Congratulations to Tina Turbin!

Some people accomplish extraordinary things. When they do, it’s nice to recognize them and applaud them for their accomplishments. Tina Turbin is one of those people. She’s well known by many of you because of her involvement in the celiac community.

Who is Tina Turbin?

Tina is an activist in two main fields: 1) She actively works to make improvements in children’s literacy and education, and 2) She works diligently to raise awareness about celiac disease. She speaks regularly on these topics on national radio shows and writes articles and columns for a wide variety of publications and websites. You can learn more about Tina at http://TinaTurbin.com.

Why the “Congratulations!”?

Tina wrote the award-winning children’s picture book Danny the Dragon Meets Jimmy. iSTORYTIME (the iPhone App Developer for Dreamworks) has recently signed to turn the DVD of this book into a children’s book app. This production is unique because its the first of its kind to have sign-language interpretation added for the deaf to assist this under-served population.

Imagination Publishing Group President Alan Wayne said, “I’m pleased to say that this is the first of many apps to be created through iStorytime for the Danny the Dragon series.” Profits from the sales of the Danny the Dragon DVD are donated to the Blossom Montessori School for the Deaf. Learn more about her books, DVD, and what she does to help celiacs at her website.

Congratulations Tina!

Connie Sarros

www.gfbooks.homestead.com

Tina Turbin

Teacher: Hi Tina, I hope your trip was enjoyable!  We did do a read-aloud with your book and the students had a number of questions in both classes about process as well as choices.   I’m giving you their questions as they (as a class) created them.

Period 5:

1. How did the author and the illustrator decide on the illustrations?—especially the expressions on the characters

I envisioned them myself and directed my illustrator to create MY characters. I delevoped all the characters. It was a unique experience.

2. What kind of creature IS Skipper?

You name it. It is not important to a child to be specific about this. Some call him a p-wog, some a frog. Kids NEVER have asked me.

3.Why did you choose a dragon to emerge from a sea shell? (this was troubling for Seniors who wanted an egg

Kids are imaginative. Why are there space ships in the ski, how can a refrigerator talk in a cartoon,  who can prove any of that? The writer, in my case is imaginative. The seashell will be told in future stories. Obviously this story CONTINUES……hence, the ending which leaves room for future books.

4.What was the inspiration for the book?

My own life and surrounding of a playful , creative and imaginative life I wish others to have and experience…..fun!

5. What is the significance of the RED sneakers and YELLOW backpack?

None. Simply a decision.

6.What is in the backpack?  (we kind of got caught up in the details and not your role as author—sorry)

You will find out in future stories.

7.       Why are the parents so accepting of a dragon?

It is a Good story, he is a good dragon…no demons and bad guys.

8. How and why did you choose the illustrator?

Long story but in a nutshell, she is European and in Latvia. Speaks no English and I adored her and decided I really wanted to work with her.

9.How long did it take to finish the book in its entirety?

approx. 2 years- NOT full time

10.What lesson, if any, was the book trying to teach?

I leave that open to the reader.

11.Does the theme have to do with manners?/…………..Why is the dragon so polite? That is his character.

I leave that up to the reader

12.Why doesn’t Danny act like the dragon (I’m not sure what they were asking here—I can ask for clarification)

Can not answer this………..this is sort fo a silly question, sorry.

13.Are you concerned with the logic of Danny shrinking in water?  (the discussion was Danny ate soup which is watery and yet he does not shrink from eating liquid—or must the water be salt water?) The explanationis is in the book and in this story.

14.Is there a significance to the pictures—7:10 for dinner clean-up, license plate FL-1, feather on the picture of a boat, grandparent picture in the background . . . ?

No significance at all.

Period 3 Class

1.Same as #4 in 5^th period

2. Same as #5

3. Why did you choose imaginary characters (dragon) rather than realistic (hermit crab)?

Boy, …..because I am a wtier / author and as a writer I make my decisions as I choose. I am able to create ideas and imagination and place this on paper for others to envision my words. That Iisan authors job and capability. This is what writing is all about.

4.       Was the book meant to be an independent reader or a “read-to” book?

From the Reviews all Lower School ages seem to be reading it as well as being read to.

5.Why is there no real conflict in the book? (we are High School and used to looking for conflict)

Smart point. In many books there are conflicts and especially at the middle, turning point. The turning point is the evolving from a shell.

Keep in mind this is a 32 page children picture book so they may look at the halfway point, or there-about.

6.How long did it take you to write the book? above

7. Is there a significance to choosing (the name) Danny the Dragon?  (They know Danny and the Dinosaur) above

8.Was the book written as a stream of consciousness?  No.

I tried not to answer their questions, or guess what your response would be.  They were inspired from your introduction of your own writing at 16 that they could illustrate and/or write their own best-selling children’s books! Good.  Thank you so much for willingness to share.       Thank you, Karon

Additional comments to teacher from me- my views: Hi Karon,  These answers above are short and sweet. With this many question there is usually a live phone interview. I tried to answer quickly as I just eloped a plane after a 18 day tour.   Many of these questions are goood. The spirit of writing, having fun, playing with your reader and in this case young children, is the main purpose. You can break some rules IF your story communicates. Never allow the students to fail in writing by getting so caught up in the “rules’.   The questions as to why does he act so nice, like a dinosaur and am I concerned with him shrinking….well, I can say that the magic did not convey to som fo these kids, maybe due to them be HS students? They are looking at a book trying to dissect it as an educational tool, which is terrific but due to the nature of the questions, they may loose sight of the magic of writing if they need a WHY to all points in a book and on its pages, especially a childrens’ picture book. Writing can be much simpler and fun.Working with my illustrator was a magical experience. I am an Author and love to write, my illustrator is an Award Wining illustrator and this particular book is the opening to Adventures. The rest is sure to come.   Thank you for your questions and time. I wish all the children in your classes with a true goal to be a writer all the best os success in their endeavor. Those with a goal to be a children’s picture book writer will need perseverance and stamina and I feel anyone with enough perseverance can make it.       All the Best, Tina Turbin, Author

Laura contacted me to ask to do a review on me and my site and of course we  got into the conversation of celiac and gluten-free, some of my favorite subjects. I have a new friend who loves food as much as I do and she is a phenominal reviewer and writer on foods and restaurants. We have so much in common.

She previously reviewed Deerfield Bakery in the Schaumburg, Illinois and it just so happens that I just had a terrific conversation with Tim Schmitt, the owner and will be reviewing his products and 3 bakeries next month!

Laura wrote and published an article released today about me and my website  http://GlutenFreeHelp.info , the article is entitled  Entrepreneur spreads the word about wheat allergies.

You are even treated to my gluten-free flourless chocolate cake recipe!

Enjoy…I sure did,  Tina

Danny The Dragon Meets Jimmy on the shelves of wonderful book store .

Company: Imagination Publishing Group
Category: Children’s picture book – fiction
Offered: Free Promotional Materials

Danny the Dragon Meets Jimmy – Nominee for Best Children’s Picture Book of 2009!

The first book in the HIT children’s series Danny the Dragon by multi award-winning author Tina Turbin has become an international sensation!

Filled with vivid illustrations and a captivating storyline, this delightful tale, chronicling the adventures of a traveling dragon named Danny, leaves all readers with a smile, while ever so subtly highlighting manners, positive social interactions and sharing, in a fun, creative, kid-friendly way.

Hailed by the “Midwest Book Review” Children’s Bookwatch as having “…definite attraction and value for children ages 4-8, all of whom will undoubtedly beg for the sequel and more tales of Danny the Dragon; by authors, including such notables as Judy Blume, school principals, teachers, mothers, Celebrities and literature specialists as being “a gentle story” and “such a delight”; “a wonderful book to read to children”; and a book that is “…accompanied by really beautiful drawings which will sparkle the imagination.”

BOOST Holiday Sales AND be prepared for “Dragon Appreciation Day” on Jan 16th

FIRST 100 booksellers to reply will receive:

1. FREE publicity and promotion of your bookstore via the Imagination Publishing Group network of websites, with a targeted audience of more than 100,000. 2. FREE promotional materials to provide to your customers and to decorate your store: Danny the Dragon themed pencils, bookmarks, door hangers and stickers.

Reply to info@DannyTheDragon.com to take advantage of the above LIMITED TIME offer!

Danny the Dragon Meets Jimmy

AVAILABLE THROUGH BAKER AND TAYLOR: http://is.gd/4N7ts

Paperback: 978-0-9800-721-0-5 – retail $8.95
Hardcover:  978-0-9800-721-1-2 - retail $18.95

Thank you SIBA for all your help to get danny the Dragon ou there and known! To see full page go to http://www.sibaweb.com/creative.html and scroll down a bit.

Thanks! Tina Turbin

Tina Turbin Author - Visits In Florida

I am very proud to now be a member of FAPE as a Florida resident as well as support their endeavors and goals. I am extremely passionate about education and literacy for children as well as the quality of literature in general:

FAPE member Tina Turbin is an award-winning children’s author, writer, researcher, humanitarian and mother. Working for many years with children in the entertainment business, Tina advocates for children, families and women’s issues with research into children’s literacy, children’s allergies, celiac disease, gluten-free foods and nutrition as a way to improve the quality of lives and health for others.

Her approach in garnering awareness on these important topics comes from her position as a humanitarian, and a professional, and one who lives a gluten-free lifestyle, while utilizing her educational videos, books and storybook characters to share the educational aspect with children

Please visit: http://is.gd/5ahLQ

Tina is a recipient of 2 prestigious literary awards for her book Danny the Dragon Meets Jimmy: 2nd place winner for Children’s Literature in the Arizona Literary Contest and Book Awards of 2009 and Award-winning finalist in the National Best Books Awards of 2009 to be announced at BookExpo America (BEA) 2010.

Tina Turbin resides in St.Petersburg Florida as well as Los Angeles, California and is available for volunteer activities in the surrounding districts. (http://TinaTurbin.com)

Thank you, Tina Turbin

This was one of the most professional interviews I’ve ever done, focusing mainly on the topic of my role as an author, writer and humanitarian.

Here I am sharing a lovely note that Denise sent to me after the show:

Hi Tina,

Thank you for a great interview! I enjoyed connecting with you today! I’d like to say THANK YOU! I appreciate your time! I appreciate you sharing your insight! I appreciate your candidness! I appreciate your tips and advice that you shared with Off The Shelf’s listeners! I appreciate YOU, Tina!

Thank you!

Denise Turney

Tips To Help Your Child Read
The ability to read and to think in creative ways to solve problems are two very basic factors successful people have in common.

As parents, friends, teacher’s leaders in community activities it is in our best interest to help a child to read. We need to help stimulate their imagination so they can think creatively by introducing things to their lives. This is key to know: when we educate our children, we educate and empower our community with intelligent leaders.

Children Love to Learn
Very young babies are enthralled with stories, songs and nursery rhymes. There is a lot that children need to learn before they actually begin to read. A parent can point to pictures and then name them aloud. They will start to learn things about reading even with this small step in the right direction.
When your child sits on your lap as you read, he feels safe, loved and bonded. He also learns that you enjoy reading and spending time together.

Tips to Help Basic Reading Skills

1. First they must understand that letters are symbols and each symbol makes a sound. Being able to recognize letters of the alphabet does not mean they can read but it is a necessary start and will help.
2. After this is well grasped, then introduce the idea that sounds can be combined to make words that words combine to make sentences, and those sentences have meanings.

Keep reading…

For members…another great article from Tina! (members need to login)

Helpful Tips for Parents and Teachers to Work Together for the Success of the Child’s Education.

If I am tired it can slow me down a bit but not totally, to be honest. I am constantly creating new things for the moment and the future in my writing and things all around me continuously inspire me towards new ideas. I am also surrounded by lovely and positive people and anyone not into what I am doing; well sorry but “good-bye”. I just do not have time for anyone to slow me down and will not. So in a nutshell, this is how I get so much done. About my schedule, well I will fill you in next time. My husband, beautiful daughter and 2 creative boys (www.canontheband.com) are also an inspiration and support me beyond belief. We are a team and a strong wonderful family.  Tina Turbin