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dig this sponsor: Maria Dismondy, children’s book author
March 20, 2013

Extending a big, warm welcome to a new dig sponsor: Award-winning children’s book author Maria Dismondy!

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Maria’s mission is to inspire and empower children. This is her favorite quote (and is now one of mine too):

I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do.
– Edward Everett Hale

Maria recently resigned from her teaching job of twelve years. It was a huge risk, but traveling to schools and empowering children to be themselves is what she feels she was meant to do. Oh I admire that kind of bravery. In March last year, she spoke to more than 10,000 students. Although her job as a writer looks very different from teaching first grade (she writes while her girls nap and often Skypes with aspiring writers and students from her kitchen table) she is comforted in knowing she is making her mark in the world while being home with her children. Maria continues to write children’s books and is eager to find an agent who will help her to extend her powerful messages to a larger audience.

Maria has published four books, each with positive messages of inclusion, empathy, courage and kindness.

Screen shot 2013-03-20 at 10.34.23 AM

The Potato Chip Champ
Champ and Walter Norbert Whipplemoore are about as different as two kids can be…well, except for their love of baseball and potato chips. Champ had everything, but always wanted more. Walter had very little, but was never seen without a smile on his face. In the end, it is Walter and some crunchy potato chips that teach Champ a lesson about character that can’t be taught in school.

Pink Tiara Cookies For Three
Sami’s perfect life falls apart when the new girl moves in next door. Sami doesn’t need another friend, she has Stella. They are the perfect example of best friends. Mittens come in pairs and so do friends, according to Sami. Bullying can be very subtle, but it hurts just the same. Three can be a tricky number with friends because most of the time, someone gets left out. Follow Sami as she discovers how to keep her best friend and find room for one more in Pink Tiara Cookies for Three.

Spaghetti in A Hot Dog Bun: Having the Courage to Be Who You Are
“Lucy, Lucy, eats stinky food that puts us all in a big, bad mood!” How can Ralph be so mean, Lucy wonders? Lucy is one of a kind, and Ralph loves to point that out. Lucy’s defining moment comes when Ralph truly needs her help. Because she knows what she stands for, Lucy has the courage to make the right choice. This charming story empowers children to always do the right thing and to be proud of themselves even when they are faced with someone as challenging as Ralph.

The Juice Box Bully: Empowering Kids to Stand Up For Others
Have you ever seen a bully in action and done nothing about it? The kids at Pete’s new school get involved, instead of being bystanders. When Pete begins to behave badly, his classmates teach him about “The Promise”. Will Pete decide to shed his bullying habits and make “The Promise”? Read The Juice Box Bully to find out!

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Maria Dismond’s books are available for purchase online. And, she is generously giving away a signed copy of The Potato Chip Champ to one of you lucky ducks! Leave a comment for a chance to win. Comments closed and winner selected on Monday, March 25.

Thanks, Maria. I wish you all the best!

:: :: ::

Randomly selected winner: #66! Congrats, Meredith.
Screen shot 2013-03-26 at 10.00.10 AM

 

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96 Comments


Jen Mann
March 20, 2013 at 9:06 PM

My 4 year old munchkin would love one of these books!



Jennifer
March 20, 2013 at 9:12 PM

what great books! would love to share these with my three kids!



DeRae
March 20, 2013 at 9:24 PM

These books look so cute! Thank you for the opportunity. 🙂



Kaili
March 20, 2013 at 9:28 PM

This is my first year teaching and my 1st grade students would be thrilled to have a book signed by a real author! We read Spaghetti in a Hotdog Bun earlier this year and they loved it! 🙂



Lee
March 20, 2013 at 9:32 PM

These sound great! I’m going to put them in my book wish list!



Victoria C
March 20, 2013 at 9:39 PM

We dont have this Maria Dismondy book! My littles would love it!!



Mary A-J
March 20, 2013 at 9:39 PM

These books sound wonderful! As I teacher I can imagine how difficult a decision she had. I admire her courage! I am sure all her years of teaching make her the perfect person to speak to and reach young children! 🙂 I made the tough decision to place my teaching career on the back burner to spend some time at home with my sons. I have not regretted the decision at all. 🙂



clove's corner
March 20, 2013 at 9:43 PM

Thanks for the introduction. These books look fantastic.



Jeannine
March 20, 2013 at 9:47 PM

My 4 1/2 year old would absolutely love these books!



Jamie Lincoln
March 20, 2013 at 9:50 PM

Reading is a fav around here!! A new book would be awesome and these books look darling!



Monica
March 20, 2013 at 9:59 PM

These books look adorable!



Annie
March 20, 2013 at 11:33 PM

These books look fantastic. Excited to check them out !



Paivi
March 21, 2013 at 3:57 AM

These books look great. Looking forward to ordering one for my daughters upcoming birthday



Honi
March 21, 2013 at 4:05 AM

What a great giveaway. I have seen these books reviewed in other places and everyone says the same thing…. GET THEM! Hope to win! 🙂



Stacey Muller
March 21, 2013 at 4:50 AM

I have all 4 of these books and I love them! I’ve used them in a first grade classroom and they made such an impact.



sian
March 21, 2013 at 5:11 AM

How exciting! Those books look awesome! x



Maria
March 21, 2013 at 5:20 AM

Thank you so much for a lovely post on my books! I appreciate it!!!



Carrie
March 21, 2013 at 5:36 AM

Always love finding new gems. Can’t wait to seek out these books to add to our family’s library!



lemontreelane
March 21, 2013 at 5:47 AM

Books are so important!



kate
March 21, 2013 at 6:17 AM

Love that picture of Ruby and Margot reading. We love books and always welcome a new one into our collection!



marti
March 21, 2013 at 6:44 AM

I’ve heard of Spaghetti in a Hot Dog bun before and Ivy is always asking for new books! She would love to have one of these!



Dana~my3littleducks
March 21, 2013 at 6:45 AM

What a wonderful women! These books look amazing and I need to go find them for me and my kiddos.
Thank you!
Dana



Trbholt
March 21, 2013 at 6:55 AM

I KNOW I say this all the time, BUT those are the most darling little girls I know!

xoxo, Gram



    Trbholt
    March 21, 2013 at 6:57 AM

    PS….what a wonderful new sponsor!

Tiffany Soukup
March 21, 2013 at 7:11 AM

Love the books. Thanks for sharing! Always on the look out for inspiring books.



Lynn
March 21, 2013 at 7:21 AM

These books sound wonderful! Just the thing to share with my young nieces!



Jacki
March 21, 2013 at 7:47 AM

These books sound great! I’d love to read them to my little guy.



Karen
March 21, 2013 at 7:48 AM

These books look Great! Not only are they teaching the kids but they are holding their attention with fabulous, colorful pictures. These will be on my wish list!



Tara
March 21, 2013 at 7:57 AM

Earlier this month, my almost 2 year old cut her hair (her precious baby hair that had never been cut-mommy tears and then laughter-girl rocks her new bangs), the next day she as she was picking up daddy’s cell phone that had dropped she accidentally hit the emergency call button and called the police (her daddy got a nice long talking to). My 3 year old has brought parenting to a whole new level with her use of language and boundary testing! March Madness in the works 🙂 Books are our fantasy escapes to new places full or adventure and BONUS if they present a message about inclusion, empathy, courage or kindness!
I too am a former teacher; now I run in-home daycare….all of my children love story time! I will definitely have to check these out-they look so fun and engaging!

And this….YES (I may have to find a wall in my home for this)!
~I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do.
– Edward Everett Hale



Hillary
March 21, 2013 at 7:57 AM

Cute! Would love to check out some of those titles.



Elena
March 21, 2013 at 8:01 AM

I am always looking for new books for my little guy. These sound cool!



Carrie
March 21, 2013 at 8:04 AM

My two and half year would love to hear these stories and grow up knowing them!



Gwynne
March 21, 2013 at 8:15 AM

I have a brand new granddaughter and another grandbaby due in September. Would love to add to their book collection. I think reading to your children is one of the most important things you can do!!



Erica
March 21, 2013 at 8:24 AM

Yeah! They look like great books!



Holly
March 21, 2013 at 8:30 AM

These sound like wonderful books!



Sally
March 21, 2013 at 8:58 AM

I will buy several of these books. We have a “Book-of-the-Month” bookclub for our three Grandsons.



Cindy
March 21, 2013 at 9:15 AM

I went to high school with Maria!! Love to see a hometown girl making it big!



Jaymi
March 21, 2013 at 9:27 AM

They sound great! We’ll have to check them out.



Tricia
March 21, 2013 at 10:01 AM

My girl would love these!



Susan Briggs
March 21, 2013 at 10:05 AM

Thank you for writing about Maria! Her books sound wonderful! As a school librarian I would be thrilled to win her book. Love your blog! Thanks! : )



Monique
March 21, 2013 at 10:18 AM

These books look so good. I would love a chance to read one my my four year old son.



kelly
March 21, 2013 at 10:47 AM

We would love to read one of these books! Love being introduced to new authors.



Tara
March 21, 2013 at 11:42 AM

I run in-home daycare and story time is one of our favorite parts of the day! We have been cooped up inside with our brrr cold midwest weather, so kindness themed stories have been plentiful! I will definitely have to check these out! March madness has literally crept into our home this month… my almost 2 year old cut her precious baby hair which had never been cut before(she totally rocks her new bangs though), my 3 year old has become very assertive and is just checking boundaries to see if momma is “always” going to follow through :), oh yeah and my littlest one got hold of daddy’s phone and accidentally called the police (they had a nice long chat with daddy to make sure no one was really in danger!



Mama Jessie
March 21, 2013 at 11:50 AM

That quote is a favorite of mine! What an inspiring story she has. Now I simply HAVE to read these books to my kiddos!



Mary
March 21, 2013 at 1:36 PM

I would love to have a copy for my preschool classroom!



Jo Shontz
March 21, 2013 at 1:57 PM

These books sound so awesome!



Junebug
March 21, 2013 at 3:04 PM

The Spaghetti in a Hot Dog Bun looks and sounds so cute!



Denise Charboneau
March 21, 2013 at 3:22 PM

Love this and love that she was a teacher who took a risk and quit her teaching job. EXCELLENT!



Stephanie
March 21, 2013 at 5:22 PM

They look like wonderful books! My 3 year old son LOVES books!



Jorie
March 21, 2013 at 6:05 PM

We have The Juice Box Bully and love it! Congrats to Maria on taking the risk! Seems as tho it was well worth it 🙂



Shari
March 21, 2013 at 7:03 PM

Beautiful books, love the message!



Rebecca Noton
March 21, 2013 at 7:18 PM

Thank you SO much for bringing products like this!!!! It’s wonderful to get your recommendations!



Andrea
March 21, 2013 at 7:49 PM

Several of these have been sitting on our wishlist!



AMY
March 21, 2013 at 9:45 PM

These books look great!



Cheryl
March 21, 2013 at 11:35 PM

We need some new books for our grandchildren and what a wonderful message to bring them. It is great to have your recommendation too Nici and we are introduced to this author! Thank you.



Theresa Douma
March 22, 2013 at 2:26 PM

I L.O.V.E. children’s books! Thanks for the chance to win!



Nicole
March 22, 2013 at 3:51 PM

Ohhh, these books look amazing! I would love to get my mitts on them for my own children, and the children/families I work with!!



Anna
March 22, 2013 at 4:56 PM

I love children’s books that teach good lessons! Thanks for sharing about this great author



Claire Chadwick @ Scissors Paper Rock
March 22, 2013 at 8:39 PM

I love this.
I felt so connected to Maria whilst reading this post – because in February of this year, I too quit my job as an early learning teacher to pursue my writing career. My first children’s picture book is in the process of being published and will hit Australian stores and all online bookstores in late May/early June. YAY!!! I too want to travel to schools to spread the love of writing, communicating and story telling.
Maria’s goals sound great. Off to check out her books on Amazon.
Thanks for sharing Nici. xx



katie
March 22, 2013 at 9:32 PM

These books look so great! They are on my Amazon wishlist now 🙂



Ciara
March 23, 2013 at 2:06 AM

I would love this book for my 2 girls!



Colleen dalton
March 24, 2013 at 3:56 PM

Have put these books on my list nanny 4 siblings All children need to learn and live tolerance for all. Thanks



Jeanne
March 25, 2013 at 1:50 AM

I am always on the hunt for books. This author sounds delightful



Molly
March 25, 2013 at 5:47 PM

Wow! I would love to have one, each one sounds like it has a wonderful lesson!



jennie
March 25, 2013 at 5:48 PM

my kids are at each other’s throats right now. Wishing we had a new book or two to keep them busy while I made dinner.



jaime
March 25, 2013 at 5:50 PM

AWESOME. WHAT A GIFT AND BLESSING MY LITTLE ONES WOULD LOVE!!!THANK U FOR SHARING



Meredith
March 25, 2013 at 5:51 PM

Love books with a positive message for my kiddo!



Brandi
March 25, 2013 at 5:51 PM

What a fun giveaway! I would love to share these books with my boys!



Sarah
March 25, 2013 at 5:53 PM

Those books look amazing! 🙂 what a fun give-away! 🙂



Maggie
March 25, 2013 at 5:53 PM

Gimme, gimme! Nothing I want more than books that inspire the littles.



Tina
March 25, 2013 at 5:54 PM

Crap! Thanks for posting the giveaway on Facebook, or I would have somehow missed it!

These books like awesome. I’d love them for my girls!



Mara D
March 25, 2013 at 5:55 PM

would LOVE one of these books!



Jamie
March 25, 2013 at 5:55 PM

Would love to read these books!



Theresa Pestel
March 25, 2013 at 5:55 PM

We love books in our house and these look amazing!



Becky
March 25, 2013 at 5:57 PM

As a teacher (on an extended maternity leave), I cannot stress
how wonderful it is to be able to read these types of stories to children!
I’m always on the “look out” for great authors who do just this and look
forward to read these to my daughter! Thanks for sharing!



Tina R
March 25, 2013 at 5:57 PM

Thanks for the chance to win. We are always on the lookout for good book suggestions!



Kate
March 25, 2013 at 6:03 PM

This would make a great gift for my almost 2year old son!!



Sheila Miles
March 25, 2013 at 6:03 PM

Oh how I would love to win and share with my grand nephew!



Jess Blackwell
March 25, 2013 at 6:09 PM

Love these! And so does my kiddo : )



katelyn
March 25, 2013 at 6:11 PM

These look so cute! My little readers would love to have one!



Analise
March 25, 2013 at 6:11 PM

Those sound like great books! Fun illustrations on the covers.



Julie fritz
March 25, 2013 at 6:12 PM

I wish these were available when my kids were little but my granddaughter is at the perfect age! They look wonderful!



Heather
March 25, 2013 at 6:13 PM

I super love that quote!!! These books are adorable, hope I win!!



Jennifer
March 25, 2013 at 6:18 PM

Thanks for offering such a great giveaway. I know my daughter would love this book.



Jolie Newman
March 25, 2013 at 6:19 PM

This all sound like super books! I would love to win!



    Jolie N.
    March 25, 2013 at 6:20 PM

    These…not this! LOL…Mommy mush brain!

Allison
March 25, 2013 at 6:24 PM

Sounds like some great books! Thanks for the opportunity to win!



April
March 25, 2013 at 6:26 PM

Love this! Thanks for sharing & the giveaway!



    Becky
    March 25, 2013 at 6:33 PM

    Oh me, Oh my, Maria!! I would love to read these books to my kids!

Barbara
March 25, 2013 at 6:32 PM

My granddaughters would love one of these books



Erin
March 25, 2013 at 6:33 PM

I thought of you and your irks several times this weekend on our snowy mountain adventure. We sledded and swam and swam some more. It was wonderful.

Not so much a specific comment.. Just a hello and a thanks for reminding me of how great it is to be in the snow with family.



Louise Ponticello
March 25, 2013 at 6:33 PM

Awesome, I have a book loving two year old and a soon to be five year old who would love to get their hands on a new cool book for our collection!



Heidi
March 25, 2013 at 6:38 PM

So sweet! I will definitely be checking them out.



Tanya
March 25, 2013 at 6:43 PM

I am always looking for new authors and books for my daughter, who already at 23 months loves to “read” and be read to. Even if I am not chosen, I will definitely check out these books!



Mistene
March 25, 2013 at 6:47 PM

What great books! They would be great for any kid to read.



Amy P
March 25, 2013 at 9:30 PM

I hope my kids and I are the potato chip champs 🙂



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    I’m Nici (pronounced like Nikki) and I live in western Montana where I raise kids, vegetables and the roof.

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