Author Interview: Junior Ranger Aida Frey

 

Let’s Welcome Aida Frey

Thank you so much for having me!

Tell about yourself and your book.

My name is Aida Frey, I’ve been a Jr. Ranger for 7 years and I’ve visited 304 National Parks! My book, “America, Can I Have Your Autograph?” is a book about my adventures at the National Parks and how they inspired me to visit our country!

 

What does a Junior Ranger mean and what do they do?

A Junior Ranger is a person of any age who visits our wonderful National Parks and learns something at every visit! They tell others about the beautiful places you can visit and take care of the park itself.

When did you first thought about becoming a junior ranger?

My first national park was Effigy Mounds in Iowa and my Mom and Dad took me there when I was only 9 years old. Two very nice lady rangers came up to me and helped me fill out my first Jr. Ranger booklet so I could receive my badge, it was life changing!

Inspiration behind your love for wildlife?

When I was a kid, I used to carry this plush animal of a fox, and I think seeing the actual animal and having a little toy to go along with it was cool.

What reactions do you get from family, friends, teachers, etc?

I always get the best reactions; everyone is always asking me questions and is always really proud of me!

Who always accompanies you to the national parks?

Both of my parents, so mom and dad

Your favourite Animal/Bird?

I would say foxes or wolves, seeing them in the National Parks were always a treat!

Do you have pets? Which?

I don’t since I travel way too much to keep one, but maybe one day

Where do you plan to visit next?

We plan on visiting Southern California over the summer of 2018; we’re still planning the specifics.

How did you come up with the idea of publishing your amazing experience as a book?

When I first started visiting the parks, I always wrote down what happened at that park, what I did and who did I meet, so after a while, I had this big pile of notebooks filled with stories. I had the idea in 8^th Grade to publish my stories and encourage others!

Do you look at writing as a career?

I think writing more books would be awesome, but my main focus for a career would be becoming the National Park Director so I can make more parks to visit!

If yes, which genres would you also like to write in?

I am thinking of continuing the story and maybe publishing a second book

Can everyone join you as junior ranger?

Yes! There is no age limit and it’s very easy and fun!

Can adults also join?

Of course! Both of my parents are Jr. Rangers and so was my Grandma! We went to the Grand Canyon and she got her badge with me too!

A funny experience you had in a national park?

I’ve had a wild horse stick it’s head into my car and eat an apple out of my hand, the full story has its own chapter in my book!

A scary experience?

I went to Indiana Dunes National Park with two of my other friends and we hiked a trail late in the evening. We actually got lost and bats were flying all around us! It was pretty scary, but awesome because it was such a unique experience!

Your favourite celebrity and why?

My favourite celebrity is Harry Styles from One Direction. I think he’s not afraid to express his thoughts on things through music, which encouraged me to learn to play the guitar like him!

Writing, travelling and studies. How do you manage all three?

I wish that was all I had to deal with! I also play sports, the guitar and book signings in my area and always busy with my life. My friends are really helpful in helping me balance everything, but it’s difficult sometimes.

Subjects you enjoy in school?

I take two college courses at my high school, which is psychology and US History, and those are my favorite classes because it challenges me and I learn A LOT.

One animal you think, the earth would be bad without?

I think birds. We hear them every single day and it would be really weird looking at the sky and seeing nothing.

Your favourite Quotes, Books, Authors?

My favourite book is “How To Be A Bawse” by Lilly Singh, Her book is about being the best version of yourself and how to be productive in even the most stressful situations.

Your Hobbies?

Playing hockey with my friends, listening to music and playing the guitar.

Favourite food/ cuisine?

Anything that’s edible really. I LOVE trying new foods! I also have an unhealthy obsessions with humus J  

Are you health conscious? What do you do for your health?

Since I play lacrosse and hockey over the summer, I tend to lay off the cans of pop and junk food. Of course every once in a while, I might cheat, but I try my best!

If you become a Millionaire overnight, what would you do with the money?

I think I would publish my second book, save some money for college and

visit more national parks!

 Connect with the Author:

 Facebook

 Twitter

Blog/Website- http://www.aidafreyjuniorranger.com/

 Instagram

 Buy her Book - http://www.lulu.com/shop/aida-frey-and-dana-dorfman/america-can-i-have-your-autograph-the-story-of-junior-ranger-aida-frey/paperback/product-22648371.html

 Join junior ranger programmes- https://www.nps.gov/kids/jrRangers.cfm


Interviewed by Hemdiva dev

 

 

 

Thank you!

Author Interview: Carol Hageman

 Let’s welcome Carol Hageman

Author of Bubby's Puddle Pond: A Tortuga's Tale of the Desert 

 

 

 

Special question- Please tell our readers how did you come up with idea of “Bubby”?

     

My daughter, Erin adopted Bubby when she was in the 5th grade. We made a special habitat in the back yard for him which I tried to convey in the book, i.e. the burrow in the raised garden bed.

I am an avid gardener and when I would be outside, I observed his behavior. I always felt it would make a cute children's book. In fact, many of the scenes in the book really did occur.

The idea of the "puddle" came about because Bubby would soak in little puddles after a rain. Tortoises cannot swim and will drown if they fall into a swimming pool.

However, they need just enough water for a good soak and a drink. They're bodies absorb and store water in the hot desert.   

Bubby had a special friend too, his name was Martin. He was my arborist and trimmed the mesquite tree in Bubby's habitat. Bubby would always come and see what Martin was doing, as if he wanted to help him. I would have to put him in a safe place so he would not follow Martin out the gate. Martin called him Mr. Tortuga. Martin battled cancer for 5 years before loosing the battle in 2013.

I dedicated the book to my dear friend of 25 years and made him the hero of the book.

 

 

    

 

 

Tell us about your book.    

Children who learn how to rely on friends and themselves when they're young turn out to be happier adults.

Bubby's Puddle Pond: A Tortuga's Tale of the Desert tells how Bubby, a young desert tortoise, moves outside his solitary shoebox and into an unfamiliar world, making friends who band together for safety, comfort and companionship.

Along the way, Bubby realizes that just as he can trust his friends, he can trust himself, too. Based on a mixture of fiction and the real-life behaviors of animals, Bubby's Puddle Pond takes place in a geographically unique part of the world, the Sonoran Desert.

I intend the book to be used as a learning tool. The text highlights such words as "mesquite" and "gecko," then defines them in a glossary.

A curriculum guide will help teachers and parents use the book as an educational tool. It is illegal to capture desert tortoises in the wild in Arizona, so Bubby's Puddle Pond also includes information on how to adopt one.

I worked with the Arizona Game and Fish Department to provide facts about the desert tortoise in the back of the book. 

 

  

    

What is the story behind your wide knowledge about animals?  

Wildlife always fascinated me. I grew up playing outdoors and doing chores on the family farm in Vincennes, Indiana, an area rich in flora and fauna. We had many farm animals and pets. I realize now how special it was to be raised on a farm It gave me a greater appreciation and love of nature that I hope other children can experience.

 

How many pet animals do you have yourself?    

Currently I do not have any pets. A few years ago we downsized and we had to find a new home for Bubby. I understand he is very happy with his new family. I do have 2 grand puppies and a grand horse.

Your favourite animal?   

My favorite animal is a horse. They are beautiful creatures and very smart. I had a pony as a child and had a horse for 16 years. She was very special. After loosing her suddenly 3 years ago it left a huge void in my life. My daughter encouraged me to write Bubby's story and that is how it came about.  As a tribute to Nina I named my company Nina Story Books.

 

Why did you choose this particular genre/s?  

It just seemed to fit the situation.

 

Age group you recommend for “Bubby's Puddle Pond”    

The book is considered a beginning reader, however, the information in the back of the book is for an advanced reader. So, an older sibling could read the facts and adoption information to a younger child. 

The day you decided you will be a writer?       

Life has it's funny twists and turns. I never saw myself as a writer because my background includes: owning a florist, working in the landscape industry, interior design and I am a master gardener. But, after loosing Nina I had more time on my hands and I always thought Bubby's little tales were worth telling.

 

Who helped you with your dream? Your support?   

My daughter is the one that really pushed me to write the book. My husband, was very supportive, especially financially. Then I was able to connect with a great company to help me with the publishing process. Story Monsters LLC was very supportive and had a wonderful team to work with.

 

Do you think the process of writing (Typing/Handwriting) is tiring? How do you deal with it?    

Thank goodness for computers. I can't imagine handwriting or typing on a manual typewriter to create a book.

 

 

What profession you’d choose if not an author?     

I think I have gone about it backwards. I have had several professions in the past and now I am an author. Like I said, life has it's funny twists and turns.

Do you think it’s easy/ difficult to write for children?    

I think it is a lot easier to write for children than adults. I love children's books and am fascinated with different authors imaginations.

 

 

Have you ever met a fan/reader?   

Even though my book is pretty new, I have had some fans reach out to me.

     

Would you ever go for traditional publishing? (If you’re a self published author or vice versa)     

Each means of publication has it's advantages. I am considered self published but would not be opposed to traditional publishing.

Do you interact with other authors? Do you think it’s important?    

Yes, I do interact with other authors. I think it is very important to create a support network. They can be of great service to you for all sorts of things from mentoring to sharing creative ideas for promotion.

 

Your Birthday  

August 19th

 

Your favorite actor/actress?   

Maggie Smith

 

Your favorite authors.  

Charles Dickens, Khaled Hosseini, Elizabeth Letts, Beatrix Potter

 

Ebooks / Paperbacks/ Hardcovers- Choose any two. 

This is hard, I have so many, but I guess I would have to say,The Perfect Horse by Elizabeth Letts and Our Mutual Friend By Charles Dickens.

Your favorite food/dish/cuisine?

New American organic. I love fresh out of the garden vegetables roasted with grilled salmon.

 

 

Your favorite place on earth? Why?   

There are many, but I guess it has to be tropical, like Hawaii. Since I worked for years in the floral industry. I am amazed that all of the exotics we would import, grow in the wild in the tropical islands. I love orchids, protea, birds of paradise.

 

 

Your hobbies other than writing? Do you find time for it?  

I practice yoga, am a master gardener, ride horses and golf.

 

 

Your thoughts on life? What helps you to deal with ups and downs of life?  

 Whenever life gets down there is no better place for me than the great outdoors. Nature always gives me a smile. I love birds and all the garden creatures. Having a garden space brings that to your back door. I am so excited there is a growing movement in our country to plant pollinator gardens. By doing so, it will benefit butterflies, bees, and birds that have lost much of their food source.

Your favorite quote?   

" Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm."

If you become a billionaire overnight, what would be your reaction? What will you do with the money? 

I don't think it would change me.  I would feel very blessed and share my bounty with others.  Create a program that would benefit nature and people.

Do you do something for social cause, for the needy?    

Since I worked with the Arizona Game and Fish Department to write the facts about the desert tortoise, I am donating one dollar from every book sold to the Tortoise Adoption Program that AZ Game & Fish operate. They have a wonderful program and take care of hundreds of tortoises until they can be adopted out to new families. This is a relatively unknown program that could use our help.

 

website: www.ninastorybooks.com      Facebook:  Carol Hageman Author   

Instagram: ninastorybooks

Get The Book




 

 

 

 

 

Bubby's Puddle Pond

 

 

Bubby's Puddle Pond
A Tortuga's Tale of the Dessert

Carol Hageman
illustrated by
Nathaniel P. Jensen

Bubby is a tiny dessert tortoise who makes many new friends
in his new home.
He stays in a burrow near the puddle pond and share his
home with Cotton, the bunny.

Buy On Amazon

His friends are different animals from a Cactus wren,
 a bunny, a Mediterranean gecko and many such
interesting animals.
His friends increase as time passes and they form
a lovely bond.

This is a great book for someone with a pet tortoise
or who wishes to have one someday.
The book also gives an idea about how tortoise
hibernate during the winters.
A good read!

About The Book
Children who learn how to rely on friends and themselves when they’re young grow up to be happier adults. Bubby’s Puddle Pond tells how Bubby, a tortoise in the Sonoran Desert in Arizona, moves outside his solitary shoebox into an unfamiliar world, making friends who band together for safety, comfort and companionship. Along the way, Bubby realizes that just as he can trust his friends, he can trust himself, too. First-time author Carol Hageman, draws on her own experience with wildlife and with second-graders, who she tutored in reading and helped them create their own books as a school volunteer.

Book Review: Maxwell The Monkey Barber

Click Image To Read on Amazon

 Maxwell The Monkey Barber

Author- Cale Atkinson

Owlkids Books

Maxwell, the monkey, owns a barbershop! He loves his job so much!

Many different animals come to him to get trim, chop or a special style for their hair.

And Maxwell is good at his work with his scissors, everyone is satisfied by the cuts.

Be it the lion or the bear or any other animal, there's no hair Maxwell can't fix. 

He even has solutions for the one without hair!

The illustrations are funny and out-standing!

Thank you Netgalley for the free copy!