Over $2,133 raised Jan. 2015 to date!
* Book proceeds are donated by using order form below *
Birth of the Sammy Shelter Project
Creative since childhood, it wasn't until I attended college that I learned I could draw. Sammy Sparrow’s First Flight (ages 2-8) was created within 1 to 2 weeks during a holiday break when I was in college. I sat on the floor in my bedroom at my parent’s home with my drawing pads and chalks flaking dust up to my elbows. The book images came to me first and years later I fine-tuned the words.
While in college a self-publishing company was interested in printing my book, but being a poor college student I could not move forward. I put “Sammy Sparrow’s First Flight” away in scrap book sleeves until now.
I initially went to college to be a veterinarian. I changed my major to English and still help creatures with the written word, my art and volunteering with humane organizations.
It is only fitting to finally let this project fly from the nest, like Sammy. And it is fitting to help humane organizations that I have grown to know and some I have volunteered with.
Most of my books and art have assisted humane charities while hopefully making people smile with the text and images.
While in college a self-publishing company was interested in printing my book, but being a poor college student I could not move forward. I put “Sammy Sparrow’s First Flight” away in scrap book sleeves until now.
I initially went to college to be a veterinarian. I changed my major to English and still help creatures with the written word, my art and volunteering with humane organizations.
It is only fitting to finally let this project fly from the nest, like Sammy. And it is fitting to help humane organizations that I have grown to know and some I have volunteered with.
Most of my books and art have assisted humane charities while hopefully making people smile with the text and images.
"For all the creatures I have rescued or tried to rescue since childhood."
- book dedication
- book dedication
All $10 from each book purchase will be
donated to the organization you choose and
note on the form downloadable below.
A list of organizations is included by scrolling down on this page.
Click one of the buttons here to obtain
a book order form (PDF or Docx)
You must order your book(s) via mail with the form here to process your donation. Please click the button and save the form to your desktop, print it, fill it out and mail it with the appropriate payment to the address noted on the form.
* Only print books will be offered with a donation.
Images from Sammy Sparrow's First Flight
What reviewers are saying ...
“I really enjoyed this book and like the lesson it teaches about waiting until one is ready to do something - and parents being there to love and protect.”
- 15andmeowing.com *** “This is such a sweet story with beautiful illustrations. It's absolutely perfect for young children. I would highly recommend "Sammy Sparrow's First Flight" to anyone who has a young child. It makes a perfect bedtime story for any child who loves animals.” - fureverywhere.blogspot.com *** “..it is well presented, beautifully illustrated and the sentiment within the story resonates. I think parents with young children who are just learning to read will love it!" - cataustin.blogspot.com *** “This is a sweet story about a curious and fearless young bird who wants his independence and is trying to grow up too fast. We love the cute and colorful illustrations and especially like that Tracy is helping raise money for local rescue organizations.” - pawesomecats.com |
“The illustrations, which Tracy has done herself, are precious – little Sammy’s character has all the wide-eyed wonder that any little one has – anxious to see the world – curious about everything – knowing no fear. So you immediately feel a bond with him as he’s so vulnerable.
The story is short and sweet and illustrates a number of 'lessons' I think but the one that I felt as I reluctantly closed the book after reading it was that children and little ones of all kinds shouldn’t be too anxious to leave the nest ... life is so BIG and our time as youngsters is relatively short. We should take our cue from those who know and love us the most and take our time getting to know what we can and can’t do well before embarking on life’s BIG adventure! It’s just one of those stories that stays with you because the message is so meaningful and one that I think little children 'absorb' easily.” - onespoiledcat.wordpress.com *** “In addition to writing the book, Tracy Ahrens illustrated it as well and as you can see, the pictures are beautiful!” - www.thedailypip.com *** “…her wonderful way with the written word is doing amazing things; to not just support the animals with monetary help, but to open up people’s eyes to the world around them and the love animals bring into your lives.” - www.thebookofbarkley. blogspot.com |
2017 Creative Child Magazine Award
"Book of the Year"
Sammy Sparrow's First Flight earn the Creative Child Magazine Awards Program 2017 Book of the Year Award in the category of Books for Kids or Parents, and the sub-category of Books for Preschoolers. Judge's comments included:
“Love the cover art, very cute. Great lessons taught in this book about the importance of following the rules for safety.”
“Lovely book for mommy and child to read together or just for child to look at”
“I like the size of the book and the number of pages. Great for bedtime because it's not too long.”
Creative Child Magazine is a national monthly parenting magazine that expands the definition of creativity by providing originality and spontaneity to parents seeking resources to nurture their child's creativity. See the book on their website by clicking this button.
“Love the cover art, very cute. Great lessons taught in this book about the importance of following the rules for safety.”
“Lovely book for mommy and child to read together or just for child to look at”
“I like the size of the book and the number of pages. Great for bedtime because it's not too long.”
Creative Child Magazine is a national monthly parenting magazine that expands the definition of creativity by providing originality and spontaneity to parents seeking resources to nurture their child's creativity. See the book on their website by clicking this button.
The birdhouse that inspired this book...
This is the birdhouse I rescued baby sparrows from beneath when I was a child.
The pole was much taller, but shortened over the years after damage to it.
The lady who owned this birdhouse passed away and the birdhouse was among her possessions being auctioned off. I purchased it because of its role in my life.
It now stands along the wood fence in my backyard.
The pole was much taller, but shortened over the years after damage to it.
The lady who owned this birdhouse passed away and the birdhouse was among her possessions being auctioned off. I purchased it because of its role in my life.
It now stands along the wood fence in my backyard.
Shelters benefiting from
Sammy Shelter Project
Newman Nation: Senior Pets United, based in Libertyville, IL. is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization committed to rescuing, providing care for and re-homing senior cats and dogs across the United States. Their goal is to work with every major city's animal shelters and animal control facilities to find urgent and overlooked senior cats and dogs. They only admit special needs and hospice cats and dogs over the age of 10. They do not accept owner surrenders. All animals are placed in foster homes where they remain until adoption or death. Click the button below to reach their website.
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New Beginnings for Cats, located in Bourbonnais, IL. is a cage free shelter for cats rescued from abuse, neglect, indifference and homelessness. New Beginnings wants to make a difference in the lives of cats in the community. They wish to help cats overcome the situations that have hurt and damaged them and watch them bloom into wonderful family pets curled on warm laps contentedly purring. Click the button below to reach their website.
Although River Valley Animal Rescue is new to Kankakee County, IL. the rescue team is not. They started working for National Animal Welfare Society (NAWS) in March, 2010. They rescued 307 animals in 22 months. In February, 2012 they decided to leave NAWS and focus only on the Kankakee County animals in need. River Valley Animal Rescue, Inc. began. Click the button below to reach their website.
Cache Creek Animal Rescue is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) charity organization dedicated to rescuing stray and abandoned animals. They are located in Union County, IL. and rescue animals in 11 counties throughout southern Illinois. They have 150+ animals in their shelter at any time. They transport these animals to the Chicagoland region for adoption. Recently they opened a new adoption center in Joliet where animals can also be viewed for adoption. Click the button below to reach their website.
Illinois Horse Rescue of Will County is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with offices and barn facilities in Beecher, IL and Peotone, IL. Click the button below to reach their website.
Iroquois County Animal Rescue was created in 2008
in response to many domestic animals that were left displaced by the floods of January and February 2008 in Watseka, IL. They have since expanded their scope to include all of Iroquois County. ICARe is a 501(c)(3)
non profit organization. Click the button below to reach their website.
in response to many domestic animals that were left displaced by the floods of January and February 2008 in Watseka, IL. They have since expanded their scope to include all of Iroquois County. ICARe is a 501(c)(3)
non profit organization. Click the button below to reach their website.
Hospice Hearts (based in Urbana, IL.) is a foster-based rescue specializing in re-homing cats and dogs who have lost their owners due to terminal illness or the owner passing away. They take in animals whose owners have entered hospice care, nursing homes, or are otherwise unable to care for their companion animals due to serious illness or injury. They are dedicated to providing thorough and quality vet care to adoptable pets, respecting the strong bond owners had with their pets, aiding animals in their own grieving process, and finally finding forever families for the adoptable animals.
Click the button below to reach their website.
Click the button below to reach their website.
3D Wildlife Rescue & Rehab, based in Kankakee, IL. rescues and rehabilitates small, orphaned mammals (specializing in squirrels, bunnies and opossums ) in the Kankakee County area.
Founded in 2005, 3D Wildlife Rescue & Rehab became a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization in 2016. This all-volunteer organization provides species-specific foods to meet rescue animal’s nutritional needs, housing, veterinary care and medications to promote proper growth and development. The animals are then released back into their proper wild habitat.
Click the button below to see their Facebook page.
Founded in 2005, 3D Wildlife Rescue & Rehab became a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization in 2016. This all-volunteer organization provides species-specific foods to meet rescue animal’s nutritional needs, housing, veterinary care and medications to promote proper growth and development. The animals are then released back into their proper wild habitat.
Click the button below to see their Facebook page.
"Sammy Sparrow's First Flight" publisher information
Guardian Angel Publishing
www.GuardianAngelPublishing.com
"Sammy Sparrow’s First Flight"
Copyright © 2014 Tracy Ahrens
Softcover ISBN: 9781616335847; 161633584X
eBook ISBN: 9781616335854; 1616335858
Purchase PDF eBook DOWNLOAD $5
Purchase PRINT Book $9.95 + $5.95 shipping
"Parents set rules for their children for a reason. Sammy Sparrow quickly learns why while trying to fly alone at night. His wings are weak and Sammy falls into a bush below. The world looks scary from the ground. A friendly owl flies Sammy back home to sleep under his parents’ wings."
www.GuardianAngelPublishing.com
"Sammy Sparrow’s First Flight"
Copyright © 2014 Tracy Ahrens
Softcover ISBN: 9781616335847; 161633584X
eBook ISBN: 9781616335854; 1616335858
Purchase PDF eBook DOWNLOAD $5
Purchase PRINT Book $9.95 + $5.95 shipping
"Parents set rules for their children for a reason. Sammy Sparrow quickly learns why while trying to fly alone at night. His wings are weak and Sammy falls into a bush below. The world looks scary from the ground. A friendly owl flies Sammy back home to sleep under his parents’ wings."
"Like" the Sammy Shelter Project on Facebook.
Click the button here.
Click the button here.
Media & Appearances
"Sammy Sparrow's First Flight" is listed among fiction works by Illinois Woman's Press Association authors:
IWPA
IWPA
Eureka College Class Notes
Eureka College, Eureka, Il. mentions "Sammy Sparrow" in their newsletter/ college Class Notes. Click here to read the mention.
Chicago Tribune TribLocal
Chicago Tribune's TribLocal notes "Sammy Sparrow" and the Shelter Project. Click on this link or view the attachment. TribLocal Link
Midwest Author Club
The Midwest Author Club notes "Sammy Sparrow." Click here: MAC
Illinois Center for the Book
Illinois Center for the Book notes "Sammy Sparrow" among my book titles. Click here: ICfortheBOOK
Melissa's Mochas, Mysteries & Meows
Pet blogger site Melissa's Mochas, Mysteries & Meows notes books that are helping shelters. "Sammy Sparrow's First Flight" is among them. She also notes New Beginnings shelter specifically.
Click the button here.
Click the button here.
WGFA radio
WGFA 94.1 FM and 1360 AM out of Watseka, Il. shared a radio spot about my book, "Sammy Sparrow's First Flight" and the shelter project. Click here for an MP3 of that feature story spot!
WGFA radio posts story on their website
WGFA 94.1 FM and 1360 AM out of Watseka, Il. shared a radio spot about my book, "Sammy Sparrow's First Flight" and the shelter project. They also posted a print version of the story on their website. Click here for that posting.
BIG BARK
Big Bark website shared news about "Sammy Sparrow's First Flight" and the shelter project. Click here.
Bourbonnais Herald Country Market
Bourbonnais Herald Country Market (Bourbonnais, Il.) shared a piece about "Sammy Sparrow's First Flight" and the shelter project the week of Feb. 3, 2015.
The Herald-News - Joliet, Illinois
The Herald-News newspaper based in Joliet, Il. shared an image of "Sammy Sparrow's First Flight" and information on the shelter project in their Feb. 9, 2015 edition. Click here for a pdf of the full page.
Momence Progress Reporter - Momence, Illinois
The Momence Progress Reporter, Momence, Illinois shared news about "Sammy Sparrow's First Flight" in their Feb. 4, 2015 edition, page 6.
The Lone Tree Leader - Onarga, Illinois
The Lone Tree Leader newspaper based in Onarga, Illinois ran a story about "Sammy Sparrow's First Flight" and the shelter project on Feb. 13, 2015. A PDF file is available by clicking here.
WVLI 92.7 FM - Bourbonnais, Illinois
WVLI 92.7 FM based in Bourbonnais, Illinois ran a news segment about "Sammy Sparrow's First Flight" and the shelter project multiple times the morning of Feb. 13, 2015. Click here for a recording of that segment.
The Daily Journal - Kankakee, Illinois
The Daily Journal, Kankakee, shared news about "Sammy Sparrow's First Flight" and the shelter project in their Feb. 13, 2015 edition.
WagtheDogUK.com
WagtheDogUK shared a post about Sammy Sparrow's First Flight and the shelter project. They are based in the UK. Click the button below for the link.
New Beginnings for Cats fund-raiser event
Feb. 21, 2015 New Beginnings for Cats shelter held a Pasta Dinner fund-raiser in Bourbonnais, Illinois. I was there with my books, "Sammy Sparrow's First Flight," and sold a wonderful amount - 14. 13 of those were selected by purchasers to help New Beginnings. I donated ALL proceeds from those books to New Beginnings at the event. So 13 books at $9.95. That's close to $130. My goal was to sell 10 at least. I hope to do this for each of the 9 organizations I am assisting with the book. I would like to attend at least one event per year for each group and sell my books and donate all the proceeds gathered at that event. A couple of images of me signing books at the event are shown here. Thank you to everyone.
Cat Chat with Caren and Cody
Blogger, Caren Osrin Gittleman shares information about "Sammy Sparrow" and the shelter project on her blog - Cat Chat with Caren and Cody. Click the button below to view the post!
Printers Row Journal - Chicago Tribune
The Chicago Tribune Printers Row Journal shared information online on March 5, 2015 about "Sammy Sparrow's First Flight." Click the button below for the link and scroll down to read the brief. Or download a printable view of the page by clicking the "PDF Version" button below.
OneSpoiledCat blogger book review
Pamela Kimmell, blog writer of OneSpoiledCat, based in Virginia, wrote a review for "Sammy Sparrow's First Flight." You can read her review by clicking on the button below.
Danville Commercial News
The Danville Commercial News (Danville, Illinois) featured a story about "Sammy Sparrow's First Flight" in their March 15, 2015 edition. Click the following button to see the link.
CornerStone Media
CornerStone Media (Illinois) ran a story about "Sammy Sparrow" in their March 5 edition of all 7 of their newspapers. A link to the online version is available by clicking the button below.
Their newspapers include:
Beecher Herald
Crete-Monee Record-Monitor
Grant Park Gazette
Manhattan American
Manteno News
New Lenox Community Reporter
Peotone Vedette
Their newspapers include:
Beecher Herald
Crete-Monee Record-Monitor
Grant Park Gazette
Manhattan American
Manteno News
New Lenox Community Reporter
Peotone Vedette
Blog 15andMeowing.com
Blogger Ellen Pilch with 15andMeowing.com shared a review about "Sammy Sparrow's First Flight." She is based in Massachusetts. Read her review by clicking on the following button.
Chicago Tribune - Pets&Animals
The Chicago Tribune's online Life&Style/Pets&Animals page mentions "Sammy Sparrow" in their March 9, 2015 edition. Click the button to read!
The Daily Pip - blog
Kristin Avery, blogger of The Daily Pip, shares a post about "Sammy Sparrow's First Flight" and a mention on her Facebook page. She is based in Evanston, Illinois. Click the button to read.
WKAN 1320 AM, Kankakee, Illinois
STARadio, WKAN 1320 AM out of Kankakee, Illinois aired a news segment March 25, 2015 about "Sammy Sparrow's First Flight" and the shelter project. Click the button below to hear a recording of the segment.
The Book of Barkley - blog
LB Johnson, author of "The Book of Barkley - Love and Life Through the Eyes of a Labrador Retriever” (Amazon #1 best seller - pets/essays), shared information about “Sammy Sparrow’s First Flight” and the Shelter Project through her blog, "The Book of Barkley." See that blog post from March 23, 2015 by clicking the blog button below.
She also shared the book on her Pinterest page among “LB’s Book of Barkley, Beloved Pet Books.” You can also see that link below.
She also shared the book on her Pinterest page among “LB’s Book of Barkley, Beloved Pet Books.” You can also see that link below.
Austin Towers - UK blog
Carolyn Retallick, creator of the blog (CAT) achresis featuring Austin Towers the International Cat of Literary Intrigue wrote a fun review about "Sammy Sparrow's First Flight" and the Shelter Project. She is based in the UK. Her cat, Austin Towers, is shown with a copy of the book. Austin has a facebook page, too. Look under Austin Towers. Click the button below for the link to her blog post.
River Valley Animal Rescue - Vendor Fair
River Valley Animal Rescue held their Vendor Fair April 4, 2015 at the Quality Inn in Bradley, Illinois. They raised $2,182 for the shelter. I was there selling and signing copies of "Sammy Sparrow's First Flight" as part of the Shelter Project. I had a goal of selling 10 books and did just that - 10 books sold. It was a $100 donation. All proceeds to RVAR.
XCountry 106.5 FM
XCountry 106.5 FM out of Kankakee, Illinois aired a segment on April 3, 2015 with me discussing "Sammy Sparrow's First Flight" and the shelter project. Radio host, Maggi Mayfield did the interview. The MP3 file of that interview is available by clicking on the button below.
Pawesome Cats blog
Pawesome Cats, a blog written by a lady who lives in Australia, shared a book review April 2, 2015 about "Sammy Sparrow's First Flight." See that review by clicking the button below.
Puppies for adoption website mention
Through a Google search I found the following website mentioned my book "Sammy Sparrow's First Flight." Click the button below.
Fur Everywhere blog review
Blogger Sierra Koester of Colorado writes a blog called "Fur Everywhere." She shared a review of "Sammy Sparrow's First Flight" on April 22, 2015. You can view her review by clicking the button below.
Styrk news mention
The Danville Commercial News review of "Sammy Sparrow's First Flight" made it to a news service wire called Styrk. Click the button below for the link.
Styrk is a multi-channel news platform and social network. Styrk content is contributed and managed by Styrk community members and supplemented by news from scores of other credentialed news partners including Watchdog, SportsXchange and Pew Center’s Stateline News Service, not to mention 237 television stations and more than 300 newspapers.
Styrk is a multi-channel news platform and social network. Styrk content is contributed and managed by Styrk community members and supplemented by news from scores of other credentialed news partners including Watchdog, SportsXchange and Pew Center’s Stateline News Service, not to mention 237 television stations and more than 300 newspapers.
National Help a Horse Day -
Illinois Horse Rescue of Will County
April 26, 2015 was national Help a Horse Day. Illinois Horse Rescue Of Will County held events on that day at their rescue location in Beecher, Illinois. I sold copies of "Sammy Sparrow's First Flight" and gave all proceeds to the rescue group. A total of $80 was donated. Shown are some images.
Book World in Danville, Illinois
May 2, 2015 I was at Book World in Danville, Illinois with other local authors to sell and sign our books. I brought "Sammy Sparrow's First Flight." I left five autographed copies there for future sales. They are showcased on a local author display. The store is located in Village Mall, 2917 N. Vermillion Street. Shown are images of my table and signing a few books.
Blog post - Stephanie Taylor
Writer Stephanie Taylor of Chicago shares a blog post about the Sammy Shelter Project. Click the button below to view the page.
American Pet Magazine
American Pet Magazine features a story about "Sammy Sparrow's First Flight" in Volume 4, Issue 3, 2015. Visit page 27 for the feature. A link to the magazine PDF is below.
I Love Cats magazine
I Love Cats magazine posted a mention about "Sammy Sparrow's First Flight" on their Facebook page, December 2015
Pet Life Radio interview
Listen to an interview with Tim Link on Pet Life Radio from February 2016. We discuss "Sammy Sparrow's First Flight." Click on the brown Pet Life Radio button below and it will direct you to the site page. From there, click on the red play button.
Writers and Authors interview
A March 2016 interview with Writers and Authors. Writers and Authors website provides a one-stop place for people in the writing industry to learn, promote and network. Click the button below for the interview link.
Tri-Point Lower Elementary: Pennies for Pets
Tri-Point Lower Elementary students participated in an April PBIS celebration April 28, 2016 in Kempton, Illinois.
I was invited by Angela Winger-Bryan, Asst. Principal, to participate in the PBIS events by speaking to/reading to kindergarten through third grade students.
Positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS) is a way for schools to encourage good behavior. With PBIS, kids learn about behavior, just as they learn other subjects like math or science.
A month prior Angela asked if I could visit the school and read my most recent book, "Sammy Sparrow's First Flight," to the children. My schedule would not allow it. I did, however, send her a signed copy of the book for their library. Angela then came up with another idea. She asked the students to host a Pennies for Pets fund raising drive during April. When the month ended, she asked if I could visit the school and accept the funds to donate to humane organizations I am helping with my book. All proceeds from the sale of my book are being donated to nine area humane organizations.
I was thrilled at this idea. I told her I would visit and read to the children when their fund raising drive was over.
At the event the children presented $194 in coins that they raised.
I showed them one image of each of my pets on a big screen and shared that the funds will help rescued pets like mine get health care, food and a new loving home. All of my images showed my pets wearing hats of some sort. The children laughed.
I then read two of my books, "Cloud Jumpers" and "What if the Moon?" Images of illustrations from my books were shown on a screen.
Before the children saw the "Cloud Jumpers" illustrations, I asked them to imagine what they thought a Cloud Jumper would look like. They each drew an image. Then I revealed what my first idea of a Cloud Jumper would look like, and then what book illustrator Gene Ruble came up with for my final book.
I signed and donated a copy of all three of my books for their school library.
I divided the funds raised between all of the humane organizations I am assisting.
Please click on the link here to see the children's art and more event images. It is shared on my page "places i've been & reviews."
I was invited by Angela Winger-Bryan, Asst. Principal, to participate in the PBIS events by speaking to/reading to kindergarten through third grade students.
Positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS) is a way for schools to encourage good behavior. With PBIS, kids learn about behavior, just as they learn other subjects like math or science.
A month prior Angela asked if I could visit the school and read my most recent book, "Sammy Sparrow's First Flight," to the children. My schedule would not allow it. I did, however, send her a signed copy of the book for their library. Angela then came up with another idea. She asked the students to host a Pennies for Pets fund raising drive during April. When the month ended, she asked if I could visit the school and accept the funds to donate to humane organizations I am helping with my book. All proceeds from the sale of my book are being donated to nine area humane organizations.
I was thrilled at this idea. I told her I would visit and read to the children when their fund raising drive was over.
At the event the children presented $194 in coins that they raised.
I showed them one image of each of my pets on a big screen and shared that the funds will help rescued pets like mine get health care, food and a new loving home. All of my images showed my pets wearing hats of some sort. The children laughed.
I then read two of my books, "Cloud Jumpers" and "What if the Moon?" Images of illustrations from my books were shown on a screen.
Before the children saw the "Cloud Jumpers" illustrations, I asked them to imagine what they thought a Cloud Jumper would look like. They each drew an image. Then I revealed what my first idea of a Cloud Jumper would look like, and then what book illustrator Gene Ruble came up with for my final book.
I signed and donated a copy of all three of my books for their school library.
I divided the funds raised between all of the humane organizations I am assisting.
Please click on the link here to see the children's art and more event images. It is shared on my page "places i've been & reviews."
Hospice Hearts - French Market
I attended the Hospice Hearts fund raising event, French Market, April 17, 2016 in Champaign, Illinois and sold my children's book, "Sammy Sparrow's First Flight" to help the organization and its endeavors. All proceeds, $9.95 each, went to the organization during this event. I sold 3 books donating $30 and met incredibly passionate volunteers who love animals. Their Market event raised over $5,000 that day. Shown above is an image of the table where my books were displayed (foreground), and in the image below I am pictured speaking with a lady who purchased a book.
Hospice Hearts website is http://www.hospicehearts.org/
Hospice Hearts website is http://www.hospicehearts.org/
Book sold on Walmart.com
"Sammy Sparrow's First Flight" was spotted among items for purchase through Walmart.com.
Click this link.
Click this link.
Funds raised and letters ready
to be mailed to shelters
Jason's birthday party fund-raiser
For the past 2 years, Cache Creek Animal Rescue volunteer, Jason, has celebrated his birthday at CCAR with his friends and family, requesting donations for CCAR in lieu of birthday presents. Each year the stack of donations has grown. He wanted to do something bigger to help CCAR this year, so he asked his family to invite as many people as possible. The event was held May 6, 2017 at New Lenox Petco. Jason sold 10 of the "Sammy Sparrow's First Flight" books, donating $100 to CCAR. Spikes from the Joliet Slammers was also on hand.
Story on the project in a blog, Maria's Musings
Blogger, Maria Appleby, shared a story about the Sammy Shelter Project in her blog, Maria's Musings. Please click the button here to see her story.
Daily Journal newspaper, Kankakee, Illinois
The Daily Journal newspaper based in Kankakee, Illinois noted "Sammy Sparrow's First Flight" earning the Creative Child Magazine Book of the Year award, 2017. Click the button below for the online version.
WVLI 92.7 radio spot - Bourbonnais, Illinois
News about earning the 2017 Book of the Year Award.
Click this button to listen.
Click this button to listen.
Two WGFA 94.1 FM radio spots -
Watseka, Illinois
News about earning the 2017 Book of the Year Award. Click these buttons to listen to two different broadcasts.
WVLI and WIVR news
Local radio stations WVLI and WIVR aired information about "Sammy Sparrow's First Flight" earning the Creative Child Magazine 2017 Book of the Year Award. See their links below for online news.
Amazon.com review from reader
This review is posted on Amazon.com by a reader for "Sammy Sparrow's First Flight." Click the button to take you to the web page for the review.
5.0 out of 5 stars - A Classic in Children's Stories
By: L. Paul July 18, 2015
Format: Paperback
"I bought the book directly from the author as part of a fundraiser for Illinois animal rescue organizations. I ended up buying a second one as it is a book any child would love. The illustrations and beautifully rendered and capture the eye, and the simple story is one both a child and a parent can relate to. This is a book that will be cherished long after the initial read."
5.0 out of 5 stars - A Classic in Children's Stories
By: L. Paul July 18, 2015
Format: Paperback
"I bought the book directly from the author as part of a fundraiser for Illinois animal rescue organizations. I ended up buying a second one as it is a book any child would love. The illustrations and beautifully rendered and capture the eye, and the simple story is one both a child and a parent can relate to. This is a book that will be cherished long after the initial read."
Momence Progress Reporter, Momence, Illinois
Momence Progress Reporter, online version of the newspaper - page 9, shows news of my book, "Sammy Sparrow's First Flight," winning the Book of the Year award, 2017. Click this link to view the August 23, 2017 edition.
Bourbonnais Herald, Bourbonnais, Illinois
August 29, 2017 the Bourbonnais Herald ran a small piece on my book earning the Book of the Year Award.
Creative Play Retailer magazine
See my ad for "Sammy Sparrow's First Flight" in the July, 2017 issue of Creative Play Retailer magazine. My children's book was named Book of the Year in the Kids Books category for the 2017 Creative Child Magazine Awards. The ad is on page 12. This is an electronic magazine version. Click the button below for the online version.
Book sold on Kmart.com
Sammy Sparrow's First Flight was being sold on Kmart.com. Click this button to view the page.
Book ad popped up on Facebook
Windy Kitty Cat Cafe, Chicago
In March 2018 I visited the Windy Kitty Cat Cafe located at 1746 W North Ave. in Chicago.
The cafe opened in December of 2017.
I had contacted the owner, Jenny Tiner, and said I’d like to bring them some copies of my children’s book, Sammy Sparrow’s First Flight, so they can sell them and keep all of the proceeds to help care for the cats there. I also made a print of one of the book illustrations that features a cat, Chester. I had the image professionally framed and presented it to Jenny to hang in the cafe.
I had it wrapped in brown paper and we let the cats enjoy playing with the paper.
My books are all autographed and I placed them in a specially made wooden holder. Jenny placed them on a shelf in the cafe.
If they sell out - I’ll send/take more.
Jenny said she plans to have a children’s reading event there sometime and I offered to come read to the kids.
The cafe has adoptable kitties brought to them from Friends of Chicago Animal Care and Control and Famous Fido.
They sell Windy Kitty themed T-shirts to raise funds.
Please read more about the cafe at the link below.
You see an image of me and Jenny Tiner, my books on a shelf, my framed art print and images inside and out of the cafe. I snapped some images of adoptable kitties too.
Please visit them. They encourage reservations. There is an entrance fee (helps provide for the cats). The hours are unique with a two hour closed “nap time” daily so the cats can rest.
The cafe opened in December of 2017.
I had contacted the owner, Jenny Tiner, and said I’d like to bring them some copies of my children’s book, Sammy Sparrow’s First Flight, so they can sell them and keep all of the proceeds to help care for the cats there. I also made a print of one of the book illustrations that features a cat, Chester. I had the image professionally framed and presented it to Jenny to hang in the cafe.
I had it wrapped in brown paper and we let the cats enjoy playing with the paper.
My books are all autographed and I placed them in a specially made wooden holder. Jenny placed them on a shelf in the cafe.
If they sell out - I’ll send/take more.
Jenny said she plans to have a children’s reading event there sometime and I offered to come read to the kids.
The cafe has adoptable kitties brought to them from Friends of Chicago Animal Care and Control and Famous Fido.
They sell Windy Kitty themed T-shirts to raise funds.
Please read more about the cafe at the link below.
You see an image of me and Jenny Tiner, my books on a shelf, my framed art print and images inside and out of the cafe. I snapped some images of adoptable kitties too.
Please visit them. They encourage reservations. There is an entrance fee (helps provide for the cats). The hours are unique with a two hour closed “nap time” daily so the cats can rest.