We have raised $150 for the Oregon Humane Society as a result of sales at our book release party Saturday, as well as pre-sales of “Bash and Lucy Fetch Team Vera and the Dream Beasts.”
In addition, some of the donation we’re making today to the Oregon Humane Society came from audiobook sales of our first two “Bash and Lucy” books. The audiobooks feature the voices of Michael and friends, age 5-11.
After past book release parties, we donated to the Oregon Humane Society the proceeds from sales at the events.
Mr. Hoo performed during our party, which was held at Village Home Education Resource Center during its Summerfest event, which attracted a few hundred people.
Village Home provides classes and activities for kids like Michael who are homeschoolers.
Flora, age 9, pictured here, was one of the winners of our book giveaway.
Michael, age 9, was dressed in a Ukrainian shirt, reflecting an immigrant theme in the book.
In “Bash and Lucy Fetch Team Vera and the Dream Beasts,” Grandma Vera, based on the real Vera Moroz, Michael’s surrogate grandmother who immigrated from Ukraine, is the assistant mayor and the coach of the most successful girls’ team in the state. She’s one of three “girl-power” characters in the book, all of whom are based on Michael’s family members.
Our dog, Hudson, a golden retriever, greeted guests at the party.
In the book, sensory-sensitive Bash gets grumpy and overwhelmed when his world is too loud, bright, or busy. He relies on his superstar dog and canine coach, Lucy, to help keep him calm. But his girl-power cousin, Paula, along with Grandma Vera, say that their soccer team should have Lucy on their side. Under Title IX, they argue, girls deserve the same things as boys—and Lucy is the best coach around, for Bash’s team. Bash must figure out how to respect the girls’ rights while keeping dear Lucy by his side.
When released last week, the book made #1 New Release, on Amazon’s ranking for kids’ soccer books.
Recent reviews of our new book point to its humor and ability to educate kids about girls’ rights, sensory sensitivities, and immigrants.
“Bash and Lucy Fetch Team Vera and the Dream Beasts” teaches an important message candy wrapped with humor,” said Tina Morley, blogger, in an Amazon review. “Bash learns that under the Title IX law, girls have equal rights as boys when it comes to the best coaches and education.” Her 10-yr-old daughter, Amanda, said: “I liked that they loved dogs so much and let them be coaches. I think it’s cool that Ally is everywhere. Whenever you need her, she’s there. I like that the grandma is a coach and teaches the best girl team.”
Said blogger Cat Michaels, “Their book speaks to me as a former special educator as the authors address challenges faced by kids for whom certain sights and sounds send them into sensory overload.”
“I’ve worked with many children and parents to address this unique style, so I’m over the moon to see more authors tackle the issue…With its kid-friendly layout and font (no visual distractions here!) and bright pictures providing context clues for each chapter, it’s perfect for beginning readers or reading aloud. Plus, Bash and Lucy offer tons of discussion possibilities about inclusion and bullying.
Read more about Grandma Vera and “immigrant grandma power” in our new book: