Elizabeth and I spent last Sunday at the Book Expo in The Villages. If you came, thanks for showing up. Our book sales were meager, but the connections we made were huge.
Elizabeth shared her children’s book, The Elephant on Aaron’s Chest. I’ve written about her book before and have included a link to my original story at the end of this tale. The biggest news for her was a connection with a lady from Roade Island that runs a grief camp for kids. Her summer camp helps children deal with the death of a loved one. At the end of camp, they provide a book to each child.
The camp director said, “Your book doesn’t slap you in the face with the concept, but it allows the child to see that they have options for helping themselves. If I needed forty books for camp, could you provide them?”
“Absolutely.”
And then the camp director told Elizabeth that she should attend the National Alliance on Children’s Grief Symposium in Kansas City this summer. “The people there will eat this up. It’s just what they’re looking for.”
We’re both hoping that as people read our books, they’ll write a review on Amazon. The number of reviews a title receives helps promote the sale. The day before the Expo we both checked our list of reviews. This is my favorite that Elizabeth received.
This book was read in one of my teacher preparation college classes. The day this was read I had experienced an anxiety attack. I hadn’t gotten one in years, and I felt alone. When I got to my children’s literature class later in the day this book was read by my professor. I didn’t know exactly where this book was going. But in the end, I sobbed internally and felt tears come out my eyes. I felt understood and more at peace knowing that things like this happen. So, I think this book is great even for adult readers to feel at ease. I’m 22 and this book is one that I will share from now on. Thank you so much for releasing this.
After we read hers, I checked out mine. I received this within the past week.
Mr. Tebo invites the reader to relive with, and learn from, an amazing treasure trove of life’s experiences. His writing style has a combination of warmth, humor and humility that makes the reader feel as if they are at his kitchen table reminiscing over a cup of coffee.
I’m grateful for the accolades, and I’m thankful that I’ve touched a few people’s lives with my writing. I think that’s what all writers hope for.
One of the coolest things that happened was both of my editors showed up at the Expo. Vickie edited the written version while Scott and his wife, Jose, edited the audio. I had a nice conversation with each of them.
Jose and I spoke for several minutes. She told me she had to take several breaks while she was editing, “I was laughing too hard to continue. I had to compose myself. Other times I cried. That stopped the process too. I love your book.”
If you read it, or listen to it, I think you will too.
I loved this posting Bob. And I read your blog about the Elephant on Aaron’s Chest. Your daughter has really hit on the soul of what all of us carry: our love feelings for others….and their loss. Thanks for sharing…..and I hope your blog book and audio do well for you!
Thank you.