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Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.
Today, we're joining The Children's Book Review for an AWARENESS TOUR starring a darling series perfect for the younger set with characters that'll warm your heart and bring a smile to your face. A quick look at the latest....
by
Jeff Minich
Publisher: Nuggies Inc
| November 7, 2017|
ISBN-13: 978-0999298404
About the book...
Baby Chomper’s Bath Time is a lovable tale about a little puppy who learns to have fun doing his least favorite thing--- taking a bath! One day, baby Chomper escapes from home and gets muddy and stinky beyond belief. He rolls in the mud, takes a dive in the trash, and even gets sprayed by a very stinky skunk. After returning home, he finds that it’s his least favorite time of all: BATH TIME! With nowhere else to go, Chomper realizes that bath time can be one of the most fun times of all! He imagines himself diving into the deep blue sea, being the captain of his own ship, and surfing to a distant shore. Baby Chomper’s Bath Time is a playful story that encourages children to see the bright side of every situation.
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AUTHOR INTERVIEW
1. What inspired you to become a writer?
When I turned 40, I had this idea to write a book of advice to my younger self. After thinking about it, I realized that early childhood, when I was most impressionable, was the best age to write for. That kind of changed the dynamic behind my writing intention, in that you can’t just write a how-to for kids on living a virtuous life. Kids learn mostly from their experiences and observations of others. So, I thought I could embody some of the virtues I wanted to write about-- things like patience, kindness, whimsy, friendliness, and, from my latest book “Baby Chomper’s Bath Time”, optimism—in the form of cute and relatable little dogs. Dogs are amazing in that are born with and maintain a child-like spirit for their whole lives. My dogs are both 11 years old and they still are nearly as thrilled now with a treat, a walk, or playtime, as they were when they were puppies. I think part of the trick of living a happy life is learning how to protect that part of us that still revels in the simple things. At the end of the day, that’s what the Nuggies book series is about, adopting a positive outlook and making the most of life. That’s why I started writing.
2. Why this particular genre/target audience?
Kids have few preconceptions about the world or life. For the most part, they live in the moment. In writing for them, I hope to inspire conversations and serve as a reference point for parents in situations that relate back to my stories. In “Baby Chomper’s Bath Time”, baby Chomper is faced with a situation, bath time, that he really doesn’t like. He has two choices, make the most of it or suffer! He chooses to make the most of it. Parents can use this story to help children overcome negative thinking, not only at bath time but in any situation their kids might be temperamental about. In my book “All the Other Nuggies”, the main character Coco feels like she doesn’t fit in. She overcomes this by taking a chance with a new friend, which leads to other positive feelings and events in her life. These are simple concepts, but they can be life changing for the right child. That’s why I love writing for children. Their minds are open and a small spark or inspiration might have a lasting impact for them.
3. Of the books you've released thus far, which have you had the most fun with and why?
I’ve written six books now and each has a unique story behind it. But if I were just going on the “fun” factor, I would say book 4, “Oui Oui, Gigi!” was the most fun to write. The book is set in Paris and I went there for a week to write the first draft. I scouted locations for scenes in the book by walking the route through central Paris that the characters take as the story unfolds. All the scenes in the book, including the flower shop where Chomper and Coco meet Gigi are actual locations in Paris. Renan Garcia, the illustrator for the Nuggies series, did an incredible job turning these locations into a beautiful pastel watercolor inspired world for the book. I think it’s his most elegant, intricate, and beautiful work of the series. It was also so much fun to do a bilingual story that teaches kids a few words of French!
4. If you weren't a writer, what you be your second ULTIMATE career choice?
If I had a little more brainpower (and mathematical ability) I would love to be a physicist. I am so fascinated by origins—how did things get to be the way they are-- and physics is the ultimate origin story. The work that has and is being done to understand the origins of our universe and the basic building blocks of reality is astounding. Physics is an incredible intellectual puzzle and one that I would love to get lost in – in another life!
5. There's are a few of YOUR favorite things! Go! Favorite...
... color? Pale Pastel Blue-- I just find it so soothing!
... season? Summer-- I love to get outside!
... food? Enchiladas-- I’m addicted to good enchiladas!
... book? Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind by Shunryu Suzuki – he was a genius and this book has shaped my entire life and way of thinking.
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Jeff Minich is the author of the Nuggies illustrated children’s book series. Created in collaboration with illustrator Renan Garcia, the series includes Daddy Forgot My Dinner (Vol. 1); All the Other Nuggies (Vol. 2); A Very Scary Pumpkin (Vol. 3); Oui Oui, Gigi! (Vol. 4); and If I Could Climb Trees (Vol. 5). You can learn more about the Nuggies book series by visiting: GetNuggies.com
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The fun doesn't stop there!
Now, it's YOUR CHANCE TO WIN!
JUST CLICK THE PIC!
Enter to win an autographed copy of Baby Chomper’s Bath Time, by Jeff Minich—plus a Dyson Supersonic hairdryer!
One (1) grand prize winner receives:
- A Dyson Supersonic hairdryer
- A complete autographed set of the Nuggies series
- A copy of If I Could Climb Trees:Nuggies: Vol. 5, signed by Jeff Minich
- A copy of Oui Oui Gigi: Nuggies: Vol. 4, signed by Jeff Minich
- A copy of A Very Scary Pumpkin: Nuggies: Vol. 3, signed by Jeff Minich
- A copy of All the Other Nuggies: Nuggies: Vol. 2, signed by Jeff Minich
- A copy of Daddy Forgot My Dinner: Nuggies: Vol. 1, signed by Jeff Minich
- A copy of Baby Chomper’s Bath Time, signed by Jeff Minich
Value: $518+
Two (2) winners receive:
- A copy of Baby Chomper’s Bath Time, signed by Jeff Minich
Value: $19.95
Giveaway begins September 26, 2017, at 12:01 A.M. MT and ends October 26, 2017, at 11:59 P.M. MT. Giveaway open to residents of the fifty United States and the District of Columbia who are 13 and older. Prizes provided by Jeff Minich
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Special thanks to Bianca at The Children's Book Review for the chance to shine the spotlight on this series as well as to the author for answering our questions. (THANKS!) For more information on this title, the series, the author, this promotion or those on the horizon, feel free to click through the links provided above.
Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!
This sounds adorable. It would be perfect for my grandson Thanks for your post.
ReplyDeleteCarol L
Lucky4750 (at) aol (dot) com