Books with author Mary Alice Baumgardner

NO EXCUSES FOR THE SKUNK! by Mary Alice Baumgardner Ms. Nanny Goat tells her students at The Red Barn School it is important they make a good impression at The First Family Day Event. Little does she ever suspect the impact those words will have on the kids, but not for themselves. They are worried someone might make fun of the impression their parents make! Throughout the week before The Program, those same parents confide their worries to Ms. Goat about the "impressions" their children might make. Realizing both students and parents need a refresher lesson about acceptance, Ms. Goat writes some fun songs. From these songs, the students discover they are each "unique, one-of-a-kind!" And, from their makeshift stage, they share this message with friends and family. In Ms. Goat's Note to her readers, she declares: "...Folks cared about the differences 'the others' just might find Because sometimes 'the others' could be a bit unkind. Those unkind ones don't understand they're like a certain bee That doesn't know that when it stings, it hurts itself, you see. But do you know inside of us, we're each the very same We all have bones and cells and blood, a heart, lungs and a brain? Oh, yes, outside we differ, that is surely true. Yet each of us is special ... with a special task to do!..." Yes, Ms. Nanny Goat teaches her students and their parents an important life lesson: by acknowledging and accepting uniqueness, there is no need to "make excuses." Through brilliant illustrations and a whimsical cast of animal characters, this delightful allegory teaches children about being unique. Watch for the release of "No Excuses for the Skunk!" as a musical for children's theatre. For further information, contact the author at: baumgarm@embarqmail.com "Charming with nuggets of tickles. Rarely has a valuable lesson been so much fun." -Jerry Spinelli (Author of Maniac Magee)

DESCRIPTION of "KIDDLEYWINKS" Kiddleywinks, a creepy-crawly caterpillar, brought new life to The Garden, teaching Jeremy Toad to somersault; Johnny Jump-Ups to whistle; and Crickets to harmonize with humming Flowers. After seeing his wormy reflection in a puddle, Kiddleywinks was shocked. How he hoped that he could change! The Garden was merry, musical and energetic until Kiddleywinks heard The Far-Off Song and disappeared inside a little, brown sac. The Flowers and Garden Creatures, overcome by the loss of their friend, sank into the earth. Sun hid, while Breeze wailed. After a long siege of cold and darkness, Sun looked down at The Garden. She shook her golden curls and sputtered, "Oh, goodness. My friends need me." Breeze agreed, saying, "I must slow down and catch my breath." The Flowers and Garden Creatures soon reappeared, looking for Kiddleywinks. They heard his voice from inside the sac. "He needs help!" Jeremy Toad yelled. "No. I must do this myself," Kiddleywinks insisted. But when he emerged from that little sac, indeed, he had changed. He looked completely different! Could this be the same Kiddleywinks? "In the Garden of Kiddleywinks" is a delightful, compelling allegory, testifying to the wonder of transformation. The author's vivid watercolor illustrations complement the poetic narrative. "Extra Tidbits from Kiddleywinks", at the end of the story, include fun facts and inspirational quotes.