The Royal Palm Has Earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval

Children's Literary Classics is pleased to announce that the children's picture book, The Royal Palm, written by Mrs. D. and illustrated by Chanoa, has been selected to receive the Children's Literary Classics Seal of Approval.  The CLC Seal of Approval is a designation reserved for those books which uphold the rigorous criteria set forth by the Children's Literary Classics review committee, a team comprised of individuals with backgrounds in publishing, editing, writing, illustration and graphic design.

The royal palm is a beautiful young tree growing up in the shadows of her simple cousins, the short, plain palms.  While she is still little, the royal palm's cousins protect the young tree from the storms that threaten to whisk her into the raging sea.  But as the royal palm sees herself growing and becoming more tall and slender than the other trees on the beach, she begins to think herself too good for them.  She is determined to be alone and dreams of someday leaving everyone and everything behind.  Despite her haughty attitude, the royal palm's cousins remain loving and welcoming towards her.

After a terrible storm uproots her from her home the royal palm soon learns to appreciate her cousins, finally coming to understand that everyone needs someone. 

The Royal Palm, byMrs. D., is beautifully told with powerful imagery which brings this story to life.  Vibrant and expressive illustrations provide an exquisite backdrop for this book which is sure to delight young readers.  The Royal Palm is recommended for home and school libraries and has earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.

Children’s Literary Classics, an organization dedicated to furthering excellence in  children’s literature, takes great pride in its role to help promote classic children's literature which appeals to youth, while educating and encouraging positive values in the impressionable young minds of future generations.   To learn more about Children's Literary Classics, you may visit their website at www.clcawards.org or www.childrensliteraryclassics.com 

Two Destinies: Nostalgia for the Past

By Mrs.D.

One morning, sitting on the balcony of my Florida apartment, I watched  the busy life pulsating beneath the exotic plants, which tower above the sparkling pool. The sun shimmered in the cloudless sky, merging on the pinkish horizon with blue water, caught in its silver net, sinking to the bottom of the peacefully murmuring ocean. Wandering between waving trees, the playful wind brought a fresh breeze, filled with the salty aroma of drying seaweed washed up on the sandy beach.

Taking a deep breath of the saltwater fragrance, I admired the glittering pool, its waters quietly splashing the tiled edges, surrounded by the green foliage. Neatly enclosed by the paved courtyard, a lively fountain played in the sun, providing a calming melody in the moist air, which was filled with scents of the ocean and tree blossoms, and of freshly brewed coffee, wafting through the open kitchen door. Reaching my feet, the gracious royal palms stretched their wide leaves toward the sun, which beamed its warmth down on the garden. Tall and noble, they hardly moved in the warm breeze, enjoying the sunrise, burning with gold along the coastline. There was something magical and fascinating about these proud trees, which always made me respect and admire nature.

The gate opened suddenly, and the gardeners brought a bunch of new trees into the garden. A stunning silver palm drew my attention immediately. Intriguing and mysterious, the slim tree was leaning against the brick wall, waiting penitently for her turn. There was something captivating and beautiful about this gorgeous specimen, something familiar—something I already knew and relived, something I experienced when I was uprooted from my native land.

Some sad and happy memories were connecting me to this exquisite newcomer. Maybe it was nostalgia for the past, sympathy for my dead dreams, lost happiness and friends, fears and guilt, and excitement for the new beginning. Watching the gardeners planting the silent palm into the warm soil, I felt as if it was me, once again, reliving my ordeal and following my uncertain destiny. The quiet palm trembled in the wind, slowly unfolding green leaves, reaching toward the sun, which was bathing her elegant body. She shyly hid her green crown between other trees in the garden, as if she was unsure of her own choice, frightened of her future and of what her life would be like inside this glorious garden.

I wondered, was she as scared as I was when I left my home twenty years ago on a freezing February day to follow my dreams and search for my destiny? Was she feeling the way I did, uprooted and stripped from the past, lonesome for friends and family, isolated and scared, uncertain about everything? Was she as sad as I was about leaving the old life behind, or was she just happy to finally be free, without regrets and remorse, with no tears for the past or lost opportunities? Was she crying inside, falling apart as I did when I watched the approaching train, loudly whistling an annoying tune, making my heart break and shattering my restless soul into millions of pieces? Was she hugging her friends with trembling hands as I did, kissing their wet faces, soaked in rain and tears, shed for the wrong reasons?

Was she battling a war inside her heart, doubting her choice, terrified of an unfamiliar land, only seen in her dreams, or was she following her natural instinct, trusting her gut that the light would be there when she reached the end of the tunnel? Was the regal palm challenging her strength, her faith, and her will to do what it takes to make this land her home, her country? Would she have enough wisdom to accept a new life, new culture, new language, and new friends, and live in solidarity with a new world, or would she hold herself apart from everyone and spend the rest of her life in solitude? Was she feeling as lonely as I was, sobbing like a child, watching the dirty platform of the busy train station through the wet window of the departing train?  Was the beautiful palm realizing that it's the end of her old life, the end of the road, whether it was covered in thorns or rose petals?

Was it hard for her to leave behind everything she had known, everything she had worked for, or was she looking forward to her new future? Was she excited about her new home, new successes, new victories, or did she feel lost and scared, as I was, that her dreams would crash like crystal? Was the royal palm thinking what I thought on that gloomy afternoon, wondering if the new country would welcome me with open arms or abandon me like a piece of unwanted rubbish? Was she happier and braver than I was, less discouraged and sad about her past, lost chances, crushed dreams, or was she strong and smart enough to hide her fears and loneliness behind her beauty?

 Why do I still feel this unbearable pain when I recall the day I left my country? Why can I not shake the image of my youngest daughter clutched to her grandfather’s wrinkly face, who was asking if she would ever forget him? Why do I still want to howl like a wolf when I think of my older daughter freezing in her best friend’s arms, whispering, “I will come back for your graduation”? Why do I still feel the agonizing shame of leaving my mother behind for years with my alcoholic father?

Why to this day do I feel as if the earth is splitting beneath my feet when I think about his lonely figure at the end of the train station, holding red velvet roses, covered in hundreds of raindrops. He tried to cheer me up, forgetting that I betrayed our love by running away. Red roses in the rain will always remind me of the guilt I felt when I met his eyes, full of love and desperation. Shivering from the howling, freezing wind, I clung to the cold window of the puffing train, slowly leaving the station, and finishing my tortures. Trading my past for a new unknown world, the promise of a better life, for some reason I did not feel the excitement that should have rushed through my veins like fire, overloading my body with joy and happiness.

What is it about us immigrants that make us feel so sentimental and sad as soon as we've planted seeds in our new country? Why do we feel like traitors for running away and leaving behind the suffering land of our birth?  Why do we feel so nostalgic for the country that crushed our dreams and broke our spirits?  Why do we pretend that not everything was that bad, and are ready to run back, no matter how much we yearned for a new beginning?

Why, as soon as our dreams come true, do we feel homesick and fight nostalgia for everything that tied us to our birth land, which we once called the old country? Why do we only realize what we lost when the time comes to say good-bye? What is it about our native land that makes us come back at the end of our journey?  As an immigrant, I have learned one thing: one part of me will always belong to the old roots, no matter how far my destiny may take me.

Reliving the feeling of the royal palm was a good experience, which gave birth to my new children's book, The Royal Palm, beautifully illustrated by the amazingly talented artist Chanoa. It is a wonderful educational book that provides good lessons for young readers. This charming classic children's book is available in print and as an ebook. Please enjoy this stunning book trailer, created by a very creative team, 
O&O Unique Book Trailers  

  The waves in this book trailer were taped by me in Florida, just across from the majestic garden where the royal  palm lives now.

The Royal Palm was recently honored by Mom's Choice Awards and many more. 

It is receiving heartwarming reviews, which you can read on Amazon. All links to this book are provided below:

The Royal Palm

A meaningful children's book that provides life lessons for children!
ORDER A COPY NOW!

ISBN 13 (SOFT): 978-1457531910

ISBN 13 (HARD): 978-1457533679

www.Amazon.com

www.barnesandnoble.com

www.dogearpublishing.net

Download eBook

Thank you very much for taking your precious time to read my story.

© All Rights Reserved by Mrs.D.Books

Press Release:A Tropical Fable About the Importance of Friends and Family

Proud Palm Learns Lesson with Heart in New Children’s Book by Mrs. D

A self-absorbed palm learns the true meaning of family and friends when disaster strikes her home in this new illustrated book released by Dog Ear Publishing.

• 

Dog Ear Publishing releases “The Royal Palm” by Mrs. D.

a tropical twist to this fable about the importance of friends and family.

GALLOWAY, N.J. –

(PRWEB) January 07, 2015 -- A tropical garden gains a beautiful silver palm, who stretches to the sky and swirls her wide, green leaves, wistfully remembering the island home where she grew up. The Royal Palm shares her story in a new illustrated children’s book released by Dog Ear Publishing. On her home island, the young tree learns just how important friends and family can be to survival – a lesson she takes with her to her new home.

When she was young, the Royal Palm was frightened by hurricanes, which often swept over the island, but her cousins the plain palms protected the shore, standing up to wild storms and strong winds. As she grows tall, slim and beautiful, the self-absorbed tree changes from plain clothes to a shimmering silver dress, disdaining her plainer cousins in their dull dresses. She refuses to play with them, the wind, or any creature that messes up her hair. Even a warning from the sun can’t change her mind – or make her less lonely.

A vicious hurricane, complete with howling winds and crashing waves, threatens Royal Palm, but her cousins the plain palms help shelter her from the damage. In the end, Royal Palm realizes that despite her beauty, she is still a palm and should care for her friends. “The Royal Palm” adds a tropical twist to this fable about the importance of friends and family.

Chanoa, a freelance illustrator who works on children’s books and anime, once again pairs up with Mrs. D with colorful cartoon illustrations. Her computer-generated images burst with color and character, bringing the story to life in vivid detail.

Award-winning children’s author Mrs. D, also known as Olga D’Agostino, has written many children’s books and short stories. “The Trees Have Hearts,” “Good Morning, World!” and “The Little Girl Praying on the Hill” won Mom’s Choice Awards in 2013 and Readers’ Favorite International Awards in 2014. Mrs. D. grew up on a farm in western Ukraine and came to the United States in 1992 and ran her own business. The author, a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, lives in Smithville, N.J., with her husband Patrick.

Published books by Mrs. D. include “Carlo the Mouse on Vacation,” “The Trees Have Hearts” (twice award-winning children's book), “The City Kittens and the Old House Cat,” “Good Morning, World!” (twice award-winning children's book), “Runaway Clothes,” “The Royal Palm,” “The Little Girl Praying on the Hill” (Gold award-winning short story) and Carlo the Mouse, Book 1: “Too Many Rules for One Little Mouse.”

The full series of Carlo the Mouse and her new books “The Mysterious Life Inside a Closet,” “That Is How Things Are” (two connected stories: The Autumn Wind and The Kitten and the Sparrow), and her new book, “The Cat Who Wonders, by Itself,” and three rhyming stories in “Who Is Most Important in the Fridge?” will be published in the near future. Her books are available in print on Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and as e-books for most popular e-devices. She is working on her first novel, “The Chinese Princess,” and a short story, “A Taste of Bread.”

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For additional information, please visit http://www.mrsdbooks.net

The Royal Palm
Mrs. D

Available at Ingram, Amazon.com, Barnes&Noble and fine bookstores everywhere.

 PDF Print

Meaningful Children’s Books: Runaway Clothes and The Royal Palm

Originally published in Mother/Daughter&Son Book Reviews 

 

$50 Book Blast Giveaway + Reviews: Two New Books by Mrs. D (December 2014)

09 Dec 2014

book blast, children's books, early chapter, giveaway, lessons, picture books

by Renee @ Mother Daughter Book Reviews

About Book 1

Title: Runaway Clothes | Author: Mrs. D | Publication Date: May 1, 2014 | Publisher: Dog Ear Publishing | Number of pages: 44 |Recommended age: 6 to 10

Summary: An enlightening story about a little girl named Nika who didn’t want to take care of her clothes and toys. One hazy morning when Nika opened her closet, she discovered that it was empty. Her clothes had disappeared! What had happened to her shirts and pants? Where did her favorite dresses, coats, and socks go? Why did they leave her with just her pajamas on this misty morning? Will they come back? Taking a closer look at her room, Nika starts thinking about her attitude toward her clothes and toys. “How easy it is to lose something you love so much.” She learns an important lesson at the end of this story. Watch your children have a blast reading this story while learning valuable lessons.

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MOM SAYS

Runaway Clothes by Mrs D. had me thinking, “Oh yes, we’ve been there!”  In this funny little story, a little girl opens her closet to learn from the clothes hangers, much to her dismay, that her clothes have run away.  They were tired of being left on the ground, crumpled up, and treated so poorly.  As the little girl surveys her room, she also sees how all of her toys are also sad from being neglected and piled uncomfortably one on top of the other.  Before long, the little girl is feeling dejected realizing that she has not been taking good care of her belongings.

In Mrs D’s unique storytelling style, the reader is treated to a delightful tale brought to life through beautiful and colorful illustrations.  As with previous books, I love how inanimate objects are given life through both the writing and the pictures making this book perfect with children (and grown-ups) who have vivid imaginations.

Flying by the window, the wind brushed away the girl’s tears. Carrying the salty teardrops on his wings, the tricky wind quickly swished between the surprised trees and flew to the backyard. He dropped the tiny tears on the blue dress, which was hanging on the clothesline. The tears made wet spots on the silver ruffles.

Without giving the ending away, I think most parents will be able to relate to the underlying message about teaching children to clean up after themselves, be it their clothes or toys.  How many times have I heard, growing up, “If you don’t take care of your things, one day they will run away!”  I love the underlying message of the story and I recommend this wonderful book to school classrooms, library circles, and parents who wish to read a lovely tale with a moral about taking care of our belongings, to children ages 5 to 10.

About Book 2

Title: The Royal Palm | Author: Mrs. D | Publication Date:October 21, 2014 | Publisher: Dog Ear Publishing | Number of pages: 40 | Recommended age: 6 to 10

Summary: A thought-provoking tale of the journey of a royal palm born on a tiny island surrounded by mysterious waters. This tender story explores the world of someone wrapped up in herself. Protected by her cousins, the short plain palms, the royal palm grew up beautiful, but very self-centered. Dreaming about life outside the island, she did not bother with her friends, who lived as one big family. Immersed in her own beauty, she only cared for herself, until one day a hurricane struck the tiny island. Then the royal p lam discovered the true meaning of family and real friendship. Inspiring story with valuable lessons to be learned and shared.

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MOM SAYS

Mrs D. has done it again with The Royal Palm.  Using vivid descriptions of the beautiful silvery palm, warm sandy beaches, rolling waves, and fierce winds, Mrs. D spins another lovely tale with an important lesson about vanity and the need to have others in your life.  Mrs D is a true storyteller using lyrical passages to describe all that you would see, feel, hear, and experience in the story, literally bring to life the trees, the wind, the sun and the ocean.  Here is an excerpt:

Shortly, the furious ocean unleashed a growling hurricane. Spinning in a wild dance, the crazed storm began madly whirling, smashing everything in its path. The storm pulled the scared trees from the ground, heartlessly throwing them around the shore.

Aside from the excellent writing skills of the author, certain to keep a captivated audience should the story be read aloud, the book also features stunning imagery of the beautiful and almost magical royal palm, her shorter stockier cousins, and the living clouds, sun, and other creatures.  The illustrations are absolutely gorgeous!

And finally, the story features an important lesson, delivered so well, about the vain royal palm who thought she was better than everyone else but who is saved by the shorter, not so glamorous palm trees during a vicious storm.  The lesson is clearly delivered by her new friends as the royal palm is shipped away from the beach they shared:  “‘You are not alone!’ the plain palms yelled to the departing ship” and “‘Everyone needs someone,’ the bright sun smiled…”

I recommend this lovely book to be read aloud to children ages 5 to 10.

* I received free copies of these books in exchange for my honest opinion.  All opinions expressed are my own. The author is participating in our book promotion services.

The Buzz

Runaway Clothes: “Runaway Clothes by Mrs. D is full of delightful imagery. The words flow in such a fanciful way that children are sure to be immediately engaged and pulled into the story. Its endearing quality teaches young ones the importance of taking care of their valued belongings in such a way that they will not realize they are learning a lesson in the proper care of one’s possessions. Excellently executed!” ~ 5 Star Review, HopefulSerenity, Amazon

Runaway Clothes: “Runaway Clothes is a whimsical and charming tale that educates children on the importance of taking care of their belongings… The delightful illustrations add to the enjoyment of the story… I highly recommend picking up Runaway Clothes.” ~ 5 Star Review, Stacie T. BeachBoundBooks, Amazon

The Royal Palm: “As is the case with Mrs D’s other books, the language is lyrical and colorful… Mrs. D effectively employs the techniques of alliteration, personification and analogy to communicate her message… Mrs D addresses many of the difficult issues children face in dealing with their peers in a whimsical, charming tale. Highly recommended.” ~ 5 Star Review, Barbara M., Amazon

The Royal Palm: “A meaningful children’s book by a fantastic writer Mrs. D! An unforgettable story that provides life lessons for our children! Mrs. D. is a very talented storyteller who knows how to convey magic into each of her stories. So far her magical books, full of delightful illustrations, never disappointed my children or I. ” ~ 5 Star Review, Olga G., Amazon

About the Author: Mrs. D

Olga D’Agostino (aka Mrs. D.), an award-winning children’s author, was born in western Ukraine. She lived in the historical city of Lviv, where she studied business in Lviv Business College. In 1992 she immigrated to the United States with her two small daughters and for years worked in her own business. In 2011 she began her career as a writer, focusing on writing children’s books that have meaning and provide valuable lessons. Two of her children’s books, The Trees Have Hearts and Good Morning, World, won Mom’s Choice Awards in 2013, and three are winners in the 2014 Readers’ Favorite contest. She is a member of SCBWI and speaks a few languages fluently. She lives in the famous town of Smithville, N.J., with her husband Patrick and a meticulous old cat named Nyda.

Published children’s books by Mrs. D. include Carlo the Mouse on Vacation, The Trees Have Hearts, The City Kittens and the Old House Cat, Good Morning, World!, Runaway Clothes, The Royal Palm, The Little Girl Praying on the Hill (short story) and Carlo the Mouse, Book 1: Too Many Rules for One Little Mouse.

The full series of Carlo the Mouse and her new books The Mysterious Life Inside a Closet, That Is How Things Are (two connected stories: The Autumn Wind and The Kitten and the Sparrow), and her new book,The Cat Who Wonders, by Itself, and three rhyming stories in Who Is Most Important in the Fridge? will be published in the near future. Her books are available in print on Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and as e-books for most popular e-devices.

She is presently working on her first novel, The Chinese Princess, and a short story, “A Taste of Bread.” For updates on Mrs. D.’s books, please visit her website: www.mrsdbooks.net.

Website | Author Blog | Twitter | Facebook

Goodreads | Amazon Author Page

* $50 Book Blast Giveaway *

Prize: One winner will receive a $50 Amazon gift card or PayPal cash prize (winner’s choice)

Contest ends: January 9, 11:59 pm, 2015

Open: Internationally

How to enter: Please go to: http://motherdaughterbookreviews.com/50-book-blast-giveaway-reviews-two-new-books-by-mrs-d-december-2014/

Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. The winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If a winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author, Mrs. D and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send and email to:

Renee@MotherDaughterBookReviews.com

THANK YOU!