My name is Mrs. D. and I am an author of children's books. I write because I have something to share. I write because maybe someday, someone in this world may need my experience. I write for one simple reason. I love how it makes me feel: free.
Mrs. D. has written a warm and heartfelt children's story
that perfect for its time. In a world where children sometimes find it
difficult to find a friend, this book reminds us that there is always a friend
among humanity and nature. Even though the little girls seeks and finds refuge,
acceptance and love among the trees, she later discovers that there are other
kids who long to find friends just as she does.
There are so many rewards we
were blessed with by the end of this story. In our family, we love to snuggle
up in bed and read moving and touching children's books. This one is definitely
one of those stories and it will sit upon our night stand for years to come. I
would recommend this to any child, parent, teacher, guardian, librarian, and
anyone else who truly knows how it feels to seek friendship within our world,
and sometimes, within nature and beyond.
The language and illustrations captivates the
reader; pulling them in and allowing them to become part of the story. Mrs. D.
uses an incredibly descriptive language. If you close your eyes and take in a
few moments after you've read a few sentences, you can actually picture
yourself among the lush green grass, besides the little girls and her beautiful
friends, the trees.
We adore this book and hope to see more from Mrs. D!
1 new country + 1 new home + 1 new language = one sad, lonely little girl.
This solitary little child watches the other children play, but from the safety of the trees that hide her from their sight. She would love to join them, but, since she can’t understand them, she stays in her sanctuary with her wishes and dreams.
What a surprise, then, when the trees speak to her–in her own language! The magnolia, the weeping cherry, and the plum tree comfort her and welcome her into their leafy homes. Their constant presence, their interest in her day, and their encouragement when she has successes make her more and more sure of herself. Old Wind, who spends a lot of time among the trees, becomes her friend as well, finding her when she is lost and keeping her from harm.
But what happens when she goes away to summer camp? How will she get along without her garden friends? Old Wind has the freedom to go and check up on her, and is able to report back to the trees that she is happy–with new friends.
Does this disappoint the trees? Not at all–they welcome the little girl and her new-found friends. She is finally sure enough of herself that she can live in both worlds
Until, once again, she has to pull up her own young roots and move again. The trees and Old Wind assure her that they will always be friends, since Old Wind can follow her wherever she goes.
What a darling book! I can just see some little girl, eyes sparkling with delight, as someone reads this book to her. The descriptions are enthralling (“Shaking glowing sparkles to the earth, the moon painted a soundless night in a silver shade with his invisible brushes”), and the story is just so sweet. The little girl is so real; I can imagine Ms. D’Agostino writing this with her own daughter in mind.
The character I most admired, though, was the little girl’s mother. She lives the story of the talking trees with her daughter, instead of telling her that they live only in her young imagination. I guess the mom must have taken the author’s advice at the front of the book:
“Be a child for a moment…Dive into their imaginary world where you can hide in the shadows of blossoming trees…Do not lose this precious time together…”
Author of paranormal suspense/horror novel "Be Not Afraid", currently prepping prequel ("UnHoly Trinity") and sequel ("Resurgence: The Rise of Judas") for publishing. The first is available now at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Powells--hardback, softcover, and e-book.
More trouble for the Most Wanted Mouse! The hospital cook,
manager, and exterminator have proclaimed war against the mice of the world! Rules Are for a Reasonis the fourth in
a series of books on Carlo the mouse. Always hungry, the curious little mouse
snoops underneath each door, driving the hospital staff crazy. He’s constantly
breaking the rules his parents taught him. One morning, Carlo wakes up sick.
Horrified, he leaps from his bed and looks in the mirror—and finds he looks
like a meatball!
Fly disease? Mousesclerosis? Chickenpoxsclerosis? Sounds long! What sickness did the carefree mouse catch while exploring the hospital? Will Carlo turn into a chicken … or a frog … or maybe a prince? You’ll find out in the next book on Carlo’s adventures: Nothing Is Safe in a Mouse’s Life.
If you want to know if Carlo will learn to follow the rules Papa Mouse and Mama Mouse taught him, you must read every day and follow your parents’ rules. More exciting adventures of Carlo the Mouse await you!
Chanoa’s talent is apparent in each stroke of her pen. Her characters and illustrations are vibrant and vivid. Her work is soft and light, the soft touch of Japanese art mixed with a Western style. She is an extremely creative and devoted artist. She likes to create adorable mischievous characters in light pastel colors. She is also excellent in a realistic style. Experienced with both dark and light colors,Chanoa continues to work on my series of books on Carlo the Mouse. She is an extremely ambitious, creative, and talented young artist. Please visit her website, http://sketchbookinc.jimdo.com/, which she is still improving. She will impress you with her beautiful and unusual art.
Looking at the children’s books that my
mother has written in English, I feel incredibly proud. In her fifties, my
mother finally fulfilled her childhood dreams and became a writer. Holding her
colorful books in my hands, I feel very fortunate to be her daughter. What my
mother achieved is an incredible example for any child.
One day, my mom, a hardworking
immigrant from Ukraine who did not have a chance to learn how to write in
English until two years ago, opened my old computer and with two fingers
started typing her first children’s stories. I know how much hard work, sweat,
and determination she put into each of her books. I know it because I was
eleven when I arrived in this country and had to learn a new language from
scratch. My mother did what she always taught us—just do it and the results
will come.
Growing up with my mother was not an
easy task. Intelligent, strong, and ambitious, she pushed us to the limit, just
as she pushed herself. If we made a wrong step and fell, we had no time to cry
or feel sorry for ourselves. Her rule was simple and clear. “Get up, shake the
dirt off, and next time watch where you step.” Back then, my sister and I did
not understand why she could not be like other mothers.
“It doesn’t matter how many times you fall or
how many times someone knocks you down,” she said repeatedly. “What will matter
in life is how you lift yourself up and move forward.” At times, it was painful
and harsh, but now I see it as a great lesson, which helped me through tough
times. Her directions smartly steered us away from mistakes and gave us
guidelines for life. She taught us to be grounded and independent women. She
wanted her daughters to stand firmly on their own two feet and be their own people.
My mother amazed us in many ways: the
things she accomplished, the way she helped people, the sacrifices she made for
others. She is part of the “sandwich generation,” who balanced her life between
raising children, taking care of her disabled elderly parents, and running a
business. She rarely spent time on herself. She always dedicated her time to
the family, work, and others who needed her help. I still do not understand how
she did not lose herself in an ocean of daily routine and problems.
After raising her family, she finally
stopped working countless hours in our own business and started searching for a
second career. My father convinced her to find something she would love. She
did. … She pulled out my old computer and started writing. I knew she was a
good writer, but I never thought she would seriously consider writing in
English. We still laugh about her first email, which she sent to my sister. My
sister forwarded it to me, asking. “Do you know what Mom meant?” I answered no,
but deep inside, I had no doubts it would not take long before I would read her
first story.
Little did I know that there would be
many of them and that I would become a part of her journey. Frustrated and
stressed, she kept writing until there were no letters left on the old
keyboard. On her birthday, I bought her a new computer, but my mom and my old
computer have become inseparable friends. Learning computer skills, grammar,
writing, publishing, and marketing, she tirelessly moved forward, surprising us
with her quick improvement. Her children’s stories were pouring like rain from
the sky. At first, we thought she would become tired of struggling and give up,
but she worked day and night, making us wonder. We knew better; my mother never
stopped anything halfway, nor was she a quitter.
One evening, curious what Mom was
writing, my father read her first stories. He called me the next day.
“I think you should read Mom’s stories. They
are good and they are funny. Her grammar needs some work, but I am ready to
help her. I think you girls should do the same.”
“I am a math teacher, not an English
teacher.” I rolled my eyes, recalling her first email.
Without any hesitation, Dad said, “I
would like to publish her stories if she agrees.” A few days later, we rolled up
our sleeves and started correcting Mom’s stories.
We truly enjoyed learning our
mother’s creative side. Her stories reflected the deepness of her soul, unusual
humor and imagination. She surprised us with how easily she expressed herself
on paper, effortlessly creating scenes and characters in her children’s
stories. Her love for children and animals was reflected in each of her stories,
and while correcting them, I often cried or laughed like a child. She never
sugarcoated her stories, but rather smartly underlined messages and lessons that
might help children deal with their problems. As a mother, she intuitively knew
how to open children’s eyes to the issues they must overcome.
While working on her books, we
reconnected as siblings, as friends, and as a family. We learned a lot about Mom’s
past and many “whys” were finally answered. Mom’s stories took us back to our
childhood, to the country we had left behind. After years of struggling to
understand why she uprooted us from the life we had, I now see the reason. She
wanted us to grow up in a free country and have a chance to become confident
women.
Over twenty years ago, when we lived
in the Soviet Union, she did not see any opportunity for her small daughters.
When the Soviet Union collapsed, she packed our belongings and left Ukraine. My
sister and I were too little to comprehend the complexity of her decision. She
was already an established young professional, who provided a stable life for
us in Ukraine. We were growing up as happy and carefree girls, with many friends
and family who loved us.
At that time, everything in our lives
was safe and normal. We enjoyed going to school, playing in the park across
from our new home. Things dramatically changed when the Soviet Union imploded
and crumbled. For the first time, I saw demonstrations and violence in the
streets. Always worried, Mom searched for a way out. One day, she received a
package with papers. Reading them, she felt uplifted and happy.
“We are leaving!” She hugged me
tight.
“Where?” I asked horrified.
“To America…” She looked in my eyes, which
were full of frustration. “You will like it there.” She tried to tell me about
Disney World and stores full of toys, but I already disliked the country my
mother admired.
“I am not going!” I cried. I despised
my mother for destroying my life.
“You will not make it here,” she said
firmly, trying to convince me that life in America would be much easier.
“I don’t speak English!” I felt like she was
doing this for herself, because she wanted to go to America.
“You will learn.” She tried to hug
me, but I pulled away, feeling angry and crushed. Upset, I asked about my
friends.
“You will make new friends.” She walked
away, leaving me alone with my fears.
I hoped my mother would change her
mind and the moving day would never arrive. Seeing long lines for bread and
milk, sometimes stretching to the end of the street, I knew she would stick to
her plan.
“Why are you punishing us? I don’t
want to go,” I cried, packing my bag.
“I will do anything so you and your sister can
live the free, respectable life every woman deserves,” she said, wiping the
tears from my face. “I do not want my daughters to relive my life,” she said. I
did not understand what she meant. My life was on this tiny street, in our
unfinished little house, and it looked normal and fine. I did not see any
reason to travel across the ocean.
I had just turned eleven when in
February 1992 we left our cozy house in Ukraine. We said our good-byes to our
grandparents, neighbors, and friends, and with a few bags, left behind the life
we knew. For years, I was angry with my mother for ruining my life.
After arriving in America, my mother
took on a heavy load of endless responsibilities. She did not speak, read, or
write English, and I could only imagine how frightened she was. Mom attended
school at night, but the program was basic and she went back to college. Being
a single mother and taking care of her disabled parents, she had little time
for studying. Years later, she met a wonderful man who became our father. He
helped her to raise my sister and me, put us through college, and get us where
we are now. Mom worked hard in her own bakery, took care of family and friends,
and sent packages of donated or purchased goods to help less fortunate people
in Ukraine. Her plans to became a writer, she buried somewhere deep inside.
Although it took many years, I
finally came to the realization that I am who I am now because of my mother. My
sister and I became independent, educated, and determined women.
My mother continues to work on many new
projects, marketing and establishing herself as a serious writer. Her future
works include children’s books and short stories, and she has just started to
write her first novel. We jokingly call her “the famous authoress,” and Mom laughs,
because she still struggles with grammar and sweats over every sentence.
Luckily, she never suffers from writer’s block.
I admire my mother for fearlessly
changing her career in her fifties to become a published writer. Now I can see
a different woman hiding behind my mother’s face. Looking at my mother’s books,
Carlo the Mouse on Vacation, The Trees Have Hearts, and The City Kittens and The Old House Cat, I feel extremely lucky. Although we often joke that we
become our mothers, I only wish I were half as great as my mother. Good luck, Mom!
A job well done! Thank you for everything.
"What I like most about writing for children is reliving the special moments, when I feel as if I am a child again. When my story makes me laugh or cry, then I know I got it right. In my opinion, children’s books must teach both child and parent." Mrs.D.
A mix of realistic fiction with modern fantasies. A twist of true events with unrealistic characters, which teach children to conquer problems, build self-esteem, and overcome challenges.
Trouble!Who let the mouse out? Where did that ravenous little mouse come from who’s disturbing the peace in the hospital?
What’s Going On? is the third in a series of books on the adventures of Carlo the mouse.
Carlo knew he was not supposed to go near the manager’s office, but when the
kitchen staff were chasing him, he made a choice that started a war.
This is
only Carlo’s first time out, and already everyone is after him. Imagine what could
happen when he learns his way around the hospital! He likes to eat, and is
growing like a mushroom after the rain.
Will this be the end of our curious little mouse, or will Carlo manage to outsmart the clever manager, angry cook, and sneaky exterminator so he can go home safely? You’ll find out in Mrs. D.’s next books on Carlo the mouse. Remember, Hospitalia is a strange place …
Chanoa’s talent is apparent in each stroke of her pen. Her characters and illustrations are vibrant and vivid. Her work is soft and light, the soft touch of Japanese art mixed with a Western style. She is an extremely creative and devoted artist. She likes to create adorable mischievous characters in light pastel colors. She is also excellent in a realistic style. Experienced with both dark and light colors,Chanoa continues to work on my series of books on Carlo the Mouse. She is an extremely ambitious, creative, and talented young artist. Please visit her website, http://sketchbookinc.jimdo.com/, which she is still improving. She will impress you with her beautiful and unusual art.
Grab your boots and hold on to your hat, because you are in for an exciting trip! The new series of Carlo the Mouse has been born. Too Many Rules for One Little Mouse is the first in a series of books on Carlo’s adventures. Each book will give readers an entertaining look into the life of a little mouse born inside a hospital’s walls. Clever, curious, and very impatient, Carlo the mouse dreams of the world outside the hospital. His parents teach him how to follow the rules and how to survive on his own, but Carlo’s insatiable desire for adventure constantly gets him in trouble. Will the little adventurer manage to survive when he leaves home? You’ll find out in Mrs. D.’s next books on Carlo the mouse. Let your imagination soar in this full series of Carlo’s adventures!
Listen to the news and keep your eyes open, because a curious little mouse has had his wish come true! Now We’re Talking! is the second in a series of books on Carlo’s adventures. This nosy little mouse leaves home for the first time to explore life inside the hospital. But Hospitalia is a strange place, and there’s no place for him to hide. Cold, sterile, and unfriendly, the hospital looks nothing like Carlo had imagined while sitting at home. Before he knows what’s up, the kitchen staff are on his tail. Will the hungry mouse manage to trick the hospital manager, cook, and exterminator without breaking the rules his parents taught him? You’ll find out in Mrs. D.’s next book on Carlo the Mouse, What’s Going On? If this clever mouse outwits you, don’t get discouraged. Keep reading and follow Carlo’s adventures!
Trouble! Where did that ravenous little mouse come from who's disturbing the peace in the hospital? What's Going On? is the third in a series of books on the adventures of Carlo the mouse. Carlo knew he was not supposed to go near the manager's office, but when the kitchen staff were chasing him, he made a choice that started a war. This is only Carlo's first time out, and already everyone is after him. Imagine what could happen when he learns his way around the hospital! He likes to eat, and is growing like a mushroom after the rain. Will this be the end of our curious little mouse, or will Carlo manage to outsmart the clever manager, angry cook, and sneaky exterminator so he can go home safely? You'll find out in Mrs. D.'s next books on Carlo the mouse. Remember, Hospitalia is a strange place .
Carlo the Mouse, Book 4: Rules Are for a Reason ~ ( Coming soon! ) ~
More trouble for the Most Wanted Mouse! The hospital cook, manager, and exterminator have proclaimed war against the mice of the world! Rules Are for a Reason is the fourth in a series of books on Carlo the mouse. Always hungry, the curious little mouse snoops underneath each door, driving the hospital staff crazy. He’s constantly breaking the rules his parents taught him. One morning, Carlo wakes up sick. Horrified, he leaps from his bed and looks in the mirror—and finds he looks like a meatball! Fly disease? Mousesclerosis? Chickenpoxsclerosis? Sounds long! What sickness did the carefree mouse catch while exploring the hospital? Will Carlo turn into a chicken … or a frog … or maybe a prince? You’ll find out in the next book on Carlo’s adventures: Nothing Is Safe in a Mouse’s Life. If you want to know if Carlo will learn to follow the rules Papa Mouse and Mama Mouse taught him, you must read every day and follow your parents’ rules. More exciting adventures of Carlo the Mouse await you!
Carlo the Mouse, Book 5: Nothing is Safe in a Mouse's Life ~ ( Coming soon! ) ~
A whisker-licking story of one kind little mouse! Who would ever suspect that Carlo would meet Fidel the cat inside the hospital? Who would ever believe that the tricky young mouse would outsmart the old cat? Who would ever imagine that for the first time in his life, the daring mouse would venture away from his home and find himself outside the hospital? Homeless, cold, and hungry, Carlo and his family face attacks from vicious birds. Throughout his dangerous journey, Carlo finds adventure aplenty. He learns about life outside the hospital and the dangers that mice face on a daily basis. Determined to return home safely, Carlo has grown up and finally understands why he must obey the rules his parents taught him. Follow the unexpected adventures of this bold little mouse!
Carlo the Mouse, Book 6: It's my life! ~ ( Coming soon! ) ~
Once a mouse falls in love, almost anything can happen! His heart skips a beat! He can't eat, drink, or sleep! He is tossing in bed, losing rest and extra fat! He bleaches his brown hair and becomes a blond mouse! What is going on with Carlo? Papa Mouse is distressed. Is he getting a heart attack? Carlo looks like a bleached punk! Mama Mouse is in shock. Their little mouse has grown up, and he is in love with a cute mouse. He is getting married, dear friends! The young mouse gets his wish. He soon has a pretty wife and a bunch of kids, but he still dreams of seeing the world. Life is short, and a day can hold many adventures. Sliding off a roof, Carlo falls inside an open car trunk . Kick off your boots, hold your hats, and enjoy this book, my little friends.
