Danny the Dragon fans are the best! Hearing from them lights up my day like nothing else!

Recently a family purchased the Danny the Dragon set (the Danny the Dragon Meets Jimmy softcover book and Danny the Dragon DREAMS CD). The mother, Chantelle, wrote in to tell me how happy her son Rohan was with his set, and she even sent me PICTURES!

 “We have one VERY EXCITED little boy!! ” Chantelle wrote, “He absolutely loved waking up to a package on Saturday morning.”

The Danny the Dragon set that Rohan is posing with in these pictures is available for sale here. The set is the recipient of the Creative Child Magazine Media of the Year Award!

I always love to hear from my fans, especially when they send in fun things like pictures and drawings. I can’t wait to hear from you!

Tina Turbin

www.DannytheDragon.com

    As you can imagine, as a children’s author, I do a lot of reading and love to pass on to Danny the Dragon fans my children’s literature recommendations.

    You’ve probably heard me talking about the illustrated kids book by Kevin and Laura Sanchez, Nikki’s Hurricane Adventure, and the amazing true story behind it. If not, here’s a refresher: Nikki the cat was separated from her family in 2008 during an evacuation for Hurricane Gustav 85 miles from home, and she found her way back 4 months later! Her owners Kevin and Laura later wrote down their imagined adventures of Nikki the Cat, and Nikki’s Hurricane Adventure was born! What’s more, half of the profits of the book are being donated to cancer research.

    I published a review of this delightful book and was pleased to find that Kevin and Laura Sanchez have featured it on their website, NikkisHurricaneAdventure.com. It’s so nice that my words of praise mean so much that they’ve been placed directly on their home page. Check it out!

    You can read more about the book and Nikki’s story here or at NikkisHurricaneAdventure.com. Little ones will love to hear about it, trust me!

Tina Turbin

www.DannytheDragon.com

Danny the Dragon is quite the worldly traveller–he’s made the news in Iran!

www.ibna.ir, the Iran Book News Agency, has reported that I took first place for Best Illustrations in the Five Star Publication Purple Dragonfly Awards for my illustrations  by Aija Jasuna.

Here’s an excerpt:

“Turbin’s illustrations were enthusiastically praised by the judges who praised them as ‘outstanding.’ They went on to say, ‘Not only are the illustrations charming and expertly rendered, the paintings practically leap off the page! Rather than static or two-dimensional, they are full-bodied, full of movement and motion. They speak well to the story and would engage the imagination of old and young alike. An excellent job!’

“Turbin searched far and wide with uncompromising standards for an illustrator who could bring her vision of Danny the Dragon to life, connecting with Aija in Latvia, Europe. ‘It’s so gratifying to see the book and illustrations have resonated so deeply with another judging panel as they have with our public. It really goes to show that the author and illustrator are quite a team in picture books.’”

You can read the full article here: http://www.ibna.ir/vdcba8b8wrhb8zp.4eur.txt

What an unexpected pleasure it was to discover this!

Tina Turbin

www.DannytheDragon.com

As early as Virginia Woolf’s A Room of One’s Own, people have been talking about the importance of having a place of your own to write. People often ask me, “What does your writing space look like?” I love to close myself up in my studio, tucked away in a quiet part of my house. From my writing desk is a beautiful view through my French doors behind our home of a Monet-like setting—calm lake water, shady trees, and colorful flowers. It’s an ideal setting for sure, but you know what? With my busy schedule I’m hardly home, so I have to create my own writing spaces wherever I go in hotel rooms and vacation rental properties.

When I’m on a book tour, visiting schools, libraries, and hospitals, I travel far and wide. Perhaps I’ll be staying just for the night, maybe even a few weeks. It’s a good thing I have bicoastal residences—one in Los Angeles and another in Florida—but even then I often find myself on the go.

In the end I’ve found that a writing space is important, but at the same time all you really need to have are the right tools and a place where you won’t easily be distracted. If it’s hard to find a whole room just for your writing, a corner of the room or just a desk will do the job just fine. Laptop, paper, pens, and paper on a desk top–that’s all I need! I turn off my cell phone and tell everyone, “I’m writing! Do not disturb!”

All right, you aspiring writers out there: What does your writing space look like?

Tina Turbin

www.DannytheDragon.com

Acclaimed Children’s Book Danny the Dragon Meets Jimmy Is Translated in Greek by Imagination Publishing Group

Los Angeles, CA –Critically-acclaimed children’s author Tina Turbin has announced that her multi-award winning illustrated kids book Danny the Dragon Meets Jimmy has been translated into Greek by Imagination Publishing Group. The author shared the news during her European Book Tour. The announcement comes after the book captured broad media interest after winning a series of prestigious awards.

“Since its U.S. release, Danny the Dragon Meets Jimmy has elicited much interest abroad,” an Imagination Publishing Group (IPG) spokesman said. “After the incredible success of the Danny the Dragon iPad app and with Ms. Turbin’s European book tour underway, the timing was right for addressing translations.”

The author’s recent West Coast Book Tour, with visits to schools, libraries, hospitals, and book fairs, came to a close with a series of prestigious honors including the most recent 2011 Media of the Year Award by Creative Child Magazine in the category of Reading Interactive Picture Books and First Prize for Best Illustrations in the competitive Purple Dragonfly Book Awards for its illustrations by Aija Jasuna, to name a few.

“It’s so nice to be able to finally respond to the international attention Danny has received,” the author said. The translation of Danny the Dragon Meets Jimmy into Greek is just the beginning, according to an IPG representative.

Danny the Dragon Meets Jimmy is the celebrated first book in Tina Turbin’s illustrated Danny the Dragon kids book series. The title has received a number of accolades from esteemed awards programs including the iParenting Media Awards, the International Book Awards and the Mom’s Choice Awards. The tale of how Jimmy and his family come across Danny the Dragon and his traveling companion, Skipper, Danny the Dragon Meets Jimmy is renowned for its pro-family themes and messages about mutual kindness. Closely following the book was the release of the Danny the Dragon Dreams CD, which has garnered numerous awards as well. Turbin recently commanded widespread attention with the release of a groundbreaking Danny the Dragon Meets Jimmy iPhone and iPad app, which was developed by iStoryTime, the app developer for How to Train Your Dragon. The first of its kind, Turbin’s iPad app features a reading of Danny the Dragon Meets Jimmy with voice and sign language interpretation for the deaf and hard of hearing.

The release date of the Greek translation of Danny the Dragon Meets Jimmy has yet to be set by Imagination Publishing Group. Turbin meanwhile continues her European Book Tour, visiting Danny the Dragon fans in schools, libraries, bookstores, and book festivals throughout the European continent.

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TO BOOK TINA TURBIN FOR AN INTERVIEW OR SPEAKING ENGAGEMENT:  Contact ImaginationPublishingGroup@gmail.com

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT DANNY THE DRAGON: Visit http://www.DannytheDragon.com.

TO PURCHASE DANNY THE DRAGON PRODUCTS: Contact Imagination Publishing Group at ImaginationPublishingGroup@gmail.com or call 888-701-6481.  Also available through: Amazon.com, Victory Multimedia, Barnes and Noble, Blockbuster Video, Baker and Taylor, and other major distributors.

Danny the Dragon Meets Jimmy DVD: 837654741191, $24.95

Danny the Dragon Meets Jimmy paperback: 978-0-9800-721-0-5, $8.95

Danny the Dragon Dreams CD/Audiobook: 978-0-9800-721-3-6, $8.95

DVD profits are generously donated by the author to support causes to improve literacy and education.

Critically-acclaimed children’s author Tina Turbin has kicked off a summer tour in Europe

Los Angeles, CA-

Critically-acclaimed children’s author Tina Turbin, author of the multi-award-winning illustrated kids book Danny the Dragon Meets Jimmy, has kicked off a Danny the Dragon summer tour in Europe. The book tour comes after a series of prestigious honors including the most recent 2011 Media of the Year Award by Creative Child Magazine in the category of Reading Interactive Picture Books and First Prize for Best Illustrations in the competitive Purple Dragonfly Book Awards for its illustrations by Aija Jasuna.

“After wrapping up my West Coast book tour and with the increasing International media interest, it was clear that a European tour was the next step,” the author said during her interview in Rome, Italy. Just as with her previous Book Tours, Turbin has been visiting children groups, book stores, libraries, book fairs and festivals recounting to children the adventures of Danny the Dragon and answering the many questions directed to the author.

Danny the Dragon Meets Jimmy is the celebrated first book in Tina Turbin’s illustrated Danny the Dragon kids book series. The title has received a number of accolades from esteemed awards programs including the iParenting Media Awards, the International Book Awards and the Mom’s Choice Awards. The tale of how Jimmy and his family stumble upon Danny the Dragon and his traveling companion, Skipper, Danny the Dragon Meets Jimmy is renowned for its pro-family themes and messages about mutual kindness and values. The later released Danny DREAMS cd followed close behind winning numerous awards as well.

The Danny the Dragon European Book Tour will extend into early Fall, as Turbin will be spending two months abroad touring the European continent. Having spent part of her childhood in England and traveled extensively throughout her life, Turbin is looking forward to seeing Europe again. “It is no doubt that this adventure has stimulated and enhanced my writing,” she said.

Turbin recently took the world by storm with the release of a groundbreaking Danny the Dragon Meets Jimmy iPhone and iPad app, which was developed by iStoryTime, the app developer the Animation How to Train Your Dragon. The first of its kind, Turbin’s iPad app features a reading of Danny the Dragon Meets Jimmy with voice and sign language interpretation for the deaf and hard of hearing.

Turbin’s award-winning book has been released in a number of multimedia formats including a Danny the Dragon Meets Jimmy DVD, which features a reading of the book with sign language interpretation, and a Danny the Dragon Dreams CD, which contains a set of ten original compositions by breakout music artists followed by a reading of Danny the Dragon Meets Jimmy. Efforts are under way, an Imagination Publishing Group representative said, to translate the book into Spanish and Greek.

Turbin has had a busy year wrapping up her West Coast book tour and handling the intense media interest that came with the release of her Danny the Dragon iPad app. Even so, the author is looking forward to her European tour as an opportunity to meet the many international Danny the Dragon fans.

To book Tina Turbin for an interview or speaking engagement: Contact ImaginationPublishingGroup(at)gmail(dot)com
To learn more about Danny the Dragon: Visit http://www.DannytheDragon.com.

To purchase Danny the Dragon products: Contact Imagination Publishing Group at ImaginationPublishingGroup(at)gmail(dot)com or call 888-701-6481. Also available through: Amazon.com, Victory Multimedia, Barnes and Noble, Blockbuster Video, Baker and Taylor, and other major distributors.

Danny the Dragon Meets Jimmy DVD: 837654741191, $24.95
Danny the Dragon Meets Jimmy paperback: 978-0-9800-721-0-5, $8.95
Danny the Dragon Dreams CD/Audiobook: 978-0-9800-721-3-6, $8.95

I was honored and touched by the review of the first book in my children’s book series, Danny the Dragon Meets Jimmy, by book critic Gerardine Baugh of the Chicago Examiner. She had nothing but praise for my story, its themes, and the award-winning illustrations by Aija Jasuna.

     Among her many kind words, Ms. Baugh wrote, “Each time a child opens this book they will see something to count, or laugh over…I recommend this book as a birthday or holiday gift, or just a special bedtime gift. What a sweet way to lull your child to sleep.”

Regarding its themes, she wrote, that she “was equally impressed by how the writer, Tina Turbin, who in her story telling, showed me this sweet family working together and helping each other with manners and love…” I’m so glad that Ms. Baugh has appreciated the theme of family togetherness in my book. As the mother of three (now grown) children, it’s important for me to pass on to my readers the importance of mutual kindness and helping as ingredients in a strong, happy family.

You can click on the link below to read the whole review:

http://exm.nr/oDGELS

Tina Turbin

www.DannytheDragon.com

Danny the Dragon Meets Jimmy has received yet another prestigious award.

Los Angeles,CA-

The multi-award winning illustrated kids book Danny the Dragon Meets Jimmy by Tina Turbin has received yet another prestigious award, Five Star Publication’s First Prize for Best Illustrations for its illustrations by Aija Jasuna.

The first book in Tina Turbin’s illustrated kids book series, Danny the Dragon Meets Jimmy has already received numerous accolades from a number of esteemed awards programs including the iParenting Media Awards, Mom’s Choice Awards, International Book Awards and the Indie Excellence Book Awards. The picture book tells the story of how Jimmy and his family chance upon Danny the Dragon and his traveling companion, Skipper, and their charming ensuing friendship. It is celebrated for its pro-family themes and messages about kindness.

News of Turbin’s recent honor has appeared in the SanTan Sun News , a wide-circulation newspaper based in the greater Phoenix metro area. The Annual Five Star Publication Purple Dragonfly Awards, which honors excellence in children’s literature, is an extremely highly competitive contest. “Winning any place in the Purple Dragonfly Contest is a huge honor,” explains Linda Radke, president of Five Star Publications, the sponsor of the Dragonfly Book Awards. “Competition is steep, too, because there is no publication date limit as long as the book is still in print.”

Turbin’s illustrations were enthusiastically praised by the judges who praised them as “outstanding.” They went on to say, “Not only are the illustrations charming and expertly rendered, the paintings practically leap off the page! Rather than static or two-dimensional, they are full-bodied, full of movement and motion. They speak well to the story and would engage the imagination of old and young alike. An excellent job!”

Turbin has just wrapped up her West Coast book tour and handling the enormous media interested she attracted with the launch of a revolutionary iPad app for deaf children with iStoryTime, the app developer for How to Train Your Dragon. Turbin’s app features sign language interpretation for the first book in her series, Danny the Dragon Meets Jimmy as well as available for the iPhone.

“It’s such an honor to have been recognized by the Purple Dragonfly Book Awards,” Turbin said. Turbin searched far and wide with uncompromising standards for an illustrator who could bring her vision of Danny the Dragon to life, connecting with Aija in Latvia, Europe. “It’s so gratifying to see the book and illustrations have resonated so deeply with another judging panel as they have with our public. It really goes to show that the author and illustrator are quite a team in picture books.”

TO BOOK TINA TURBIN FOR AN INTERVIEW OR SPEAKING ENGAGEMENT: Contact ImaginationPublishingGroup(at)gmail(dot)com

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT DANNY THE DRAGON: Visit http://www.DannytheDragon.com.

TO PURCHASE DANNY THE DRAGON PRODUCTS: Contact Imagination Publishing Group at ImaginationPublishingGroup(at)gmail(dot)com or call 888-701-6481. Also available through: Amazon.com, Victory Multimedia, Barnes and Noble, Blockbuster Video, Baker and Taylor, and other major distributors.

Danny the Dragon Meets Jimmy DVD: 837654741191, $24.95
Danny the Dragon Meets Jimmy paperback: 978-0-9800-721-0-5, $8.95
Danny the Dragon Dreams CD/Audiobook: 978-0-9800-721-3-6, $8.95

DVD profits are generously donated by the author to support causes to improve literacy and education.

Danny the Dragon Meets Jimmy, the first book in my illustrated kids book series, has placed first in the Purple Dragonfly Book Awards for Best Illustrations. What an honor! You can find out the story behind illustrating the book by checking out this link to fReado.com, the “World’s Biggest Free Book-Winning Site,” which has featured Danny the Dragon Meets Jimmy. fReado allows you to sample the book and shares a little bit about my creative process as I was putting the book together. You’ll also read the remarkable story of how I found and worked with my outstanding illustrator, Aija Jasuna.

http://www.freado.com/read/4360/danny-the-dragon-meets-jimmy

Tina Turbin

www.DannytheDragon.com

Treasure Hunt with the Munch Crunch Bunch is a storybook and activity book in one designed for children to help them learn about food so they themselves can be empowered to make healthy choices. Now what parent wouldn’t want that?

This book has lots of fun, hands-on activities for families: board games; fruit and vegetable food riddles (“foodles”); ways to make grocery shopping educational and fun; and a terrific read tucked inside.

Designed for 3-8 year olds, this book has so much color and life it’s entertaining for any parent, relative or teacher. The book is really laid out perfectly so you can simply follow the directions, have fun and learn.

The key appealing point is that the book does not come across AT ALL as if it’s trying to teach, which kids are quick to notice. There’s no better way to learn at these ages than through play, experience and fun. This book offers just this. I haven’t come across a hands-on book this good in a long time.

Author Jan Wotterman is responsible for the nutrition resource material. She conducted an in-class nutrition activity with a select group of 17 out of 73 students using her book. Then each of the 73 families filled out an initial list of foods eaten. Each of the 17 children took their book home and parents read to their children and used the “foodle” cards as shopping lists.

Three weeks later, a questionnaire was sent home to each of the 73 students in the class (to both the book-reading group and the control group). The statistics proved that only the 17 students in the group who read the book increased fruit and vegetable consumption and decreased high-fat and high-sugar consumption. This book made a difference for the whole family!

I can only highly recommend this book.

Tina Turbin

www.DannytheDragon.com

k.m.