Visitors From All Over This Orb

I feel so blessed.  Many people from numerous countries have found their way to this blog.  I am grateful and humble as well. 

Earth Fron Space
(NASA Flat Map)

While I don't know who you are, I do know from which countries you come.  And you are from everywhere.  Argentina to Belarus to the Czech Republic to India to Malaysia to Russia to the United Kingdom and so many other countries are represented. Welcome to this blog!

We are a small neighborhood, this village Earth.  We must be a caring community, where needs are met and people are valued, no matter their race, religion or gender.

Why can't this happen?  It is such a simple concept. 

The reality, of course, is a different matter--complex, multifaceted and fraught with borders and protectionism.  I know that. 

But as I receive statistics showing the myriad places from which readers come, I am heartened.  Why?  Because we are all human, most of us with the requisite amount of goodness it takes to make our home a habitable, safe place once again.  And if we all, or at least some of us try, we surely will succeed.

Pelican Spotlighted at Books, Products and More Today

Today our gang is spotlighted at a newer blog, and a good one, called:  Books Products and More. 
One Pelican at a Time will be showcased here.  Please come along, and take a look!

Ah, Lovely Springtime!

Pelican hit No. 12 once more today on Amazon's Bestseller List for Children's Books.  We are all so happy about that.

And one more reminder:  I am busy doing presentations and book signings at schools and other venues.  These, along with the locations, can be found on this blog.

An Interview with As the Pages Turn Blog

We have another interview today at As the Pages Turn.  Britt, Bella, Pelican and I are very happy to be part of this blog today.  We hope you can join us, too!

"Yeah, girls.  I heard there's a lot about us in this interview!  And our esteemed author?  Not so much.  I can't wait to read it!"

"I didn't know you could read, Mr. Pelican."

"Well, Bella, I can't really, but promise not to tell anyone.  I wouldn't want my fans to be disappointed.  Besides, you and Britt can read it to me."

"Yes, of course, we can, Mr. Pelican."

"Aw, Britt.  You're just too nice.  I think we should keep him guessing a little longer."

"Okay, Bella.  I just don't want any pelican drama."

"I promise, girls, or you can have all my fish.  Ur ah eh, one of my fish..."

Nancy Stewart Interview at Pump Up Your Book!

My interview today at Pump Up Your Book, is one I've been looking forward to for some time.  I have enjoyed working with Cheryl Malandrinos, who is so effective at what she does! 

This is an in-depth interview, and we speak of many things, both intellectual and "of the business" as well as some fun questions. 

Please stop by, and find out more about One Pelican at a Time and its author, such as a photo of then five year old Nancy.  There is a photo of a bridge over the Cam River in Cambridge, UK.  I just happen to be in the picture.

I am also pleased to announce that Pelican has been nominated for a Global eBook Award. 

One Pelican at a Time Reviewed at Thoughts in Progress

A message from Britt, Bella and Pelican

Join us today at:  Thoughts in Progress

Bella, I think we're going to be reviewed again, today.

Oh, don't worry about it, Britt.  Everyone loves Mr. Pelican.  He's saved our bacon more than a few times!

What do you mean by bacon?  You know pelicans don't eat bacon, unless there's nothing else to eat.

It's a saying, Mr. Pelican.  Just go out there and do what you do so well.  Wow them with your great personality--your charm, your wit, your handsome face! 

Okay, but it's only fair that I get extra fish when the review is finished. Agreed, girls?

Yeah, yeah, whatever...

Happy Easter and Passover from the Pelican Pals!

 

Bella, Britt, Pelican and I wish you a wonderful Easter or Passover!  In this time of rebirth and springtime in many parts of the world, we hope you all find joy and peace in this new season.

On a personal note, we are thankful for all our supporters around this globe.  We are thankful for those of you who are helping save our earth, one person at a time.

In our next two books, Bella and Britt Save the Beach and Sea Turtle Summer, we will try to continue the message of preserving our environment for future generations.  We look forward to sharing this message with you all.  And we look forward to once more empowering kids to do their part in helping save our planet.

Earth Day Guest Post at The Children's and Teen's Book Connection (Book Giveaway!)

Happy Earth Day to all of you around our wonderful planet who follow this blog.  From Austria to Hungary to Iran and beyond, we know this is not only an important day but symbolically, a crucial one.

To that end, I've written an Earth Day Guest Post on a wonderful and intelligent blog.  It is by Cheryl Malandrinos and is called, The Children's and Teen's Book Connection.

On behalf of Earth Day, Cheryl has organized a giveaway of my bestselling children's book, One Pelican at a Time:  A Story of the Gulf Oil Spill.

Simply stop by her blog and register, so we know where to find you if you are the winner.  It is our distinct pleasure that one of you have the book, enjoy it and use its message, one person at a time.

Thoughts in Progress Guest Post

 

Do you ever wonder about narcissism?  Have to say I really never did.  That is until I began blogging.  Oh, yes. 

 Blogging, I have found, can have a deleterious effect on one's self image.  Has it happened to me?   Well, read my guest post at Thoughts in Progress Blog.

And all of you out there who blog.  Does this strike a chord or what?

Mr. Pelican?  No, surely you're not narcissistic!

Pelican is spotlighted at Turning the Clock Back Blog (First anniversary of Gulf Oil Spill)

Today we are visiting a very eco-friendly blog!  Lots of tips for green living abound here.

One Pelican is spotlighted here today.  Please join us for this informative interview!

Remember, the gulf oil spill happened one year ago today!  This kind of thing must never happen again.  Kids need to be empowered to ask hard questions of their legislators and their president.  They should demand that our planet is handed over to their generation intact and fit for them and for generations that come after.

The Marvelous Melange of Cultures Blog Today!

I am interviewed today at the magnificent Melange of Cultures Blog!  The blog belongs to Nicole Weaver, who was born in Haiti and now lives in the US. 

Nicole Weaver

Nicole writes children's books in three languages, English, Spanish and French.  Each language is represented in every book she writes.  

What questions does Nicole have in store today for Bella, Britt, Pelican and me?  Only one way to find out.  Join us!

Guest Blogging at Lori's Reading Corner on April 19

Please come on over to Lori's Reading Corner tomorrow.  Lots going on!  I talk about my wonderful SCBWI Writers Group, Bookends.  We meet once a month at our local Barnes and Noble.  



Cole Gibsen, Jonathan Schkade, Louann Brown, Nancy Stewart, Jeff Weigel



A lot goes on during these meetings:  chatter, constructive criticism and collegiality.  Good for the mind and soul.  Come and take a look for yourself.  Britt, Bella, Pelican and I cordially invite you!

 

Join Britt, Bella, Pelican and me on our third week of touring!

Our Schedule:

Monday, April 18

Lori's Reading Corner  

Guest Blog

Tuesday, April 19

Melange of Culture's Blog

Book Reviewed

Wednesday, April 20

Turning the Clock Back

Interview

Thursday, April 21

Thoughts in Progress 

Guest Blog

Friday, April 22

The Children's and Teen's Book Connection

Guest Blog and Giveaway***

Interview at Blogcritics Today

Skip, walk or run to Blogcritics today!  This is the thinking person's blog, and I am happy to be included in an interview.  I answer all sorts of intriguing questions.  And I give away a recipe that allowed me graduate from a Cordon Bleu course in London! 

When my interviewer asks the question, find out where I would be in a fantasy situation.  (Well, actually, I was really there...)

And find out why I think A.A. Milne is the best!  It has to do with long walks on Hampstead Heath in London.

Last, but certainly not least, we talk about the characters in One Pelican at a Time:  A Story of the Gulf Oil Spill. 

Oh, one thing more:  I am happy to announce that Pelican has been nominated for the Global eBook Awards in Children's Picture Book Fiction.

Bella, Britt, Pelian and I want to say thank you and also say how appreciative we are for this nomination!

Pelican Nominated for Global eBook Award

I'm delighted to announce One Pelican at a Time:  A Story of the Gulf Oil Spill, has been nominated for the Global eBook Awards in Children's Picture Book Fiction.

The Old Crooked Beak Pelican, Bella, Britt and I are thrilled and excited by this nomination.  We want to thank our publishing house, Guardian Angel Publishing, too, for being so supportive and helpful in everything we do. 

And, of course, Mr. Pelican thinks this whole thing happened because he was interviwed two days ago at The Plot.

Not so sure, Mr. Pelican, but maybe...

Pelican Interview at Confessions of an Overworked Mom

Do you want to visit a very Green Blog and busy blog?  Then come on along with Britt, Bella, Pelican  and me to Confessions of an Overworked Mom!

  One Pelican at a Time:  A Story of the Gulf Oil Spill will be reviewed at this informational and insightful blog.

There are great green and other tips for busy moms.  It's a blog you will not want to miss, regardless of the interview. 

Remember, Pelican has been on Amazon's Bestseller List for Children for four weeks!

 

Ahh.  End of Day!



Virtual Tour Continues Today at The Plot

Please visit The Plot today, and see what's up with One Pelican at a Time:  A Story of the Oil Spill!  This is a fine blog and worth one's time to view and peruse.

And on April 12, 2011 at The Plot, our old friend the crooked beak pelican, will be interviewed. 

He will describe how he felt upon diving into the oily waters of the gulf.  Read how much Britt and Bella's friendship means to him and if his life has changed since the oil spill.  Pelican's a pretty wise old bird who can teach us all a few things about the planet we all must share.

One Pelican at a Time continues to be on Amazon's Bestseller List in Children's Books and on Amazon's Most Wished for Children's Books.!

On Amazon Bestseller List for Three Weeks!





Orphaned Bottlenose Dolphin New "Sister" for Winter!

Wonderful Winter, the dolphin with the prosthetic tail has a new "sister."  The baby, as yet unnamed, will eventually share the large tank with Winter at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium in Clearwater, Florida. 

 This little one was found next to her dead mother on December 11, 2010 near Titusville, Florida.  She was about two months old.  She was very hungry but certainly in better shape than Winter, who had lost her tail to a crabtrap line. 

The baby dolphin was immediately taken to the Aquarium, which is her new home.  Eventually, she will be in the same tank as Winter. It is thought the two dolphins will bond well, as their history is extremely similar.  Both were orphaned at a very early age, and both have bonded strongly with humans.

The Clearwater Marine Aquarium is having real success with saving abandoned baby dolphins, a daunting, and usually futile, task.  Their trainers are schooled in the care of these youngsters, and it is working!

So now, instead of the baby dolphin's being hungry, she is fed twenty times a day!  She's a growing girl and is ready to show the world that she, like Winter before her, can be not only a survivor, but a champion for all wildlife.

Video of the New Baby Dolphin at Clearwater Marine Aquarium

One Pelian at a Time Reviewed at 4 the Love of Books

Today Pelican will be reviewed at 4 the Love of Books.  Please take a look at what this reviewer says about One Pelican at a Time:  A Story of the Gulf Spill.  This blog is beautifully done and is worth a look at in any event!


Britt, Bella and the old pelican



Brown Pelican in Flight

Remember, the anniversary of the Deepwater Gulf oil spill is April 20. Bella, Britt, Pelican and I will remember and make a pledge to do everything we can to help see this kind of thing never happens again.  And we know that kids can make a difference, too.

Strands of Thought and Hott Books on Tour Today!

Take a look at the two virtual tour offerings today!  First, we are visiting a marvelous blog, Strands of Thought, written by Kai Strand. 

Read about one of my favorite childhood memories. I will also speak of Britt and Bella's character growth in One Pelican at a Time.

Surf on over to Hott Books and read more!  It's a lovely blog, full of fun children's ideas and books. 

Hott Books will review One Pelican at a Time.  Let's see what they think of it!

Visit Me at Paperback Writer Today

Do you want to find out about my worst rejection letter, ever?  And how I got my revenge? Visit Paperback Writer Blog today to learn about it and, of course, other things about this author as well. 

Do you want to find out about my typical writing day?  Perhaps not, but it's there anyway for the reading.

Come on over, and take a peek!

One Pelican at a Time Virtual Book Tour Weekly Schedule

Britt, Bella, Pelican and I will be at the following blogs for the week of April 4 - 8.  If you get the chance, come on by!
Monday, April 4  (Interview)

The Children's and Teen's Book Connection

Tuesday, April 5  (Interview)

Paperback Writer

Wednesday, April 6  (Interview)

Strands of Thought

Wednesday, April 6  (Book Review)

Hott Books

Thursday, April 7  (Guest Blogging)

The Book Faery Reviews

Thursday, April 7  Book Review
BookSnatchers

 Friday, April 8  (Book Review)

4 the Love of Books

Review of "One Pelican at a Time" in St. Louis Post Dispatch

Home / Entertainment / Books and Literature

Penned in St. Louis: Nancy Stewart

Nancy Stewart divides her time between O'Fallon, Ill., and Clearwater Beach, Fla. She says she stopped teaching education at McKendree University to start a new career: writing children's books. Her first, "One Pelican at a Time" (26 pages, Guardian Angel Publishing, $19.95) is illustrated in watercolors by Samantha Bell and is available online. Stewart's website is nancystewartbooks.com.

What is the basic story? • Two girls, Britt and Bella, help an old, crooked-beak pelican soaked during last year's Gulf oil spill.

Why this topic? • Being near the beach (in Florida) changed my life. When the oil spill happened, it got very personal.

Next book? • One is coming out in September; its working title is "Katrina's Story."

By Jane Henderson

Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary and One Pelican at a Time: A Story of the Gulf Oil Spill

 


Rescued Pelicans

  Located on the beautiful Gulf Coast of Florida, the Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary is a truly unique place.    Founded in 1971 by zoologist Ralph Heath, the Sanctuary is the largest non-profit wild bird hospital in the United States. It is staffed by experienced professionals assisted by over a hundred dedicated volunteers. Similar to a human hospital, it is equipped with emergency facilities, a surgical center, and indoor and outdoor rehabilitation areas. An average of 23-30 wild birds are admitted every day for a variety of reasons.

Unfortunately, approximately 90% of these injuries are directly or indirectly attributable to humans. 

During the gulf spill, many oiled and injured pelicans were taken to the bird sanctuary.  Most have been released.  Some have not.  The birds (some were not pelicans) from the spill are kept from human view, so they can be released back into the wild when they are able to live on their own. 



Feeding Brown Pelicans



 One of the Sanctuary's biggest success stories is the captive breeding of the Eastern brown pelican. This groundbreaking program has aided in educating zoological facilities and wildlife refuges all over the world in addition to reestablishing this species in the wild.

It is to this very sanctuary the old crooked beak pelican was taken, and it where Bella and Britt helped clean oil from his feathers.

Yes, I know.  Tampa Bay was not impacted by the spill.  Nevertheless, this is the prototype I used in the book.  In One Pelican at a Time, Mr. Hughes is the director.  A connection?  You be the judge of that.

Britt, Bella and the old crooked beak Pelican