Tuesday, December 27, 2011

HUGO STARFISH: BOOK GIVEAWAY - CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW

Giveaway: The Last Bully—Hugo the Happy Starfish

By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: January 12, 2011
Enter to win a signed copy of The Last Bully: Hugo the Happy Starfish by Suzy Liebermann.
Hugo, a happy little starfish, teaches readers that happiness begins with respect.
Giveaway begins December 24, 2011, at 12:01 A.M. PST and ends January 21, 2012, at 11:59 P.M. PST.
Reading level: Ages 4-9
Hardcover: 32 pages

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

HOLIDAY BOOK SIGNING

Come and join us for this year's

HOLIDAY BOOK SIGNING.

Sunday - December 18, 2011
1.00 pm - 3.00 pm

This year we will be proud guests of WELL READ BOOKS in Fort Lauderdale.

Well Read New & Used Books

1338 SE 17th St
Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33316


Bring your friends and family, we would love to see you there!
Stop by for a great, meaningful and personalized Holiday gift
for your little ones and all your friends & family young at heart!

Warm regards and HAPPY HOLIDAYS !!!!!

Suzy Liebermann

Monday, November 21, 2011

Miami International Book Fair

Thank you to all our fans, new fans and future fans who came by our booth during the Miami International Book Fair. 
We enjoyed meeting you and thank you for your support!



Wednesday, November 9, 2011

RESPECT! Don't bully! - THE LAST BULLY


We found this little story on the internet and felt we would like to repost.
Life's too short to make it negative for yourself and others.
 
Therefore:
 
RESPECT! Don't bully!
What goes around comes around AND there is always a bigger fish in the ocean!
 
 
 
A teacher in New York was teaching her class about bullying and gave them the following exercise to perform. She had the children take out a piece of paper and told them to crumple it up, stomp on it and really mess it up, not to rip it. Then she had them unfold the paper, smooth it out and look at how scarred and dirty it was. She then told them to tell it they're sorry. Now, even though they sai...d they were sorry and tried to fix the paper, she pointed out all the scars they left behind. And that those scars will never go away no matter how hard they tried to fix it. That is what happens someone bullies another, they may say they're sorry, but the scars are there forever. The looks on the faces of the children in the classroom told her the message hit home. Copy and paste this if you are against bullying.

PYP LEARNER PROFILE: RESPECT - CHARACTER EDUCATION

IB LEARNER PROFILE: RESPECT




RESPECT! DON'T BULLY!

SAY NO TO BULLYING!


Happiness Begins With Respect
Hugo is a little starfish and so it's not surprising that in this story he comes across several bigger fish in the ocean. Sadly, they are bigger fish with the wrong attitudes – they're bullies! After seeing his friend getting bullied, Hugo decides enough is enough. He forms the Anti-Bully Club and teaches the bullies a valuable lesson about respect.
By working together as a group, Hugo and his friends manage to show the bullies that there's always a bigger fish in the sea and that happiness comes from respecting others, not bullying them.
‘THE LAST BULLY’ is a confidence-boosting book for children, showing them that being different is OK and the best way to deal with bullies is to tell someone about it.
This tale is a great way to deal with one of the biggest issues around.

PYP LEARNER PROFILE: EMPATHY - CHARACTER EDUCATION

IB LEARNER PROFILE: EMPATHY

 


Happiness Begins with Sharing
Hugo is a little starfish. He finds his life dull. Tired of feeling sad, one day he sets off to find happiness. After much searching, he discovers something that makes his heart do a somersault! Sharing with others is the only thing that makes him truly happy; all other things just made him feel better for a little while.
Adults strive to teach children to share within their communities. Encouraging children to give teaches them empathy, as well as a sense of social responsibility. Children can feel empowered by giving and sharing with others.

This is a great teaching tool to teach EMPATHY, time and calendar.

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

BEST BOOKS 2011 - HUGO - Award-Winning Finalist








USA BOOK NEWS
 ANNOUNCES
WINNERS AND FINALISTS OF
THE USA “BEST BOOKS 2011” AWARDS






Mainstream & Independent Titles Score Top Honors in the 
8th Annual USA “Best Books” Awards


Award-Winning Finalist 

in the CHILDREN'S MIND/ BODY/ SPIRIT category 
of The USA "Best Books 2011" Awards, 







sponsored by USA Book News


CONGRATULATIONS LITTLE HUGO, WE ARE SOSO PROUD OF YOU! 







LOS ANGELES – USABookNews.com, the premiere online magazine and review website for mainstream and independent publishing houses, announced the winners and finalists of THE USA “BEST BOOKS 2011” AWARDS on November 1, 2011. Over 500 winners and finalists were announced in over 140 categories covering print, e-books and audio books. Awards were presented for titles published in 2010 and 2011.

Jeffrey Keen, President and CEO of USA Book News, said this year’s contest yielded an unprecedented number of entries, which were then narrowed down to over 500 winners and finalists.
Keen says of the awards, now in their ninth year, “The 2011 results represent a phenomenal mix of books from a wide array of publishers throughout the United States. With a full publicity and marketing campaign promoting the results of the USA ‘Best Books’ Awards, this year’s winners and finalists will gain additional media coverage for the upcoming holiday retail season.”
Winners and finalists traversed the publishing landscape: Simon & Schuster, St. Martin’s Press, Random House, Penguin, Harper Collins, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, McGraw-Hill, John Wiley & Sons and hundreds of independent houses contributed to this year’s outstanding competition. Keen adds, “Our success begins with the enthusiastic participation of authors and publishers and continues with our distinguished panel of industry judges who bring to the table their extensive editorial, PR, marketing, and design expertise.”

USABookNews.com is an online publication providing coverage for books from mainstream and independent publishers to the world online community. JPX Media Group, in Los Angeles, California, is the parent company of USABookNews.com.

A complete list of the winners and finalists of The USA “Best Books 2011” Awards are available online at 
http://www.USABookNews.com



Sunday, October 30, 2011

On The Bookshelf with Doc Kirby

“Hugo the Happy Starfish” written and illustrated by Suzy Liebermann
(Happy Language Kids LLC)
Spanish and Character Education for Kids wrapped up in a bright and colorful book about accepting
yourself just as you are. You learn some Español, and you get a good life lesson, too. Very cool!

http://onthebookshelf.biz/

Saturday, October 22, 2011

THE LAST BULLY - Hugo the Happy Starfish

PRE-RELEASE INFO



WE  PROUDLY PRESENT
HUGO THE HAPPY STARFISH

THE LAST BULLY

Happiness Begins With Respect

Hugo is a little starfish and so it is not surprising that in this story he comes across several bigger fish in the ocean. Sadly, they are bigger fish with the wrong attitude – they’re bullies! After seeing his friend getting bullied, Hugo decides that enough is enough. He forms the Anti-Bully Club and teaches the bullies a valuable lesson about respect.

By working together as a group, Hugo and his friends manage to show the bullies that there’s always a bigger fish in the ocean and that happiness comes from respecting others, not bullying them.

THE LAST BULLY is a confidence-boosting book for children, showing them that being different is OK and the best way to deal with bullies is to tell someone about it.

This tale demonstrates how to deal with one of the biggest issues we face in today’s world.




THE BOOK WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE IN NOVEMBER 
DURING THE MIAMI BOOK INTERNATIONAL BOOK FAIR

Pre-release orders can be sent to SL@HappyHugo.com.

THE SECRET TO HAPPINESS - Hugo the Happy Starfish

PRE-RELEASE INFO



WE  PROUDLY PRESENT
HUGO THE HAPPY STARFISH

THE SECRET TO HAPPINESS

Happiness Begins with Sharing

Hugo is a little starfish. He finds his life dull. Tired of feeling sad, one day he sets off to find happiness.  After much searching, he discovers something that makes his heart do a somersault! Sharing with others is the only thing that makes him truly happy; all other things just made him feel better for a little while.

Adults strive to teach children to share within their communities. Encouraging children to give teaches them empathy, as well as a sense of social responsibility. Children can feel empowered by giving and sharing with others. 



THE BOOK WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE IN NOVEMBER 
DURING THE MIAMI BOOK INTERNATIONAL BOOK FAIR

Pre-release orders can be sent to SL@HappyHugo.com.

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Every Child Counts, Abacos - Books Around the World - BOOK DONATION

Thank you Lyn & "Every Child Counts" for having us! 
We hope you and your children enjoy HUGO THE HAPPY STARFISH!
We did enjoy our visit with you and are looking forward to the next one!




http://www.everychildcountsabaco.org/



EVERY CHILD COUNTS
our history
Several years ago my Husband and I adopted twin boys at the age of 3 1/2. We soon discovered that they had severe developmental delays and would require special education. Upon investigation we realized that no special needs program was available on Abaco. Working with Reverend Stan Kolasa of St. Francis De Sales Church and Dr. S. Kossack, of Florida International University and other parents with similar needs, "Every Child Counts" was born.
Lyn Major,
Founder & Administrator
our mission
To provide an alternative education for children with learning, developmental or physical disabilities (regardless of financial, family or social restraints) to maximize each child's ability to become a productive, successful and independent citizen.
our guiding principles
We believe that:
  • The ultimate goal of education is a productive community member of good character and sound spiritual values;
  • Effective learning promotes responsible citizens and service beyond self;
  • Learning should be individualized, positive and student-centered;
  • Collaboration across age groups and abilities enhances learning;
  • Learning should be sequential, developmental and functional for each individual student;
  • Creating connections and links with the family and community improves learning;
  • The work of teachers, assistants and volunteers is meaningful, challenging and life altering.
our program
ECC is actively involved in service to students in our community by..
  • providing full time schooling to students who cannot succeed in a mainstream classroom because of physical, neurological or cognitive disabilities;
  • providing free professional, parent and volunteer training under the direction of Dr. Sharon Kossack, of Florida International University in the areas of reading diagnosis, targeted teaching and special needs recognition, strategies and interventions open to all;
  • free evaluations and recommendations for struggling students across Abaco
    providing professional and educational materials.

FIND MORE INFORMATION ABOUT BOOKS AROUND THE WORLD 
AND THE WAY YOU CAN HELP UNDER

www.BooksAroundTheWorld.org

Friday, September 16, 2011

Hugo the Happy Starfish "ONE STEP AT A TIME"

***** COMING SOON *****
for all HUGO fans

HUGO THE HAPPY STARFISH   "ONE STEP AT A TIME"

a wonderful children's story about the art of perserverence
taking place in the little town of Zermatt in Switzerland
featuring my favorite mountain - the Matterhorn


Happiness Begins One Step At A Time

Hugo is a little starfish with a big sense of adventure. One day he finds an empty candy wrapper with a picture of a huge chocolate mountain. Usually when Hugo finds trash in the ocean it upsets him but this time what he found made him curious. Hugo discovers that his chocolate mountain is in fact a real mountain, which is called the Matterhorn and is located in Switzerland.
He decides to set off on a journey to find this mountain – a huge challenge for a little starfish!
Hugo learns to take one step at a time and to enjoy the journey as much as the destination.
Join Hugo as he finds the secret of perseverance when the road gets difficult.
ONE STEP AT A TIME is a story about the need for perspective, whatever mountains we face.
This book is the perfect way to each kids to divide big challenges into little chunks and to take things one step at a time.

HUGO THE HAPPY STARFISH VISITS LOREN LONG - BESTSELLING AUTHOR AND ILLUSTRATOR





AUTHOR READING OF LOREN LONG
BESTSTELLING AUTHOR AND ILLUSTRATOR
AND
ILLUSTRATOR OF PRESIDENT OBAMA'S CHILDREN'S BOOK


Friday, August 26, 2011

Ella Johnson Interview: MEET THE AUTHOR - Hugo The Happy Starfish

http://mymcbooks.wordpress.com/category/meet-the-author/

Interview with Author Suzy Liebermann

Biography


Suzy Liebermann author and illustrator of Hugo The Happy Starfish

A native of Germany and former resident of the Dominican Republic, Mexico, the Islands of the Bahamas and Switzerland, Suzy Liebermann —now living in South Florida, USA—has traveled the world in pursuit of language, art, and culture.
Having found it, she now shares it with the world’s teachers, parents, and children through educational literature. Leveraging her decades of global experience teaching in German, Spanish, French, and English with a degree in foreign language translation and a master’s degree in business and international business, she launched Happy Language Kids LLC in 2010 as an interactive language learning program for children and their young-at-heart elders.
This program is particularly aligned with the aims and values she upheld as a teacher of cultural art and foreign language at a prestigiousInternationalBaccalaureateWorldSchool.

http://www.happyhugo.com/

I want to thank you for being my guest here on Mymcbooks Blog

What is the last book you read?
Caribbeanby James A. Michener

What were your earliest memories of writing?
I grew up in a little village inGermany. Cruising the streets I always had a little notebook with me writing funny little skits which my friends and I acted out later on.

Were you encouraged to write or was it something that came natural?
Both! I have always been a “doodler”. When I started my job as a teacher the teaching sources in that particular area of teaching were scarce. Therefore I developed the HUGO THE HAPPY STARFISH series to help me teach the curriculum, IBO principles, the attitudes and the Spanish language at the same time.

Are you working on a new book?
Yes …. all the time!

What inspired you to write Hugo the Happy Starfish wants to be different?
I believe that children  of all ages want to be happy and this most assuredly can be gained through self-esteem. The vehicle I chose to demonstrate this is HUGO THE HAPPY STARFISH WANTS TO BE DIFFERENT and it actually teaches children that self-esteem is gained by being the best you can be and learn how to appreciate who and what you are.

Great ideal to mix English and a native language in the book; what was your ideal behind that?
I feel that learning a language develops a part of our brain that no other academic exercise can accomplish in addition it helps children to become well rounded and educated individuals – again adding to their self worth.

How did you come up with the characters?
The characters are chosen by my interpretation of how their general appearance dictates their personality.  They are all based on sea life that I have encountered on my trip to the Bahamas.

Have you ever suffered from writer’s block?
Absolutely. There are days when I can write and the words just come to me and then there are days where I cannot get a sentence together. I use this time to illustrate my characters in order to have some feeling of accomplishment at the end of the day.

What is the most difficult part of writing?
For me it is the marketing – not so much the writing part.

What do you do when you’re not writing or promoting your books?
That seldom happens. I love to travel and put a smile on other people’s face. I enjoy different countries, their cultures and the interaction with the children. I enjoy my friends and family and having a good time with them.
When time permits I ballroom dance, ride my bike, rollerblade and swim.

How do you react to a bad review?
If it comes from someone who does comprehend what my books message I don’t pay much attention to it. If it comes from someone who is knowledgeable in the field I take it as constructive and learn from it. 

What do you hope that readers will take away from your book?
The ability tohandle life’s situations with the proper attitude thereby gaining self-esteem and a love of life.

Who are some of your favorite authors you would love to dine with?
Shel Silverstein, Barack Obama, Howard Brinkow

What discipline do you impose on yourself regarding schedules, goals, etc.?
I usually do things that I don’t like first, so I don’t have to deal with them later.
I am always thinking about my stories and taking notes through the day until I am able to sit down and put a story together.

What advice would you give parents on selecting the right books for their children to read?
They should select books that are fun and educational while at the same time build character.

What advice you would give to new writers?
Live within your means and do not over extend so you do have the time to develop your writing.

Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?
Enjoy your children, while they are still young. Read to them as much as you can and make every day special for them. Teach them to love who they are, and look forward to who they will become.

REVIEW: Hugo The Happy Starfish by Ella Johnson

http://mymcbooks.wordpress.com/category/book-review/

Book Review and Giveaway: Hugo The Happy Starfish. Ends Sept 6th


Hugo The Happy Starfish  written and illustrated by Suzy Liebermann

My Review: This is a fun and interesting book for every household and classroom. When we find something we don’t like about ourselves, we look for ways to change things. When Hugo met Magic Manta he told him that he was small and ugly and if only he could be big and handsome. So Magic Manta granted Hugo six magic wishes. So Hugo wished to be big and handsome. But when he saw his new look he said to Magic Manta that he looks ugly. So Hugo learnt an important lesson, the lesson was to appreciate who he is. Children needs to learn to have confident, be content and happy with who they are and how they look.

This book teaches a simple introduction to Spanish language, lessons of character, ecological alertness and life skills. I highly recommend this book.

FTC Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. I was not monetarily compensated for my opinion in any way.

 Giveaway (US ONLY)
Comments like these would be deleted –  Great contest, Please enter me, Love to win this!, This is so cute! So please leave a helpful comment relating to this book.
PLEASE FOLLOW ALL MANDATORY RULES – Rukes not followed will be deleted immediately.
Mandatory: Leave your comments in the comment field below Don’t forget to leave your email address for contact if you win.
Giveaway Ends September  6th  @ 12 noon
1 Copy of the book will be given to the winner.
The winner will be selected via Random.org

Monday, July 25, 2011

MUNDI KIDS BOOK REVIEW - It's a GOOD READ

Book Review: HUGO THE HAPPY STARFISH


Written & Illustrated By Suzy Liebermann
Published by Happy Language Kids LLC
Released on November 1st, 2010
Source- book from author for review
Ages 3 & up
3.5 stars- It's A Good Read

Happiness Begins Within
... a story about self-esteemHugo the Happy Starfish Learns to Love HimselfHugo is a little starfish living in the big green ocean. Every day Hugo smiles and makes other creatures happy—and doing that makes Hugo happy. But one day Hugo stops smiling. He begins to feel small and ugly, convinced that nobody likes him. Hugo decides that he should try to be more like the Magic Manta so that everyone will like him. Join Hugo on his journey as he discovers that being himself is the best way to be—and the only way to be happy.

Hugo's story is a good way to teach kids about having a good self-esteem and to be happy with the way they are. Hugo is a happy star fish who likes making others feel happy, but when he's granted a few wishes he decides he wants to change a few thing he doesn't like about himself. Hugo learns a great lesson and once those changes are made he wishes he could be himself again.

With it's cute, brightly colored pages, Hugo will teach kids to be happy just being themselves. The only compliant I have is I felt the Spanish translation were really random through out the story. I would have loved to see the translations on every page and not just in the middle of some of the sentences or on certain pages. This is a great story that will each kids to have a good self-esteem and like Hugo learned, they too will realize they're special just the way they are.