I spent over two decades as a feature magazine writer covering everything from celebrity chefs to resort and home decorating. While observing my own posse of poodles, I was inspired to try my hand at juvenile fiction; publishing my first book in 2007: The Adventures of the Poodle Posse (The Case of the Missing Steak Bone/Who Let the Dogs Out?) That book won a Mom’s Choice Award for excellence in Juvenile Fiction, and spurred two more books in the series; The Princess & the Frenchmen/No Dogs Allowed! and Creepy Tails! A Halloween Adventure & Activity Book; an Amazon Top Reviewer pick for children’s literature (January 2011).

Watch This Space for when poodle #4 arrives on the scene, just in time to burrow up some great Groundhog Day fun.

The manuscript will be ready to send later this month. If you would like to participate in THE YOUNG EDITOR’S PROJECT, just send us an email. chrysasmith@verizon.net

Here’s what’s involved:

You will receive a copy of the manuscript via email, along with some questions and editing tips to use with your students. It is a real-time, real-life experience for them to participate in the creative/production process of a new release. All grade levels, 2+ are welcome to participate, and comments, edits, returns will be due before the end of school in June—so lots of time. You can send individual edits, class edits, school edits. Directions will be provided with the manuscript.

In return for your student’s help, your school name will be listed in the book credits, you will receive a complimentary copy of the new release for your school library and you will be entitled to a discounted or complimentary school visit next school year.*

The Adventures of the Poodle Posse/ Creepy Tails! A Halloween Adventure & Activity Book

Chrysa Smith (Author), Laurel Garver (Editor), Pat Achilles (Illustrator) Paperback: 42 pages Publisher: The Well Bred Book; first edition (August 15, 2010)

ISBN-10:>061536487X ISBN-13:978-0615364872

While Woody, Archie and Mrs. Flout are getting into the spirit of the Halloween holiday, Daisy is confused. Everyone is dressing in weird and creepy costumes. But why would a perfectly poofed princess want to be anyone but herself? Daisy learns that when you are comfortable with who you are, trying something new can be fun. Activity section follows.

Reviews

Our society is becoming ever more pet friendly. I think this is wonderful for all of us, our pets and especially children. You invite us to include our animal family members in the fun of Halloween, with illustrations that are emotive in a way perfect for children. Bravo !! --Dale Mantell, DVM, Doylestown Animal Medical Clinic

The Adventures continue with a Halloween treat for independent readers and audiences of all ages looking for a read-aloud adventure. Children with varying learning styles will appreciate the humorous tone of the storyline, while whimsical illustrations and tie-in activities keep readers turning pages--- creating a wonderful text-to-world connection for young readers. If this is your first opportunity to join the Posse, stop chasing your tail. Catch up with the first two tales in this fabulous series. Or, have the author visit your school or library for a visual presentation that meets the needs of all students (including your ESL learners). --Belinda Rusnock, Librarian, Vitalistic Therapeutic Charter School, Bethlehem, PA

Halloween is here and Mrs. Flout's darling poodles, Archie and Woody, are ready to have fun. But, be warned. You may not recognize them in their spooky costumes. Tonight they are not ordinary poodles. Archie is a vampire and Woody is the pirate pumpkin, Captain Jack. As for their sister Princess Daisy, she doesn t want to dress up. She is totally fine with being a princess. Why should she want to be anything else? But could a walk in the neighborhood with her brothers on the scariest night of the year change her mind? Find out for yourself, if you dare, by reading this new installment of The Adventures of the Poodle Posse. And if you have a furry friend, get into the Halloween spirit by baking some out-of-this-world treats, following the recipes provided a sure hit. --Carmen Ferreiro-Esteban, PhD, Author, Two Moon Princess

The Princess & the Frenchmen/No Dogs Allowed!

by Chrysa Smith (author) and Pat Achilles (Illustrator) Paperback: 44 pages Publisher: The Well Bred Book; First edition (September 7, 2009)

ISBN-10: 0615289851 ISBN-13: 978-0615289854

Second in the Adventures of the Poodle Posse series. Grab your beach ball and shovel and join the growing posse of mini poodles and their loving owner, Mrs. Flout, as they romp their way into the garden, down the shore and with a whole new host of furry friends that make managing the posse of poodles even more puzzling. Easy reader, suggested for grades 2-4, as a read aloud for younger children and for dog lovers of all ages. Book contains two illustrated and funny stories.

Reviews

'Chrysa Smith has a way with words and poodles. She has created three lovable dog personalities with top dog Woody, poodle princess Daisy and adventurous Archie, in adventures that young readers in grades two and three can enjoy. No Dogs Allowed is sure to be a hit with children, whether or not they have a pet.' -

-Leslie Clark, Children's Librarian, Ocean City Free Library, NJ

Wanting to read and associating reading with fun are two critical elements in developing a lifelong love of reading. In Book 2 of The Poodle Posse series, Chrysa Smith once again brings a delightful mix of poodles to life in the reader's imagination. Entering the world of the Poodle Posse is a fun and engaging journey for the young reader. -

-Diane Smith, Director, Roxy Reading Children's Program, PA

Woody, Archie and Daisy--three small poodles with big hearts that will steal yours in these two new adventures...In The Princess and the Frenchmen, the poodles realize that living together doesn't make a family, but their willingness to share does. In No Dogs Allowed, Woody makes his own discovery---having fun is possible in the most unlikely places. Pat Achilles' enchanting illustrations bring an old-fashioned charm that perfectly fits the mood of the stories.' -

-Carmen Ferreiro-Esteban, Author, Two Moon Princess

The Adventures of the Poodle Posse, Case of the Missing Steak Bone/Who Let the Dogs Out?

by Chrysa Smith (author) and Pat Achilles (Illustrator) 32 pages, Publisher Wellbredbook 2007

ISBN#978-1-4243-333 5-6

A beginner chapter book containing two tales (10-12 pages each) for readers, grades 2+, a read-aloud for younger children and some cute observations for dog lovers of all ages, based on actual events that tickled the author.

Come follow the zany, funny trails of Woody, Archie, Daisy and the ever-growing posse of four-legged characters that keep their loving owner, Mrs. Flout, on her toes, spun around and baffled, as her furry little family brings her joy, unexpected twists and turns and a few life lessons along the way.

GREAT NEWS!!!
The Adventures of the Poodle Posse,
Case of the Missing Steak Bone/
Who Let the Dogs Out?
won a Mom's Choice Award - 2009 Silver Recipient: Fiction
HONORING EXCELLENCE
The Mom's Choice Awards is an annual awards competition that
recognizes authors, inventors, companies, parents and others for their efforts in creating quality family-friendly media, products and services.

Editorial Reviews

From Midwest Book Review
‘This fun and sometimes very silly book will engage young readers with pet-friendly stories that are a delight to read. Audiences will enjoy the light-hearted humor as they learn about caring and sharing. Readers will also have fun at the end of the book where they are encouraged to talk about the stories, characters and what makes them laugh the most. For a wonderful book that will encourage young readers to develop a love for pets and their silly antics, The Adventures of the Poodle Posse is a great read.’ Midwest Book Review, Author’s Bookwatch, Aug. 2009.

Reviewed by a growing numbers of school librarians, teachers and reading specialists throughout the Northeast. All updated info can be found on www.wellbredbook.net.

Books are available for purchase through Amazon.com below, a number of independent bookstores and one national poodle product catalog (see www.wellbredbook.net for complete listing) and directly to schools

Presentations

School visits are geared to grade levels/abilities:

PreK and K: Puppet show interpretations of The Case of the Missing Steak Bone or Creepy Tails! A Halloween Adventure & Activity Book (complete with activities geared toward ability level)
Grades 1-4: An interactive PowerPoint presentation that focuses on idea generation, imagination and ‘what if’ thinking that spurs some of the best told tales. Details of the book production process, including edits, changes, mistakes and success. Invitation to participate in POSSE HOMETOWN ADVENTURES interactive writing workshops which merge posse characters with familiar settings for students own adventures. Completed adventures posted on my website (with permission), and invitations to take part in THE YOUNG EDITORS PROJECT, where students take part in the editing/creative decision making process for upcoming manuscripts. Over a dozen schools have taken part in the program, and have had their names listed in the credits of each book.
Grades 5+: Visits for students in grades 5+ focus on playing with words, metaphors and creative exercises that stretch the imagination and offer alternatives for written expression.

School visits

include grade-appropriate PowerPoint, interactive puppet show and storytelling, designed to inspire students own writing. (Target audience 1-4, visits tailored to students in K-5). The PowerPoint details the writing and publishing process, including generating ideas through observation and daydreaming, the stages of a good story, use of details, rising and falling action, and everyone’s favorite: check, check and recheck your work. Talks with older students focus on the stages and sticking points of their work, how to move it along/make it stronger and why words matter. When new manuscripts are in the writing stage, students are invited to take part in the preview/editing of the manuscript and receive credit for their school in the back of the new book (as well as comp copies for their school library)

Workshops

focus on ‘strength training’ for creative writing. New for fall 2010, participate in the new POSSE HOMETOWN ADVENTURE program, where the author will work with students to strengthen their imagination and writing skills, while weaving in a bit of local history (or history from a unit being studied). Students take the posse somewhere in their hometown (The Liberty Bell, Constitution Hall, a pro baseball game, candy factory, farm, state capitol), and let the fun begin. You never know where the posse might wind up. Complete details for the program, including prizes and more on the website: www.wellbredbook.net.

For Book Purchases,

Chrysa makes it easy! She provides a promotional package in advance of her visit containing tips for a successful visit, wall posters, all school-discounted, pre-order forms (books are 20%+ off retail price), customized for the school, ready to distribute, and returns orders on the day of visit, complete with signed books and bookmark. There are no worries about contacting a distributor or local book store to order the books for a school visit. Just set a date and arrange for your school to accommodate the event.

Professional Fee:

RATES: As an independent author, I structure my author visit programs differently. School visit fees are a fractional part of the visit; generating the other part from support and promotion by the school (with posters, order forms and suggestions for a successful visit) to generate (discounted) book sales to its students. Fees are based on time and travel costs, and can be mixed and matched to include various grade levels, basic presentations and writing workshops. Contact chrysasmith@verizon.net for more information, or visit her website: www.wellbredbook.net.

Contact

Chrysa Smith
P.O. Box 50
Pt. Pleasant. PA 18950

Phone (215) 343 2882
Email: chrysasmith@verizon.net

Website: http://www.wellbredbook.net/

03/18/12 date this page was last edited Click HERE to return to state page