I’m super excited to announce our next author profile: Maria Dismondy. I had the great pleasure of conducting a cyber- interview with Maria for this post and you are in for a good read! And, after you’ve gained oodles of information about Maria and her books, you will have the chance to receive an autographed copy of Maria’s newest book! So, let’s get started.
Maria Dismondy is the author of three wonderful books (and one on the way) that are all centered around nurturing good character in our children.
Spaghetti in a Hot Dog Bun is all about having the courage to be who you are. The main character, Lucy, is teased by a boy named Ralph. Even though Ralph isn’t the nicest person, Lucy steps in when he is in need of some help. Here’s a look at the trailer for the book.
The Juice Box Bully was co-written with Bob Sornson. In this book, kids learn to stand up to bullying. This book is no longer available for purchase, but you may be able to find a copy at your local library.
Pink Tiara Cookies for Three is her newest book. In this story, a friendship between two turns into a friendship of three with some challenges. The girls learn about teasing and how to nurture their growing friendship. Check out the trailer below.
And coming in early 2013, The Potato Chip Champ will roll out.
So, let’s read a little more about this mom, author and educator!
Maria, when I read on your website that you grew up with the Smurfs , Cabbage Patch dolls and New Kids on the Block, I was immediately transported back to my childhood. Do you have a favorite childhood memory about reading or writing?
I got my first diary when I was in kindergarten. I wrote in it every day, about the weather! It had a Precious Moments character on the front, complete with a lock and key. If anyone wants to know about the weather from the early 80’s, I’ve got it covered! Since then, I have grown to love writing in a diary and have 19 filled journals hiding out in my house.
You have written three books that all center around a positive message. Why is this so important to you?
My background is in Child Development and Education. I taught for many years and saw what was happening to children. First graders were worrying about how they looked and what they wore to school. A kindergartener told me she looked fat. It was absurd and I was furious. I knew that I needed to do something to educate parents on increasing their children’s self-esteem and helping build their character. I also wanted to reach out to students and anyone who worked with children, not just parents. I am happy to say that I have spoken to over 50,000 children since the start of my journey, spreading inspirational messages about believing in and accepting themselves!
Your book, Spaghetti on a Hot Dog Bun is being turned into a musical. How did you celebrate this wonderful news?
Until I see it on opening night, I am trying not to celebrate! It feels too good to be true!
What are some things you do at home with your girls to promote good character?
We read three times a day (my husband reads to them first thing in the morning with his first cup of coffee! Then it’s before nap and before bed). I find that when I don’t have the words to teach my girls something, there is an author out there that does. We also spend time discussing what happened in the books we read and I refer back to the books. For example, when something happens in our day, I might say “Hey, remember when Fancy Nancy blah, blah, blah?”
We also spend time talking about our feelings. I think if children can recognize how they feel and how their actions make others feel, this is the first step to a lifelong journey of showing empathy. Empathy is the missing element in bullying situations. Being able to put yourself in someone else’s shoes is an excellent trait to have.
Tell us about your Happiness Project.
In December 2011, I read The Happiness Project by Gretchin Rubin. I decided to conduct my own project during 2012. Basically, you pick different areas of your life to focus on each month. You go back each month and review your progress. It has been a fun journey and has helped keep me focused on what’s important in my life.
Do you have any literacy rituals in your family?
Other than reading books throughout the day, we use books on tape and cd to help us get our showers in the morning. We have an old boom box on the floor of our bedroom. We let my three-year old pick out the books she wants to hear and her and her baby sister will listen for a good 20 minutes. That’s enough for me to shower, dry my hair and throw on some clothes and makeup! Once a week, we make a trip to the library. My three-year old picks out five books and we keep them in a basket next to her bed (so they don’t get mixed into our family book collection). Finally, we keep books in several areas through out the house (our bedroom, the girls’ rooms, family room, playroom, and in our car.)
If you could give parents one piece of advice about reading and/or writing with children, what would it be?
Make reading a daily activity. Talk about literacy throughout the day. It will start to click with your children early on. They will begin to recognize print in the environment (for example, my three-year old can recognize the words Target and Costco among other stores we visit frequently!) Visit my blog for other fun ways to incorporate literacy into daily routines! Sign up for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. You’re child will receive an age appropriate book every. single month until they are five years old!
Maria, thank you so much for taking the time to talk to the Growing Book by Book readers.
Now, for our GIVEAWAY!!!
When I contacted Maria Dismondy about doing a profile on her and her books, she graciously offered to give away one autographed copy of her newest book, Pink Tiara Cookies for Three to one lucky Growing Book by Book reader.
Giveaway Guidelines
It’s super easy! Just leave a comment on this post. There you go! Entries will be accepted until 11/5/12 at 9:00pm (CST). The lucky giveaway winner will be randomly selected the week of 11/5/12 and announced on this site. I will contact the winner via email also. The winner has 3 days to respond with a mailing address or else another winner will be selected. We can ship to USA addresses only. Good luck!
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Carol says
found this from Two Sisters newsletter! have already shared with my staff!
Jodie says
Great and welcome!
Rachelle says
Love the interview – not your typical questions. Just got an new old car with tape deck but no CD, looking forwarding to pulling out some books on tape for our car rides.
amy says
this looks very cute, id love to read it to my daughter.
Christian Alejandro N. says
Great post! There are a lot of great books out there that I didn’t know about, so keep up the great work!
Kate says
I have enjoyed reading to my grandchildren as much as they have enjoyed listening in the past seven years. And next year another will be added to the family and these books will be used again. It is a very bonding time for us. Love that you are doing this giveaway. Thank you!
Kendal Barriere says
I would love to win the book!
samantha w says
these look like cute books
Megan L says
These books look great!
shane oleary says
it would be my first autographed book, a nice addition to a decent collection
Adrian says
Thank you!
AEKZ2 says
These books are great! My daughter could really learn a lot.
Carmen says
Thanks for the opportunity. What a great giveaway:)
gigi says
These sound like books that are not only fun to read, but also are about subjects we should all be discussing with our kids. Thanks for the giveaway!
Diana Hatch says
This looks great! Thanks for the giveaway!
Megan says
This is a wonderful give away. I would add this to the bed time reading. Thanks for giving me the chance
Brandy Fisk says
Love to win these!
Vanessa says
I’d love to win this for my son’s class library. They all love books and are devouring them faster than the teacher can bring them in! momlovesdeals at gmail dot com
Julie says
Would love this for my daughter.
Nicole Sender says
I’d love to win Pink Tiara Cookies for mt grand kids. New fb follower.
Jenny Stanek says
I would love to win this!
michelle mcafee says
So cute. I would love to win this for my niece. Thanks!!!
Mia McGregor says
These books look great! I bet my niece would enjoy them if I won. Thanks!
Emi says
I love Pink Tiara Cookies for 3 – great book ideas!
Lacey Austin Behl says
Looks like some really great books! I have two little boys who would really enjoy!
Debbie M says
I would love to have this for my kids
Jessica Barnett says
i learned something new! I have not heard of this but know that my daughter would absolutely love it! thank you for sharing!
Sandra C says
This books sound perfect for my granddaughter. I’d love to win one.
Sue Bunting says
We love to read and these books sound wonderful!
heather says
we treasure books around here. my 3 year old would love to read from a new-to-us author
Audrey Griffis says
we’d love to read these books thanks for the chance 🙂 ihave a new reader in the house 🙂
Sara says
My children would love these books. We try to read at least two books a day so these would be the new books.
rachael says
My daughter loves to read! We are always trying to find new books for her. This is such an amazing giveaway.. We would be so blessed to add this book into our collection. Thank you!!
Haley Prather (Kasprzyk) says
OMG My daughter would love this book! It’s right up her alley!
Andrea Reaves says
Thank you for the giveaway!! I would love to win this for my daughter
anne b says
Love books that teach lessons!
Kristie D. says
Thanks for the giveaway. I’m a librarian and know how important and essential reading can be. My niece and nephew are 2 (twins). They LOVE to read already. I love the Dolly Parton program too. It’s partnered with our local United way. I also LOVE Kohl’s Cares with various books and plush for $5 each. GREAT DEAL! kristiedonelson(at)gmail(dot)com Thank you.
Cassie says
Thanks for the giveaway opportunity. You had me at the title…references to my daughter’s favorite color, princesses, and sugar all in one title?
Dawn S. says
These books look so great! They would make a wonderful present 🙂
Ashley says
Thanks for the giveaway!
Lorene Desjardins says
Would be great for my 6 year old. I enjoyed tour review alos
Mike Davis says
awesome giveaway– Im sure my Kaydnse and Willow would love it–thanks for the giveaway
Erica L. says
Cute titles! Thanks for the chance!
Elizabeth says
I really like the drawings, they take me right back to the young days when books were a lot more fun to read/look at.
Siobhan says
I love giving the gift of books!
Danielle Williams says
My sisters would LOVE these! thank you for the giveaway!
Nicole says
Oh my nieces would like this so much!!!! 🙂
kym says
my girls would like the books
Cami says
My daughter would love this!
gail says
thanks for this giveaway!
Tricia says
The happiness project is a wonderful tradition to start at this time of year. Great idea.
Jessica says
I would love to win theis for my 2 kids. They love to read with me.
Rosanna Castro says
We would love to win these books!
Sunnie says
These look like good books, my kids would like them a lot~!
Krista says
Looks like some great books for any family library.
Mandi says
My kids would love some new books to read.
Kate F. says
My kids would love to read these!
Kelsie Rae says
I love that these books teach good principles. Would love to win Pink Tiara Cookies for Three for my daughter!
Lori G says
I would love to be entered, my daughter would love this! Thanks so much for the chance:)
Kathreen says
I love the illustrations, they look wonderful! I know my nieces would love these books! Always looking for new books to give them, since they love all books!
Krista says
Love the illustrations my daughter will love these!!!
lollipopsandbooks@aol.com
Thanks so much
Wendi says
I love the titles! I made a comment on your facebook page. I would love any of these books for my twins. The graphics look amazing :o).
Nichole says
I’m always looking for good books for my daughter and these seem perfect! Thanks for the chance on the giveaway!
cassandra says
this is an awesome present for my children for Christmas and we would be blessed to have it
Chauncey Williams says
My son would love these. Thanks for all the great book picks!
Julie Lynn Bickham says
This is great, my daughter would love to read this.
Em Hutchison says
I really enjoy reading your posts about all these wonderful, great books out there! Thank you so much. I look forward to future posts!
Molly says
I love these titles! Too bad you can’t purchase “The Juice Box Bully” , seems like a timely topic!