Friday, October 8, 2010

Steph Burkhart's The Giving Meadow

I'm pleased to have Steph Burkhart guest blog today. Learn more about her and her children's book, "The Giving Meadow."

I just want to thank Katie for having me today on my blog tour for my children's book.

Just a little about me: I was born in Manchester, NH but live in Castaic, California with my husband, Brent, and two sons, Andrew and Joseph. I have fond memories of Manchester, but have made California my home. I earned a BS in political science from California Baptist University in 1995.

I have been writing since I was 5, first making homemade comic books. Now, I work on creating short stories and novels. I spent 11 years in the US Army and over 7 years in Germany. Writing is a passion that still challenges me. The Giving Meadow is my first children's book and my first book with 4RV Publishing.

THE BLURB:

The Giving Meadow is about a caterpillar who hatches from his egg in the middle of a meadow. As he travels through the meadow, he meets new friends who learn the value of sharing.

THE INSPIRATION

I go to Blessed Kateri Catholic Church (in Santa Clarita, CA) and I'm involved in our Sunday Preschool program. We call it Little Church. The program works with 3, 4, and 5-year-olds. I help to teach the 3's along with 3 other talented ladies, Shirley Chang, Maureen Dunahoo, and Mary Tesselaar. Every year I help to write the Easter play for the children. In 2009, "The Giving Meadow" was our Easter play.

After I wrote it, I showed Vivian at 4RV. She's also a moderator at Writing.com and I wanted her feedback on the story. She offered it a contract! I was tickled pink. It was a nice, unexpected surprise. I can't thank Vivian (Gilbert Zabel, publisher, 4RV Publishing) for believing in the story and wanting to bring it to life.

"The Giving Meadow" is wonderfully illustrated by Stephen Macquignon. Stephen primarily works in the medium of pen and ink and color digitally. He has had the privilege to work with Director Michael Sporn of Michael Sporn Animation Inc. He is also a monthly contributor for Stories for Children's magazine.

Stephen's children's books with 4RV Publishing include Angeline Jellybean by Crystalee Calderwood and Colors by Dana Warren.

5 Stars, Regina Andrew, author of Destiny's Designs: In the beautifully-illustrated children's book "The Giving Meadow", author Stephanie Burkhart presents her readers with a charming fable about kindness and sharing.


5 Stars, Beth Reinke, author of "In My Bath"

Toddlers and preschoolers will love to snuggle up before nap or at bedtime to hear this soothing story read to them. The adorable, brightly-colored illustrations will charm readers of all ages.

GOODIE TIME: Leave a post here on the blog. I'll pick two lucky winners to receive an autographed postcard of the cover. Winners will be drawn out of a hat, and I'll return on 26 AUG to announce them.

BUY LINKS: 4RV Publishing: http://4rvpublishingllc.com/Childrens_Books.html

AMAZON:

http://www.amazon.com/Giving-Meadow-Stephanie-Burkhart/dp/0982588690/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1279556653&sr=1-1

BARNES & NOBLE:

http://search.barnesandnoble.com/The-Giving-Meadow/Stephanie-Burkhart/e/9780982588697/?itm=1&USRI=The+giving+Meadow

STEPHANIE ON THE WEB:

BLOG: http://sgcardin.blogspot.com

WEBSITE: http://sgcardin.tripod.com

FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1357922219

TWITTER: http://twitter.com/StephBurkhart


5 comments:

Beverly Stowe McClure said...

Hi Steph,

Your book is lovely, both the words and the illustrations. Best wishes for your success.

Bev

Cheryl said...

Sounds like a lovely book. Every book I've read from 4RV has been great, so I'm sure this is going to be a wonderful addition to their offerings.

We didn't have Sunday school for preschoolers at our church when I was there. They did the last couple of years. I'm a big supporter of getting them familiar with the Lord as soon as possible.

One question, it says you'll return on August 26th to pick a winner. I'm thinking that should read, October 26th?

May God continue to bless your work.

Cheryl Malandrinos, author of Little Shepherd
ccmalandrinos.com

Vivian Zabel said...

Some of my great-grandchildren will have The Giving Meadow in their stockings this Christmas. I really think it's one of the really good picture books.

Karen Cioffi said...

Your book looks wonderful, Steph. I'm also an author with 4RV; my book won't be out for some time though.

Congratulations!

Joylene Nowell Butler said...

Steph, your book sounds delightful, a perfect gift for my grandchildren. Thanks, Katie.