A Song for a Strong Start
I had so much fun with my new little friends at A.S. Matheson Elementary! I am honoured to have been invited to the StrongStart Centre, which is facilitated there by Collette MacNeil. I have known Collette for years, since I used to take my own kids to her class regularly - I am so grateful to have her support!
StrongStart BC is an amazing program that is designed to deliver a positive early learning experience for children aged 0-5. The goal is to create an interactive, play-based environment that helps children enjoy learning, develop essential skills and get ready for school. Best of all, it's FREE!
As a parent, I love the diversity of the activities inside StrongStart, as well as the overall focus on healthy living. In fact, there seems to be a lot of crossover with themes that are included in my new book! Back when I started to write A Song for Swinging, my idea was that the story would simulate a typical day for a young child.
I thought this routine could include: free play, exercise, being outdoors, eating healthy, getting rest, and learning (both independently and with others). I hoped that, if a child can identify with these familiar elements, then maybe they can understand the bigger messages inside. ☺︎
Well, those kids sure seemed to enjoy the book! We talked about good food choices (with props) and then used multimedia to enrich the experience. At the end, we all sang the new lullaby together and I was surprised to see how quickly they remembered the words!
They loved learning about gibbons and were very excited to share their own stories about animals they have seen in nature.
I am so thankful to Miss Collette, the staff at A.S. Matheson, and the administrative team at School District #23 for providing me with the opportunity to present in such a wonderful environment. If you haven't visited a StrongStart centre, now is the time to check it out! There are different locations throughout the Okanagan (and the province), so please tap/click here for more information, including schedules and contacts. Start strong...and stay strong!
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Story time for little gibbons!
What a nice surprise! The other day after school, my kids and I decided to visit the Mission branch of the Okanagan Regional Library. It was time for some new books, so we went right to the children's area (as usual). Kyla and Lincoln suggested that we start from the letter "A", in hopes that we might find something familiar...and we did! They were thrilled to see our book actually on the shelves with the official ORL classification label and maple leaf...so exciting!
This was a moment that we have been looking forward to ever since this project began. I remember the day when they first asked me, "Dad, is your book going to be in the library?" To be honest, at the time I wasn't sure if that would ever happen. This really is a dream come true for all of us!
We love the library and have enjoyed going there ever since the Baby Time sessions at the downtown branch. Back then, my kids already were making positive associations with the library and reading in general. Then it was Toddler Time, Pre-Schooler Time and all the fun events along the way, including Puppet shows and the summer reading contest! We became "regulars" and some of our fondest memories came upon those colourful mats and bean bag chairs.
We are so thankful to all of the amazing staff for helping to further our kids' interest in reading and learning, while at the same time keeping things entertaining for all. I encourage everyone to investigate their local branch and take advantage of all the great programs for children. There are so many adventures inside just waiting to be discovered!
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More Koverage!
Local creations and talent
Kevin Lavigne - Nov 24, 2017 / 6:00 am | Story: 212389
Congratulations to David Allen for releasing his first good-natured Children’s Book this past week.
A Song for Swinging has both words and songs to go along with his artwork. In fact, the book started as an art project.
You know Super Dave as one of the best DJs in Kelowna for weddings, corporate events and all your school dances, so you can imagine how unique and fun the story and song are for both adults and children.
You can purchase A Song for Swinging at Mosaic Books downtown or from from David's website. It is also available at the library and Dave has been asked to go into the schools to do more presentations.
Don’t tell your kids, but they just may learn something too.
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Launched...and we're over the moon!
Kelowna posted November 18, 2017 by NowMedia Staff
Kelowna author launches first book
Kelowna’s very own author, David Allen, launched his first book earlier this morning with a signing and on-site reading at Wentworth Music.
His book, titled 'A Song for Swinging', is about two Gibbons who display a happy, healthy and harmonious lifestyle. Their overall good nature sets a good example for David’s young readers.
David was inspired to write the book when his children discovered their love for Gibbons.
“It all started one afternoon with my kids before nap-time; we were sitting together on our cozy rocking chair reading a new book about primates,” says Allen. “They both fell in love with the page about gibbons and, every time we read that book, they couldn’t wait to see them again.”
David has an extensive background in music and, because of this, he chose to include an original bedtime lullaby within the story.
David created Good Natured Books in order to have complete creative control over his publishing.
“From start to finish it took about two years to write. I have a plan for an entire series of books that are going to follow the same themes of healthy living and being good-natured,” states David.
The children who attended the book reading thoroughly enjoyed the pictures that David illustrated himself.
The rhyming verse and silly nature of the primates will surely keep any child entertained.
To buy David’s book click here.
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On the Shelves at Mosaic
Right after the event, 'A Song for Swinging' went live at Mosaic Books downtown...and is selling fast! Be sure to check out this amazing place - the selection, staff, and overall atmosphere is really fantastic. They are the Okanagan's largest bookstore and have been for over 45 years!In fact, they are celebrating this weekend with a 20% off anniversary sale! I am so honoured to be included here - and next to some of my favourite authors and illustrators! I can't believe this is really happening...
Kelowna is excited!
Article from the Kelowna Capital News
Credit: Contributed
Good Natured Books celebrates first book launch in Kelowna
David Allen, the author of A Song for Swinging, is signing books at Wentworth Music today
- KELOWNA NEWS STAFFNov. 18, 2017 9:00 a.m.COMMUNITY
- Music, children and story will combine in unique ways today in Kelowna as Wentworth Music hosts the launch of Good Natured Books.
The indie-publishing house, Good Natured Books, offers children’s storybooks about nature and being healthy. Allen loved to draw and write stories as a child and rediscovered his passion when his own kids began drawing and making art, according to Good Natured Books.
Lead characters Tingle and Tangle, a duo of gibbons, try their best at everything. So when a regular day in the trees takes a tumble, they are able to come out on top— while staying happy, healthy and in harmony with others, according to Good Natured Books.
“It all started one afternoon with my kids before nap-time; we were sitting together on our cozy rocking chair reading a new book about primates,” Allen said. “They both fell in love with the page about gibbons and, every time we read that book, they couldn’t wait to see them again.”
Then came the stuffies, gifts from their grandparents. Allen began sketching pictures of the fun-loving apes from the Asian jungle and his kids urged dad to write his first book.
The storybook includes the musical notes to a bedtime lullaby, an original work by Allen.
“I wondered what kind of a song would Tingle and Tangle like before bedtime, so I came up with a simple lullaby that I would sing to my kids every night,” he said. “Children love to hear the sound of their parent’s voice and it sets them up for a good sleep, which leads to a happier child overall.”
The public is invited to attend the book signing beginning at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday at Wentworth Music, #106 1634 Harvey Avenue in Kelowna.
You’ll find 'A Song for Swinging' at the Okanagan Regional Library, for purchase at Mosaic Books, or for order at goodnaturedbooks.com.
...and featured story from the Kelowna Daily Courier!
View the online version here
Tingle and Tangle
Tingle and Tangle are coming to Kelowna! They have jumped inside their flying suitcase and have now left the tropical rainforest. These fluffy little gibbons will arrive at Wentworth Music this Saturday at 10:30am and can't wait to meet you. Arrive early for a good seat!
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I Hear Something
My first book, "A Song for Swinging", is on the way and should be available to read soon! This has been quite a journey for me and I'm getting very excited to finally be able to share this with everyone...please stay posted!
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