JAKE, DAD and THE WORM 978-0-9886784-1-5 by Martha Sears West (paperback). Also available in Deluxe Case Laminate  978-0-9886784-5-3 for $20.95.    Annotation:    A lowly earthworm teaches Jake that, even when you're small and ignored, you can still do big, heroic things-especially when encouraged by a sensitive father. Forty years ago the debut author, summoned by a commotion, rushed to the front porch. There, other family members cheered on an acrobatic worm dangling precariously over a step. The worm, to applause, righted itself and survived, as did this true tale that gave Jake fresh courage. 8.5 x 11.  Full water-color illustrations. 40 pp. (Available now).   "The story of the worm encourages children to seek out simple experiences with a sense of wonder," says West. She invites readers to appreciate the worm as a hero of nature which enriches soil and doesn't need superpowers or a cartoon face to win our admiration. (Naturalist Charles Darwin wrote of the worm: "...it may be doubted if there are any other animals which have played such an important part in the history of the world...")   West has been called a "sister-in-rhymes" to Shel Silverstein, A.A. Milne, and Ogden Nash. (Karen McCarthy, ForeWord Clarion Reviews) In this, her first book, West enlivens the story with watercolor illustrations and rhythmic phrases that roll naturally off the tongue.   Reviews:   "This story demonstrates how each of us fits into the big picture of the universe in small and significant ways we can be proud of. The illustrations alone are meaningful, but coupled with the text, they make the experience one you won't want to miss." -Deborah K. Ilardi, editor, School Nurse News   "Superbly rendered visual images...stunning...Young elementary school students will identify with Jake's situation, and the easy reading level and engaging illustrations make this an excellent offering for both shared and independent reading." -Carolyn Bailey, ForeWord Clarion Reviews   "A delight to read-fun rhymes and playful use of language. The illustrations are AMAZING. The page with the worm in the superhero cape never fails to produce a hearty belly laugh from our 5 year old. And yes, a beautiful message too." -L.D., Amazon.com   Biographical Note:   The daughter of a professional writer, Martha Sears West grew up in Bethesda, Maryland where she enjoyed composing poems even as a child. She found it more fun to create rhymes than to play hopscotch. West taught languages briefly in a junior high school before rearing three children of her own with her supportive husband Steve. Her fascination with wordplay increased when in her fifties she earned a bachelor's degree in linguistics from the University of Maryland.      Publisher Marketing: Targeted national trade launch-date campaign to reviewers, award and festival entities, electronic/social media/direct-mail to vendors and public, author book signings, and other special event audiences.   For advance reader copies, press materials and author appearances, visit www.CleanKindWorldBooks.com, www.ParkPlacePress.com or contact ymaddox@ParkPlacePress.com

Jake, Dad and the Worm

West, Martha Sears

Parenting & Relationships

Probitas Press

Longer Than Forevermore

Longer than Forevermore 978-0-9886784-2-2 by Martha Sears West Annotation: Likely to become a classic, debut author West's richly illustrated book affirms the unbreakable bond between grown-ups and their children at every stage of life. No matter how high, how far, or how deep you go, we will always love you just the same. "More than all the grains of sand, which we could never count. And if we add them all, we'll love you more than that amount." Full color. 8 x 10. 40 pp. (Available now). West writes so that others may experience the love and harmony she felt in her own childhood. "My books are meant to entertain as well as to provide a safe haven from the realities of a harsh world. To a reader who hungers for the clean, kind, and gentle things of life, these qualities are just as real, and exposure to them can be vital to a healthy human being." One Mother's Day morning the author looked back on the sweetness of earlier years with three small children. She was flooded with gratitude for her children who are grown and now have families of their own. With these words she told them of her tender feelings: "One thing never changes, and will last forevermore: We'll love you still when you are grown, exactly as before." Biographical Note : As a child growing up in Bethesda, Maryland, West used to lie in a pile of leaves with pencil and paper, trying to compose poems of profound incomprehensibleness. She was so successful that she couldn't understand them herself. She now prefers crafting stories that she can understand, and that make others smile and feel warm. West is married to a man named Steve who has cheered her on in many endeavors, including that of being a full-time mother. When she was in her fifties, he made many a peanut butter sandwich while she was earning a B.A. in linguistics from the University of Maryland. Reviews : "West deserves a place on the bookshelf alongside Nash and Milne, whose classic poetry carries timeless reflections on the universal condition of being a sensitive human being." -Karen McCarthy, ForeWord Clarion Review "Certain to charm children and parents of all ages. If you like Robert Munch's I Love You Forever, you will LOVE West's Longer than Forevermore." -Valerie Milano, Hollywood Today < Publisher Marketing: Targeted national trade launch-date campaign to reviewers, award and festival entities, electronic/social media/direct-mail to vendors and public, author book signings, and other special event audiences. For advance reader copies, press materials and author appearances, visit www.CleanKindWorldBooks.com, www.ParkPlacePress.com or contact ymaddox@ParkPlacePress.com

Parenting

Park Place Press

..".an ideal bedtime book." -Kirkus Reviews A children's picture book that presents a story within a story about the enduring nature of love... uses soft, realistic artwork and simple language to tell a reassuring tale. The book opens and closes with stark, black-and-white silhouette illustrations of a young girl and a baby reading a book together ("I'll turn the pages and you can look at the pictures," the girl says). This frames the central, rhyming text, told from a plural first-person point of view, about the many ways that a person can be loved: "We love you when you're roaring, or as quiet as a mouse." This main section features bright, colorful images of pleasing landscapes, animals, and a young boy in what appears to be a somewhat digitized watercolor style. The text is simple, but it has a classic feel, and it avoids flashiness and humorous touches in favor of a serious but positive tone. It also isn't overly wordy; most pages contain just a single sentence, and this brevity will make the book work well as a read-aloud for younger children. (In this context, the young girl's phrase, "You were a good listener ," will ring true.) The soothing images and calm, reassuring language make it an ideal bedtime book, as well. ... the rhyming text throughout gives the story a pleasing rhythm, as in lines such as, "More than all the grains of sand, which we could never count. And if we add them all...we'll love you more than that amount." The illustrations are ... beautiful .... This book's straightforward rhythm and appealing illustrations will likely make it a favorite of parents and young children. -- Kirkus Reviews July 30, 2015

Rhymes and Doodles from a Wind-up Toy (Bedtime Stories)

RHYMES and DOODLES from A WIND-UP TOY 978-0-9886784-0-8 by Martha Sears West (Cloth with Jacket)  Also available in paperback 978-0-9886784-4-6  for $13.95.   Debut author West is called by ForeWord Review a "sister in rhymes" with Shel Silverstein, A.A. Milne, and Ogden Nash. Here she offers some 80 whimsical poems that delight children and grown-ups alike. Why a Wind-up Toy? Because long after bedtime for a sleepless year, the wide-ranging subjects danced in her head, refusing to leave and winding West into nightly, sprightly spree. 6.14 x 9.21. Fully illustrated. 90 pp. (Available now)   Reviews:   ForeWord Reviews ' Karen McCarthy writes that West "focuses on the joy and magic of childhood, and how adults can retain a childlike sense of wonder. All [West's poems] are composed with flawless rhythms and inspired rhymes...This book is an absolute delight."   The book is for children as well as adults, agrees West's grandson, age 12: "Wow, it's great! And it's not even stupid or anything."   Connie Bennion of Half Moon Bay, California, writes that "West has the gifts that I choose for our private library: Wisdom, Wit, Truth, Tenderness, Clever turns, Laugh-out-loud surprise lines, Gentle touches...and delicious art work. The world is going to wonder where Martha Sears West has been."   Biographical Note:   As a child in Bethesda, Maryland, West used to lie in a pile of leaves with pencil and paper, trying to compose poems of profound incomprehensibleness. She was so successful that she couldn't understand them herself. She now prefers crafting rhymes that she can understand, and that make others smile. She hopes the occasional reader will chortle, "Aha!"-possibly out loud, and in a library.   West is married to a man named Steve who has cheered her on in many endeavors, including being a full-time mother. When she was in her fifties, he made many a peanut butter sandwich while she was earning a B.A. in linguistics from the University of Maryland. Love and admiration for friends and family inspire many of the thoughts Martha Sears West shares. She writes under the motto "Clean, Kind World."   Genesis of book:   Rhymes and Doodles began primarily as a book of rhymes for grownups. But as the author-a mother of three and grandmother of 10-began playing with the words, she couldn't keep a lid on her childish glee, nor could she refrain from doodling in what once were empty margins. Packed with surprises for people of all ages, these fanciful rhymes entertain without being edgy. They will make you laugh and cry.   Warning: Expect to break out in rhyme yourself upon exposure! A properly placed bookmark can personalize Rhymes and Doodles for many interests, making it an ideal gift.   Publisher Marketing: Targeted national trade launch-date campaign to reviewers, award and festival entities, electronic/social media/direct-mail to vendors and public, author book signings, and other special event audiences.

Rhymes and Doodles from a Wind-Up Toy

 JAKE, DAD and THE WORM 978-0-9886784-5-3 by Martha Sears West (case laminate) $20.95 Also available in paperback  978-0-9886784-1-5 for $13.95.   Annotation:   A lowly earthworm teaches Jake that, even when you're small and ignored, you can still do big, heroic things-especially when encouraged by a sensitive father. Forty years ago the debut author, summoned by a commotion, rushed to the front porch. There, other family members cheered on an acrobatic worm dangling precariously over a step. The worm, to applause, righted itself and survived, as did this true tale that gave Jake fresh courage. 8.5 x 11.  Full water-color illustrations. 40 pp. (Available now).   "The story of the worm encourages children to seek out simple experiences with a sense of wonder," says West. She invites readers to appreciate the worm as a hero of nature which enriches soil and doesn't need superpowers or a cartoon face to win our admiration. (Naturalist Charles Darwin wrote of the worm: "...it may be doubted if there are any other animals which have played such an important part in the history of the world...")   West has been called a "sister-in-rhymes" to Shel Silverstein, A.A. Milne, and Ogden Nash. (Karen McCarthy, ForeWord Clarion Reviews) In this, her first book, West enlivens the story with watercolor illustrations and rhythmic phrases that roll naturally off the tongue.   Reviews:   "This story demonstrates how each of us fits into the big picture of the universe in small and significant ways we can be proud of. The illustrations alone are meaningful, but coupled with the text, they make the experience one you won't want to miss." -Deborah K. Ilardi, editor, School Nurse News   "Superbly rendered visual images...stunning...Young elementary school students will identify with Jake's situation, and the easy reading level and engaging illustrations make this an excellent offering for both shared and independent reading." -Carolyn Bailey, ForeWord Clarion Reviews   "A delight to read-fun rhymes and playful use of language. The illustrations are AMAZING. The page with the worm in the superhero cape never fails to produce a hearty belly laugh from our 5 year old. And yes, a beautiful message too." -L.D., Amazon.com   Biographical Note:   The daughter of a professional writer, Martha Sears West grew up in Bethesda, Maryland where she enjoyed composing poems even as a child. She found it more fun to create rhymes than to play hopscotch. West taught languages briefly in a junior high school before rearing three children of her own with her supportive husband Steve. Her fascination with wordplay increased when in her fifties she earned a bachelor's degree in linguistics from the University of Maryland.      Publisher Marketing:   Publisher Marketing: Targeted national trade launch-date campaign to reviewers, award and festival entities, electronic/social media/direct-mail to vendors and public, author book signings, and other special event audiences.   For advance reader copies, press materials and author appearances, visit www.CleanKindWorldBooks.com, www.ParkPlacePress.com or contact ymaddox@ParkPlacePress.com 

Gentle, imaginative Hetty feels at home with her kindly parents but struggles to find her place in a new school. She takes refuge in her secret forest hideaway. When an accident forces her to rely on others, will Hetty find what it takes to grow up and fit in? And is a mysterious stranger watching over her?

Hetty (HETTY Series)

Literature & Fiction

Genre Fiction

Clean Kind World Books

Seventeen year-old Hetty is lovesick and miserable, yet  not even her kindly parents know. She can't speak about  the one she loves. He'll soon marry someone else. Does she  suffer from a youthful crush...or is it lasting love? Gentle,  imaginative Hetty can fix other peoples' problems, but can  she repair the damage she's caused with her foolish promise?

Hetty Happens

Children's Books

Growing Up & Facts of Life

Seventeen year-old Hetty is lovesick and miserable, yet not even her kindly parents know. She can't speak about the one she loves. He'll soon marry someone else. Does she suffer from a youthful crush...or is it lasting love? Gentle, imaginative Hetty can fix other peoples' problems, but can she repair the damage she's caused with her foolish promise? "Fantastic, Touching, Funny, Coming-of-Age Read. You will LOVE It."-Valerie Milano, Hollywood Today"West's Hetty books will make a great television series or family-friendly movie."- Veteran Hollywood Art Director Bill Camden

Hetty on Hold (HETTY Series)

In this tender love story Hetty graduates from college early to marry her beloved Morgan.

Hetty or Not (HETTY Series)

Packed with rhymes that will appeal to your funny bone and touch your heart, Rhymes and Doodles from a Wind-up Toy engages and uplifts future grownups and former children alike. These wholesome poems and drawings, whether nonsense, whimsey or simple observations, convey warmth and joy. Upon exposure to these infectious words at play, you may actually break out in rhyme yourself!

Rhymes and Doodles from a Wind-up Toy

Poetry

CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by West, Martha Sears. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Books by West, Martha Sears

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by West, Martha Sears. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Jake, Dad and the Worm

Longer Than Forevermore

Longer Than Forevermore

Rhymes and Doodles from a Wind-Up Toy

Jake, Dad and the Worm

Hetty (HETTY Series)

Hetty Happens

Hetty on Hold (HETTY Series)

Hetty or Not (HETTY Series)

Rhymes and Doodles from a Wind-up Toy