About
I am a mother of four and a grandmother of ten. I have written eleven published rhymed children’s stories and two poetry books which have won 90 awards. Peter and the Whimper-Whineys, The Magic Word, Santa's Birthday Gift, Gimme-Jimmy. Manner-Man, My Fingerpaint Masterpiece, Mice & Spiders & Webs...Oh My!. The Golden Rule, My Little Angel, A Penny for Your Thougts, A Dime is a Sign, David's ADHD and Peter and the Whimper-Whineys Coloring Book which has just been released. I also have written seven published and internationally performed musical plays for elementary school children. I love to write. My friends and family ask me if I think in rhyme and meter, and I have to admit that sometimes this is true! A former teacher, all of my books are in rhyme and all try to teach something like good manners and caring for others. I have had a varied career. I grew up in the Willard Hotel in Washington DC (my Dad was the manager) and lived in the DC area where I was a teacher and coach for ten years; and then became a professional newspaper sports photographer and columnist for several years. Later, I became a Dinner Theatre Company Stage Manager, and finally became a Business Administrator. My husband and celebrated our 60th wedding anniversary in June! We are now retired, and we travel in our RV from the east coast to the west coast each year to spend time with our children and grandchildren... sharing my books along the way!
The Usurper King (The Plantagenet Legacy Book 3)
Description
<p><span style="color:rgb(15,17,17);font-family:'Amazon Ember', Arial, sans-serif;font-size:14px;">First, he led his own uprising. Then he captured a forsaken king. Henry had no intention of taking the crown for himself; it was given to him by popular acclaim. Alas, it didn't take long to realize that that having the kingship was much less rewarding than striving for it. Only three months after his coronation, Henry IV had to face a rebellion led by Richard's disgruntled favorites. Repressive measures led to more discontent. His own supporters turned against him, demanding more than he could give. The haughty Percies precipitated the Battle of Shrewsbury which nearly cost him the throne—and his life.</span><br style="color:rgb(15,17,17);font-family:'Amazon Ember', Arial, sans-serif;font-size:14px;" /><span style="color:rgb(15,17,17);font-family:'Amazon Ember', Arial, sans-serif;font-size:14px;">To make matters worse, even after Richard II's funeral, the deposed monarch was rumored to be in Scotland, planning his return. The king just wouldn't stay down and malcontents wanted him back.</span></p>
Story Behind The Book
This is a story told to me and my children and grandchildren by my mother, Beth T Stalker, who was a second grade teacher for most of her life. She was delighted with my rhymed version of her story. The books helps children understand how annoying whining can be, especially when read with alternating voice sounds. Try it! My 3-yr-old grandson gets to the last page and chants, "No whining, no crying!"
Reviews
<span style="color:#000000;line-height:115%;font-family:Arial, 'sans-serif';font-size:10pt;">Midwest Book Review: "Peter and the Whimper-Whineys" is a versed, color illustrated children's story about a very unpopular small rabbit named Peter who only knows how to whine. Because Peter's mother tires of his whining, she warns him about going to live with the Whimper-Whineys, a rude group of unpleasant beings. So peter dreams of going deep into the dark woods to find these Whimper-Whineys and see just what is so disagreeable about them. His ensuing adventures reflect back to him just how unpleasant and sour the effect of whimpering and whining can be on all who are around it. Eventually, Peter finds his way back to his own little bed, awakening to a golden, sunshine-filled day. Do you think Peter has learned his lesson? "Peter and the Whimper-Whineys" is a wonderful fable for harassed parents of fretful toddlers who only need a tweak and a joke to turn their frowns upside down.<span> </span></span>
