Mary Elizabeth The Spotless Cow On Tour

I’m delighted to be participating in author Sal Barbera’s Pump Up Your Book Virtual Book Tour for his children’s book, MARY ELIZABETH THE SPOTLESS COW.

Not only has the author written a charming story for youngsters, but he’s also helping children through his book sales. During the author’s tour (which ends Dec. 27th), purchase MARY ELIZABETH THE SPOTLESS COW from the Sweetles website for only $12 (list price: $17.99). When you buy this book, 50% of net proceeds go to Phoenix Children’s Hospital Child Life Program to make a difference in the lives of children with critical and life threatening illnesses. Visit their website for more information.

I’ll share my thoughts on this delightful book, give you a bit of background on the author, share an excerpt from the book, list the other blogs participating in the tour, and leave you with a fun book trailer to entice you even more.

MARY ELIZABETH THE SPOTLESS COW by Sal Barbera

Everyone wants to fit in with those around them and be liked, even a cow.
Author Sal Barbera has crafted an amusing and inspiring tale about a cow who arrives at a new farm and wants all the new cows to like her despite her differences. Mary Elizabeth has no spots, while all the other cows have many spots.
The spotted cows don’t want to have anything to do with Mary Elizabeth since she’s different. Not giving up on having friends, Mary Elizabeth comes up with a crafty plan.

Because of her clever plan, Mary Elizabeth makes friends and teaches them all that friendship is more than skin deep.

This is a charming story that uses humor and planning to teach youngsters how to overcome obstacles. The beautiful illustrations throughout the book will capture youngsters’ imagination and hold their attention as the story unfolds. 

This is a delightful story that will be enjoyed by young and old alike. It’s a fun way to teach children without them feeling pressured. MARY ELIZABETH THE SPOTLESS COW is the first in a series of Sweetles stories that are certain to be family favorites.

Mary Elizabeth The Spotless Cow written and illustrated by Salvatore Barbera, Background Designs by Sheri H. Barbera, Sweetles Press, @2012, ISBN: 978-0985061111, Hardcover, 32 Pages 

FTC Full Disclosure - This book was sent to me by the author as part of his virtual book tour in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Sal is the author and illustrator of “A Sweetles Dream”® book series. As the Creative Director for Hartman-Barbera llc, a family

media and entertainment company, he is also an animator, sculptor, painter and all around fun guy. Sal lives the phrase: “A day without laughter is a wasted day.” To that end, he uses his writing, illustrating and animation skills to create endearing characters and comedic stories.

Sal's sense of humor and empathy for his characters explore personal and social situations in ways that makes it enjoyable for both adults and children to experience together. Born in New York City, Sal moved to North Bergen, NJ where he grew up on a steep hillside neighborhood with his four older sisters. He currently lives in sunny Arizona with his wife and artistic partner, Sheri, who he defines as his inspiration. On any given day Sal might be painting, sculpting, drawing, animating, writing or enjoying one of his favorite pastimes: cooking, television, movies and golf.

For more on Sal and his work, visit his website at http://www.salbarbera.com.

AN EXCERPT…

Once upon a time........
there was a farm in Ohio with lots of Cows.
They all had many spots to be proud of.
One day,
a truck pulled into the farm.
The back door opened
and out came a new Cow.
The other Cows were so
excited to have a new friend!!
But
as the new Cow came out of the truck
the other Cows looked on in shock!!!
"Oh My!’’
“What on Earth?!"
It seems the new Cow,
whose name was Mary Elizabeth,
had no spots!
“Where are your spots??!!’’
demanded the Cow called Anna Belle.
“I don’t have any spots.
I was born spotless, you see.’’
Well, Anna Belle and the
other Cows were horrified.
(Not mad, you had to be very careful about mad)

OCTOBER TOUR PARTICIPANTS ( additional tour information is available on his tour page):
October 1^{st -} Interview at Blogcritics
October 2^{nd -} Book spotlight at The Writer’s Life
October 3^{rd -} Book review at Classic Children’s Books
Book spotlight at As the Pages Turn
October 4^{th -} Book review at Alicia Finn Noack
October 7^{th -} Book spotlight at 4 the Love of Books
Book spotlight at Literarily Speaking
October 8^{th -} Book review at A Year of Jubilee Book Reviews
Book spotlight at Between the Covers
October 9^{th -} Book spotlight at The Book Rack
October 10^{th -} Book review at The Children’s and Teens’ Book Connection
October 11^{th -} Guest post at Paperback Writer
Book spotlight at Review from Here
October 14^{th -} Interview at Straight from the Author’s Mouth
October 15^{th -} Book spotlight at Broken Teepee
Book spotlight at Beyond the Books
October 16^{th -} Book review at Lynn’s Corner
Book trailer reveal at If Books Could Talk
October 17^{th -} Guest post at The Story Behind the Book
October 18^{th -} Interview at The Children’s and Teens’ Book Connection
October 21^{st -} Book review at My Devotional Thoughts
Book spotlight at Deco My Heart
Book spotlight at A Year of Jubilee Book Reviews
October 22^{nd -} Book review at 4 the Love of Books
October 23^{rd -} Guest post at Mayra’s Secret Bookcase
October 25^{th -} Book review at Mary’s Cup of Tea
October 30^{th -} Book review at Maureen’s Musings
October 31^{st -} Book review at Blooming with Books
Guest post at Lori’s Reading Corner

Now the book trailer for your enjoyment. Thanks for stopping by today and remember, books make wonderful gifts!