You are in for a very special surprise for your little ones with my next two books by Laura St. John. Please enjoy!!!
Don't Judge a Bug by Its Cover
by Laura St. John (Author), Melissa B. Snyder (Illustrator)
Help your children learn at an early age how to avoid body shaming, bullying and judging others.
This morals-based book is perfect for children from three to eight.
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If you like Dr. Seuss and Shel Silverstrein then you'll love this sweet story that helps families have open discussions with children about non-judgmental approaches to friends. Promote anti-bullying, team work, welcoming others, and seeing the beauty in everything and everyone around you.
What happens when a sweet ladybug named Lace meets up with a suave wise bug named Mr. Roach? The unlikely pair begins an adventure that will change their lives forever. As they travel through breathtaking surroundings and go about their days, they discover that the need for others is what helps them get by in life.
Surrounded by true friends and beautiful landscape, they soon realize the real beauty is within. Every step in a bug s world is filled with uncertainty and unpredictable situations. The tales of their everyday lives as bugs is really no different than our own. When we realize that we are all part of the bigger picture, then everyone can do their part to show kindness. That s when the heart sees more than the eyes.
REVIEWS
August 3, 2019
Format: Hardcover
Everyone is born into this world as a special creation of God. We are all beautiful in our own way. It is up to you and me to see the beauty in all things. Once it is seen, it can shine – like the shiny brown coat of a cockroach.” This quote is the last words of the book and it is so very meaningful. This quote is the whole idea of this book.
This book is written for children but I really liked it. Yes, the book is about a friendship about a ladybug and a cockroach. This book really teaches the concept of not helping or liking something just because it is not the same as everything else.
I do have to be honest and say I have a little problem with it being about a cockroach, being some children might have a problem with adults after reading this book, trying to get rid of roaches if they see them in their houses or as in the case, as it is in the book, they are on a blanket in the park. I mean I get the part of not bullying and all but at the same time, a person cannot tolerate roaches as it is a health issue. Yes, I am an adult and understand the concept of the book and yes, I will read the book to my grandchildren, and explain that there is a use for them and maybe search the web to find why and what they were created for.
In all, the book is a really good book.
I received a complimentary copy by the CWA. These opinions are my own.
This book is written for children but I really liked it. Yes, the book is about a friendship about a ladybug and a cockroach. This book really teaches the concept of not helping or liking something just because it is not the same as everything else.
I do have to be honest and say I have a little problem with it being about a cockroach, being some children might have a problem with adults after reading this book, trying to get rid of roaches if they see them in their houses or as in the case, as it is in the book, they are on a blanket in the park. I mean I get the part of not bullying and all but at the same time, a person cannot tolerate roaches as it is a health issue. Yes, I am an adult and understand the concept of the book and yes, I will read the book to my grandchildren, and explain that there is a use for them and maybe search the web to find why and what they were created for.
In all, the book is a really good book.
I received a complimentary copy by the CWA. These opinions are my own.
July 25, 2019
Format: Hardcover
This book is full of morals. It teaches children teamwork, friendships, compassion and empathy. At the same time equipped them to fight against bullying and body shaming. The message in the book is we should not judge people by their outer beauty or physical appearance rather appreciate them for their inner qualities. Which is absolutely necessary in today’s world! It such a sweet story of a roach and a lady bug that will change your perspectives of looking at these tiny creatures. The illustrations are absolutely beautiful and captivating! Me and my daughters enjoyed the story and learned some many life lessons from it.
July 25, 2019
Format: Hardcover
What a sweet story. I am very grossed out by bugs, with the exception of lady bugs and butterflies. This book made me look at bugs, particularly roaches, in a sweeter light. A great story encouraging friendship, teamwork, and appreciation of diversity. The drawings were spectacular. A definite must read for any age, I feel like there is a lesson in here even for adults!
July 13, 2019
Format: Hardcover
When beauty is found within, there is nothing compares! That is the message in this book. When a beautiful lady bug meets up with a cockroach, love is inspired. The way it gets there is through a really good story. The illustrations in this book are amazing! Highly recommended!
July 13, 2019
Format: Hardcover
What happens when Mr. Roach is stuck on his back? Find out in this beautifully illustrated book that entertains and delights even the youngest of readers.
November 7, 2019
Format: Hardcover
A beautiful story about seeing the beauty inside instead of just on the surface. Kids off all ages can take away the heartwarming message.
November 19, 2018
Format: Hardcover
Great book for kids! Great story in today’s day and age to really see the importance of acceptance and to not judge people before getting to know them. If you want a great book for the kids definitely give this book a try.
Christmas House Hardcover – October 1, 2018
by Laura St. John (Author), Ron Neale (Illustrator)
Perfect for ages five through eight, this morals-based book will teach your children to spend less time online and more time enjoying other people.
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If your children enjoy Dr. Seuss and Shel Silverstein they'll love The Christmas House!
Tell your readers a little about
yourself, where you grew up, where you live now, where you went to school etc.
Let them get to know the personal you.
I’ve
always loved words and like to express myself through writing. I feel like I
have many things to share and I like to talk to younger generations as I feel
they absorb information better and have no
predisposed outlooks. They have very little PC attitudes about things so are willing
to listen and learn from stories written.
What do you consider your greatest
success in life?
George
Lucas said, “Your focus determines your reality.” I would consider my focus and
my success in being a mother and doing my best to keeping things together on
the “home front” while trying to have a career. While moving around so much and
having so many changes and adaptations, it is hard to have structure and
consistency. My greatest success is trying to have somewhat of a stable and
normal life amongst so much chaos. I guess it would be called organized chaos
which may be the title of my next book.
The timeless story of Christmas has a refreshing message when the Holy Family is set in current times. They wander the streets hoping to find a place to bring the Holy Child into the world. They see many things that are not of their time yet they have hope and love for humankind. Is the most important event of the year going to be distracted by other idols of our time? Each house is visited by the special guests, but it is only one home that has a family who takes the time to listen and respond. Our hearts can be open to them as well as to others if we only unplug at times to enjoy the special moments and people of our lives.
Laura St. John
Don't Judge a Bug By Its
Cover
The Christmas House
Born
in Hyattsville, MD and grew up in Riverdale, MD until twelve years old when my
mom moved my two brothers and me to Florida. My father died when I was five. I grew
up in Cocoa Beach, FL and was a “beach gal” at heart. My life in CB was
surfing, singing, sunning, and studying. I Went to college and worked as a
copywriter for print and radio and as a singer on cruise ships, in bands, and
theater. I Graduated and got married to a military guy and had two kids. Still
keep writing and singing to this
day. Loves to teach kids about various subjects like healthy eating, online safety,
organization.
day. Loves to teach kids about various subjects like healthy eating, online safety,
organization.
What inspired you to author this book?
predisposed outlooks. They have very little PC attitudes about things so are willing
to listen and learn from stories written.
Where did you get the inspiration for
your book’s cover?
The
bug book cover was one of the illustrator’s interior page drawings that we just
turned a bit to make the cover. I loved the way she drew the bug’s features.
The Christmas book cover idea came to me from a mailer I received that showed a
house from that angle. I liked that view so much from the sky. I wanted a
pretty sunset purplish color and the illustrator really put a lot of detail in the cover with beauty and technology mixed. If you look closely, you can see
many special technology hints in the cover.
many special technology hints in the cover.
Who has been the most significant
influence on you personally and as a writer?
To be
honest, God has really “talked” to me in many ways about writing. I hope to get
the messages out about my books to help others and future generations. For me, personally,
God again comes to mind and also my high school choral teacher. Milton Borens
was an African-American choral teacher who inspired every student he touched.
“Mr. B” turned an odd mix of mostly white teens into a soulful gospel-sounding
black choir. It was amazing and will never happen that way again in any lifetime.
He was one of a kind. Critiqued and criticized his students with brutal honesty
for making us the best we could be. We all wanted to please him. It was a special
gift he had for teaching.
What were your struggles or obstacles you
had to overcome to get this book written?
My
first publisher took a lot of money and was not as forthright as I had thought.
That was tough to get out of and try to recover. Finances are always hard
especially with illustrations and color printing. But the hardest part is not
producing the product but what happens afterward -- the signings, the social media,
the traveling. But I must say if it is on your bucket list - go for it!!
Tell your readers about your book.
Both
books are written for young audiences. The bug book teaches children to be less
judgmental on looks and helps with bullying. The Christmas book teaches
children (and families) about digital
awareness. Focusing on the moment and limiting screen time. On my second print run, there will be a few changes.
awareness. Focusing on the moment and limiting screen time. On my second print run, there will be a few changes.
Who is your target audience, and why?
The
bug book is PreK – 2 nd grade and the Christmas book is from 2nd – 5th but
really, the whole family would enjoy hearing them. I love writing to younger
generations as I feel they are like sponges and absorb the words and message so
well. Most children pull different meanings from the pages that I haven’t even
thought of.
What one unique thing sets you apart from
other writers in your genre?
There
are so many good writers out there. I have been all over the country and outside
the U.S. and seen many things. Those experiences are part of my DNA now and
come out in my writing. Also, I have always been told that I have much empathy
for others and read others well so I hope that what I am writing is an important
message that the world needs to hear. Writers always feel that their
books are the best but I truly believe when you write for your audience (or sing for them) that realness shines through. That “something” can’t be just “words on paper” but must be from the heart that is there to inspire and make the world a better place than before an author’s book was printed.
books are the best but I truly believe when you write for your audience (or sing for them) that realness shines through. That “something” can’t be just “words on paper” but must be from the heart that is there to inspire and make the world a better place than before an author’s book was printed.