idea Month certainly helped.

2. How does it differ from other works in its genre?

It’s not so much that my projects differ from other books in their genre, as committing to writing on a regular basis has made me more comfortable writing diverse stories. My first two books, plus the next one that is currently under contract, are message-driven fiction. They are meant to educate and entertain. The last two books I’ve written for 12×12 have been stories solely meant to entertain. One is Cinderella’s story as told from the point of view of one of her stepsisters. The other is about a turkey who keeps making new costumes to disguise himself from Farmer Jones so he doesn’t end up on the Thanksgiving Day table.

3. What experiences have influenced you?

Reading is a huge influence for any writer. My children and my faith also inspire my writing. Cheryl Malandrions Guest on RRRadio-RFK: Stories for Children –January 3rd.

4. Why do you write what you do?

I’ve been a Sunday school teacher for over 20 years. My message-driven fiction comes from that background. I’m always looking for new ways to teach familiar lessons. I also like to make people laugh. With my most recent projects, I feel I can do that.

5. How does your writing process work?

Since I am writing shorter pieces of fiction right now, there isn’t a ton of research and I don’t outline. I’ve had a few months to consider the ideas I committed to working on for 12×12, so the starting point is usually easy. It’s hard to control my desire to describe everything, but with picture books the reader has a visual aid, so you don’t have to paint as much of the picture for a reader as you do in middle grade or young adult fiction. If I’m having a busy month, I will write longhand while sitting at softball practice or the girls’ dance lessons. Most times, though, I sit down and type away. Most picture books take me three full days of writing to develop. That’s not to say it’s easy. Before I sit down to write I’m fairly certain of where I am going with a project. That means writing less often than I would like, but I need to be comfortable that I know enough to prevent me from staring at a blank screen for hours. I am also a firm believer in the practice of write now, edit later. Once I type “The End,” I can take my time pondering what works and what doesn’t before sending it off to my critique group for feedback.

6. What is the hardest part about writing?

For me it is definitely the waiting. Right now, I have no less than nine picture books completed. One is with my publisher awaiting an illustrator to be assigned to it. Another is with a local artist who I’m working with because we might self-publish. Two are ready for me to write query letters so I can submit them to publishers. The others are in various stages of editing. Sometimes it’s tough waiting to hear back on queries or holding out to see the cover art the illustrator designs. But it’s part of the process. You can’t experience the successes without the wait.

7. What would you like to try as a writer that you haven’t yet?

I would love to write an inspirational romance or a cozy mystery. I’ve been a mystery lover since I was kid. My largest problem is creating villains. They never come easy to me.

8. Who are the authors you most admire?

Laura Ingalls Wilder and Lucy Maud Montgomery were superb writers. Before I began reviewing so many books on my blogs I read the Little House and Anne of Green Gables series annually. These authors both had a keen eye for detail that should be studied. Christian authors Jerry Jenkins and Kathi Macias have wonderful ministries. I try not to miss any of their books. Southern fiction authors Karen White and Rhett DeVane are excellent at blending past and present and uncovering family secrets. What surprised me is how much I enjoyed The Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins. Dystopian fiction has never been my thing, but Collins helped me develop a taste for it. I also love historical fiction from C.W. Gortner. I’m staring at one of his recent books now and it’s crying, “Read me.” If you love historical fiction with strong female characters, you have to pick up one of Gortner’s books.
 
9. What scares you?

My list of phobias would scare you. :) From a writing point of view, I’m afraid of making bad choices. When my second book came out, I decided to write it under a pen name. That’s not proving to be the wisest choice. I can handle two websites and multiple social media accounts–though they take a lot of time and are an extra expense–but if I had truly thought about my work as a whole, I would have realized releasing my second book under my actual name would have been just fine, even if it wasn’t a faith-based project. Please check out Mary’s answers to the questions on her blog at Cynthia’s Attic Blog.

Cheryl Malandrinos is a freelance writer, children’s author and editor. Her first children’s book, Little Shepherd, was released in August 2010 by Guardian Angel Publishing. She is a member of the SCBWI, a book reviewer, and blogger. Cheryl also writes under the name of C. C. Gevry. Ms. Malandrinos lives in Western Massachusetts with her husband and two children. She also has a son who is married.

Visit her online at: Website

The Fab Five!

"Let them live their dream."

THEIR dream; not YOURS. In this age of Toddlers & Tiaras, soccer moms, and hockey dads, it's refreshing to see the parents of the Gold Medal-winning Women's Gymnastic's team speak in terms of their daughters' happiness.

As they explain, years and years of sacrifice by parents and athletes is simply not worth it unless the child buys, whole-heartedly, in to the program. However, when Gabby Douglas moved far away from her family to Iowa to train with Olympic coach, Yiang Chow, she got homesick and begged to come home. That's when mom stepped in and convinced her to finish her dream.

Fortunately, Gabby's host mom, Missy Parton, whose daughter was also training with Chow, gave her the loving supportive family she needed at the time. Parton welcomed Gabby with open arms. "I knew that she needed that love and comfort that only comes from a family," says Parton. Video chats also kept the Olympic gymnast in touch with her family.

To read more on "Raising an Olympian," Click here.

Cynthia's Attic: The Legend of Lupin Woods is available now! Buy Now!

[Print]

[Smashwords][OmniLit][Nook]

[Kindle][KindleUK][KindleGE][KindleFR][KindleIT][KindleES]

Super Fan!

I get asked on a regular basis whether writing for a living is worth the effort. First of all, I love it and can't think of my life without it.

But, more than anything, I love the young readers I have the privilege of talking to and (hopefully) inspiring to read and write.

One such "Super Fan" is Aubree Goff. After a recent visit to her Nebo Elementary (arranged by Super Media Specialist, Lisa Brown), Aubree sent an e-mail:

Dear Mrs. Cunningham,

"I'm very sorry I couldn't get this message to you sooner . I was so caught up in my thoughts about the book "The Curse of the Bayou" and it's ending. I was so very intrigued by the books end. For at least a couple days I was lost in my own little world thinking about it. I told almost everyone in my class about my thoughts on the end. Two of my thoughts were " OH MY GOSH!!!, YOU GUYS HAVE TO READ "CURSE OF THE BAYOU" BY MRS. CUNNINGHAM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"  Also my other one is "You have to read the series of Cynthia's Attic, it's AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you soooooooooo much for sharing your gift!"

Your fan, Aubree

Tell me, what author wouldn't love to get an e-mail like this? My publisher (Quake) and I were so impressed, we decided to put a portion on the front of the latest Cynthia's Attic book, The Legend of Lupin Woods (Book Five).

I recently met Aubree, her mother, Cindee, and older sister, Ashlee, to thank the 5th grader for her fabulous e-mail, and to present her with a copy of the book. I was pleased to learn that Aubree not only loves to read, she loves to write! Her writing is a little dark sometimes, she explained, and doesn't always have a happy ending. I told her that was okay. Life doesn't always have a happy ending and she should write what inspires her. She went on to say that she likes to inject humor throughout her stories,  like I do in Cynthia's Attic.

After meeting Aubree and her family, I have no doubt that Aubree's out-going personality and obvious support system, will take her to the stars, or wherever she wants to go.

Cynthia's Attic: The Legend of Lupin Woods is available now! Buy Now!

[Print]

[Smashwords][OmniLit][Nook]

[Kindle][KindleUK][KindleGE][KindleFR][KindleIT][KindleES]

Cynthia's Attic: Legend of Lupin Woods Blog Tour 2012!

Introducing Cynthia's Attic: The Legend of Lupin Woods!

Cynthia's Attic: Legend of Lupin Woods (Book 5)

Cynthia and Gus have solved a lot of mysteries across time, but something is seriously wrong and things are beginning to unravel.

Aunt Belle is missing…again! Cynthia’s great-grandfather, Beau, was never found! And now they are wondering if Blackie is still making life miserable for Lilly and Annie.

This time, the twelve-year-old girls journey into a strange woods full of frightening creatures and dark secrets in search of answers.

From Aunt Belle's cottage to a small village in France, they meet new friends and discover a connection to New Orleans that may lead to the devious source behind these alarming developments. Or bigger trouble.

Please visit the following blogs for fun stories, interesting facts about the Cynthia's Attic Series and read an excerpt from the new book!

May 13, 2012 - Mayra Calvani, Children's Book Week Blog - Rescue Dogs in Cynthia's Attic

May 14, 2012 - Cynthia's Attic Blog - Meet Veronika, the new character in The Legend of Lupin Woods!

May 14, 2012- Laura Schaefer, The Teashop Girls Blog – Real Friendship in Cynthia's Attic 

May 15, 2012 – Interview: Princess Reviews – Summers in Cynthia's Attic/Interview

May 16, 2012–TheWriteChris Blog - – Interview

May 17, 2012 - Manic Readers – Excerpt: The Legend of Lupin Woods!

May 18, 2012– The Legend of Lupin Woods - Jennifer Wylie Blog

May 19, 2012- Stories For Children –Families Matter Blog; Reading Vs. Writing -

May 21, 2012 - –Veronika Asks – Cynthia’s Attic: The Legend of Lupin Woods (Book Five)

May 22, 2012 - Literary Asylum Blog – Werewolves in Cynthia's Attic

May 23, 2012– The Writing Mama Blog - Writing Tips by Mary Cunningham

May 23, 2012– Cheryl Malandrinos Children's and Teens Book Connection; Excerpt

May 24, 2012– Cheryl Malandrinos Children's and Teens Book Connection; Review

May 30, 2012- Strands of Thought Blog - Interview

Check back for buy links for The Legend of Lupin Woods! Meanwhile, Buy the first 4 books on Amazon!

 

Amazon Kindle
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(check back for paperback buy links)

Meanwhile, Click on Mary Cunningham Books to BUY The Missing Locket, The Magic Medallion, Curse of the Bayou, and The Magician's Castle - paperback or ebook!

Check out the 2012 Blog Tour!

Marketing License!

Every now and then (at least once a week) I wonder if I'm truly making a difference in the lives of young readers as I spend 24/7, or so it seems, posting blogs, social marketing; anything that will get my name out there. (Btw, where is out there?)

My husband was on his way home, in my car, from Douglasville having gotten Old Bessie her annual emissions inspection when he called. "You'll never guess what happened."

As a "glass-half-empty" gal, I assumed the worse. Car didn't pass. We have to get a whole new exhaust system. The onboard computer went haywire. We need 4 new tires. Well, you get the idea.

Instead, however, he told me the technician spotted my license plate (shown above) and said, "I know those books. They're all over our house!" He went on to say that he daughter is a huge fan.

Now, if only my "salesman husband" had found out which elementary school the girl attended, so I could be sure to contact the media specialist about an author visit. Or, if only he had given the technician information about the new book. (sigh) 

I haven't taught him anything! Oh, but, guess I can't complain. He got my car inspected...and it passed.

Cynthia's Attic: Legend of Lupin Woods,
May 15, 2012!

Mary Cunningham Books

Madison's Message: Help Close Puppy Mills!

Author, Madison Cassel-Hughes and Illustrator, Patrick Hendrickson

A new book by Madison Cassel-Hughes, My Summer is the result of Madison's mother, Christine, and the entire family, making the unselfish decision to rescue thirty dogs from a puppy mill in West Georgia. The dogs were set to be euthanized because the owner was losing her lease, so mom, Christine Cassel loaded the kids in the van and drove to the location to "pick three because we can't save all thirty." Famous last words! After a sleepless night, they drove back and got the rest the next day.

The result of her unusual summer adventure led Madison to write a book in order to educate every one, especially kids her own age, about the horrendous conditions under which puppy mill dogs live. Some, sadly, never have the chance to feel grass under their feet.

Dogs filled every seat, floor and corner of the van!

I thought you should know more about Madison, her book, and the compassion and spirit that compels her to help educate others about the awful conditions in puppy mills.

CA: I'm So proud of you and your book, Madison!  What inspired you to write, My Summer, about your experience rescuing dogs from a puppy mill?

Madison: I wanted to teach kids about puppymills and pets stores so they would understand how sad it is for animals to live in cages.

CA: That's a very ambitious project, Madison. What was the most difficult part of writing your book?

Madison: I Enjoyed everything about writing the book. I was very excited!

CA: Your family rescued one of the puppy mill dogs. Was this a family decision, or did you choose her?

Madison: The women that owned the puppymill was thanking us for saving them and gave us this beautiful little white dog. We were in love! And named her Summer!

CA: Would you like to write more books about pet rescues?

Madison: Yes, I would love to write a book about Bella a beautiful pit lab mix saved off the side of the road. She was cut up on the face and holes in her chest. Now she has a great life...all because my mom said yes. And a book on Nicholas the deaf American bulldog that we drove all the way to Florida to save from the pound.

Nicholas lounging in his new home

Lucy in her new home & Dad's arms

I know, first hand, how devoted Madison's mom is to pet rescues since she's the one who found our sweet Lucy!

CA: So, Madison, now that you're an author, do your friends treat you differently?

Madison: No my friends think it is cool and were very excited.

CA:  Since you are working to save dogs, have you ever thought about working with animals - maybe becoming a veterinarian?

Madison: No, I would like to become a archeologist.

And, I'm sure you'll accomplish whatever you set out to do, Madison! Thanks, and keep up the good work!

Madison and Summer

Copies of My Summer are being donated to local libraries with proceeds for purchased books going to animal rescue groups in the West Georgia area. To find out more about purchasing a book email: mysummerbook@gmail.com 

And, please remember: Don't Shop! Adopt! 

How Two People Consumed a 21-lb Turkey In 4 Days!

Day 1. Thanksgiving (duh)

Turkey dinner with all the fixin's around 2:00 PM topped off with lemon meringue pie!

Turkey sandwiches around 7:00PM (Yummy!!) Nature's sleeping pill!

 Day 2.

Turkey sandwiches with mayo, lettuce, and cranberry sauce for lunch (still tasty!)

Turkey dinner with all the fixin's (round 2) plus pie, of course! (Next-day leftovers are even better, don't you think?)

Day 3.

Turkey salad sandwiches for lunch. (Lovin' me some turkey salad!)

Turkey/romaine chef salad for dinner (Finally, something green that isn't soaked in Campbell's mushroom soup and French's onions!) and, oh yeah…pie.

Day 4.

Turkey salad sandwiches for lunch (Not lovin' the turkey salad so much and there's still half a bowl).

Turkey pot pie for dinner and the last of the lemon meringue. (sigh) 

Note: There might have been Day 5 except that on day 2 I was smart enough to vacuum seal a couple bags of turkey pieces for some time in May, (the earliest possible date I figure we'll be able to look at turkey, again, without gagging).

Btw,  our furry daughter requested a 22-pounder next year because Lucy and "friends" didn't get their share.

*sigh*

Brave Irene - William Steig, Narration by Meryl Streep

"An extroadinarily eloquent story about love and courage"

- The New Yorker

The Duchess eagerly awaits the delivery of her ball gown by Irene's mother, Mrs. Bobbin, but the seamstress is sick in bed and can't possibly deliver the gown in time.

Enter Brave Irene! Through a ferocious snowstorm and deliberately treacherous winds, Irene sets out to save the day for her dear mother (who always smells like fresh-baked bread to Irene).

Most would turn back, too afraid to face such a frightening journey, but Irene plods on with courage and ingenuity.

Magnificently illustrated and written by William Steig, Brave Irene even kept this senior citizen engaged throughout the story.

Narrated by the iconic Meryl Streep, this Book & CD Set charms with vivid illustrations, an exciting storyline, and the perfect voice to bring it all together. Also including a read-along track, Brave Irene is the kind of book that children will grow up listening to, and then excitedly read to themselves!

Ages 4 & up

William Steig(1907-2003) published his first children's book, Roland the Minstrel Pig, in 1968, and received the Caldecott Medal for Sylvester and the Magic Pebble (978-1416902065) in 1970. His works also include The Amazing Bone, a Caldecott Honor Book, and Abel's Island and Doctor De Soto, both Newbery Honor Books.

Book & CD set on Amazon

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Cynthia's Attic 'Tween Series for Christmas!

 

Amazon

Kindle

B & N Book Nook

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Cynthia's Attic: From the Earth To The Moon

Cynthia's Attic series is about a dynamic time-traveling duo, Cynthia and Augusta Lee (Gus). As they prepare for their final adventure, I couldn't help thinking back to one of my favorite authors, Jules Verne. His fantasy/fiction ideas have become more real as time goes by. Who knows? Maybe time-travel will be a reality one day!

Jules Verne's novels are still read and studied today. But I've always been interested in the fact that his stories are prophetic in describing modern times. Paris in the 20th Century is an often cited example of this describing air conditioning, automobiles, electricity, television, even the Internet!

Another example is From the Earth to the Moon, which, apart from using a space gun instead of a rocket, is very similar to the Apollo Program, as three astronauts are launched from the Florida peninsula and recovered through a splash landing. In the book, the spacecraft is launched from "Tampa Town." Although Tampa isn't the NASA launch site, Tampa, Florida is approximately 130 miles from Cape Canaveral.

In other works, Verne predicted the inventions of helicopters, submarines, projectors, jukeboxes, and other later devices.

He also predicted the existence of underwater hydrothermal vents that were not discovered until years after he wrote about them.

In the Mysterious Island Verne predicts the development of Hydrogen engines. A group of castaways discuss what will happen when the world's coal reserves are used up, when one of them exclaims, "Water [will replace coal]. Water broken down into its component elements by electricity. . . the hydrogen and oxygen of which it is constituted will be used to furnish an inexhaustible source of heat and light. One day, the holds of steamships and the tenders of locomotives will be filled with those two compressed gases, powering their engines with an incalculable calorific force."

Wish he'd predicted the use of other renewable energies like solar power and wind power to replace our dependence on oil! Hmmm...maybe he did.


To read more about this fascinating author, visit Jules Verne Wikipedia page.

Coming Spring 2012 - Cynthia's Attic: Legend of Lupin Woods!

For more Cynthia's Attic Books - Mary Cunningham Books

Stanley Seagull in Cynthia's Attic!

Meet a young seagull named Stanley. Follow him as he wanders far from home and tries to find his way back. Join Stanley on his journey as he learns how humans affect the balance of nature.

Stanley Seagull thinks he’s found the perfect seaside “restaurant”, a huge garbage pile. He feeds and feeds, but fails to heed his cousin, Seymor’s warning to be prepared to fly away at a moment’s notice and Stanley finds himself far away from his beloved ocean.

Stanley Seagull, written by former librarian, Cathy Mazur, delivers a heartwarming, tightly-written story for the young reader. In addition to being entertained, however, the reader will learn valuable lessons along the way; For instance, when something looks too good to be true, it probably is, pay attention when someone warns you of possible danger, and friends can be found in the most unlikely places.

Colleen Gedrich brings Stanley, his friends, and this fast-paced story to life with vivid, energetic illustrations.




Born in Scranton, Pa., Cathy Mazur is the daughter of Gary and Catherine H. Errico. She received a bachelor’s degree in Library Science from Mansfield State College in 1975, and received a Reading Specialist Certificate from the University of Scranton in 1978. Cathy was employed as an elementary school librarian for the Mid Valley School District from 1975 until her retirement in 2010, where she instituted and coordinated the RIF (Reading Is Fundamental) program for 33 years helping students to develop a love of reading outside the classroom.

She resides in Dickson City, Pa. with Frank, her husband of 31 years. They are the parents of two children, Gary, 27 and Gia, 19. Now in her retirement, she is focused on writing books for children like Stanley Seagull.

Colleen Gedrich, a lifelong resident Throop, Pa., earned a BFA in illustration from Marywood University in 2002. She is a freelance illustrator specializing in animal-themed work.

She enjoys creating her art using mostly watercolor and pastel. As a dedicated animal rights activist and full-time program coordinator for International Society for Animal Rights (ISAR), Colleen lives her dream of joining her passions for animals and art to promote a more harmonious world with a touch of beauty. Colleen has also teamed up with her very talented artist mother, Kathy Holmes Gedrich, and paints murals for children’s nurseries.

 

 

 Hardcover buy link: ($16.95)

Paperback buy link: ($7.95)

Kindle buy link: ($2.99)

Nook buy link: ($4.95)

Cynthia's Attic 'Tween Series available in paperback and Ebook!

Mary Cunningham Books