John Benjamin Sciarra, Author of Shoestrings-No Time For Dinosaurs" to speak in New London, Connecticut

NEW LONDON, Conn. (PRWEB) September 3, 2005 -- John Benjamin Sciarra will entertain children with an amusing story called How To Train Your Dinosaur" along with freelance paleontologist and scientific illustrator Keith M. Cowley who designed and illustrated the cover of Shoestrings-No Time For Dinosaurs."

Sciarra will read the short story, an introduction to the Shoestrings characters, while Cowley draws cartoons. There will be real dinosaur fossils for the children to examine as Sciarra and Cowley sign copies of Shoestrings-No Time For Dinosaurs" at the Childrens Museum of Southeastern Connecticut tent on City Pier in New London. They will be signing books from 11:00-1:00 PM on Saturday the 17th of September and speak on the childrens stage at 1:00.

Shoestrings-No Time For Dinosaurs" is the first book in a series aimed at younger Harry Potter fans.

I wrote Shoestrings when I realized there was a real need for a good, moral childrens story that could encourage children ages 7 and over to read more and use their imagination in a positive way," says Sciarra. Cowley, a noted freelance paleontologist, recently returned from digging up dinosaur bones in Montana adds, Sciarra has crafted a story that holds the young readers attention with a realistic trip back in time to the land of dinosaurs. Shoestrings paints a vivid picture of these fascinating animals that existed before man walked the earth."

Sciarra first got the idea for a childrens story when he saw his own son, who didnt particularly enjoy reading, become engrossed in the Animorph" series by K.A. Applegate (Scholastic). However, getting the attention of a major publishing company can be daunting. I wasnt able to grab the attention of an agent who are inundated with thousands of manuscripts and Scholastic wouldnt even talk to me without one. So I formed my own publishing company with an investor. It gives the title of the book an even broader application-I started the company on a shoestring," Sciarra quips.

Shoestrings-No Time For Dinosaurs" is being widely distributed across the United States and has even had some international attention. A noted reviewer and columnist in India contacted me to review my book. She responded very positively and I look forward to seeing her review in the near future," says Sciarra. She called it '...an incredible story and suggested I contact Hollywood. I was extremely encouraged."

Sciarra has been reaching out to the public schools. Shoestrings is being made available to schools and museums at a reduced cost. Sciarra and Cowley are visiting middle and elementary schools to teach children about writing, publishing and, of course, dinosaurs. The new novel is available at select bookstores across the country and on all Web sites that sell books. Stores can purchase it through wholesalers such as Baker and Taylor or Ingram or directly from the publisher.

Boats, Books and Brushes with Taste is celebrating their 5th year of the annual event with a host of authors from, not only Connecticut, but from around the world. Also included will be live music, an assortment of artists and exotic foods for every palate.

Next up after Boats, Books and Brushes for Sciarra is a book signing at Borders in Waterford, CT on October 1, Borders Express at the Crystal Mall in Waterford on Oct 8, a media event at Natures Art tentatively scheduled for Oct 9th in Oakdale featuring life-size replicas of dinosaurs in a naturalistic environment and an appearance at the Childrens Museum of Southeastern Connecticut in Niantic at their anniversary gala on October 13th.

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