Author Takes Lighthearted Look at Naptime in Award-winning Children’s Book
(PRWEB) July 30, 2014 -- Andrea Arco-Mastromichalis’ first children’s book: "Wally McBap Needs A Nap!" has received three awards: A 2014 Mom’s Choice Award for Children’s General Fiction, a Creative Child Magazine 2014 Children’s Book of the Year Award, and an Honorable Mention in the Children’s Book Category from the Paris Book Festival. Published in September 2013 through Headline Books, Inc., an independent publishing house with a robust children’s books division, "Wally" takes a look at the importance of naptime from both a child’s and an adult’s perspective.
In "Wally McBap Needs A Nap!," readers follow Wally through a busy day filled with make-believe, magic, and more. Wally is so busy, in fact, that he doesn’t want to stop for naptime. Parents and children alike will recognize the common situation of a child fighting sleep. The children’s picture book includes tips for getting children to take a nap and has received 5-star reviews from language and speech pathologists, reading specialists, pediatric psychologists, and families.
“My oldest son struggled with naptime; he was just too busy to be bothered with the rest he so desperately needed,” said Arco-Mastromichalis. “I took an exaggerated, humorous look at our struggle and told the story in rhyme, utilizing a fast-paced cadence that makes reading it aloud fun.”
A graduate of Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, NC, Arco-Mastromichalis used her communications and journalism degrees to jump-start a career in corporate marketing, working at various organizations and agencies throughout the U.S before starting her own marketing firm, Arco & Associates, in 2005. The company is based in St. Louis, MO and she works with clients across the nation. "Wally" is her first, but probably not her last, children’s book.
“I’ve been thrilled about, and humbled by, the response to Wally,” says Arco-Mastromichalis. “What began as a silly story to help my oldest recognize the detrimental effects of skipping naptime turned into a book that both parents and children can relate to in a big way.”
Reviewers agree.
“Ms. Arco-Mastromichalis’ jaunty rhythm entices the reader to join Wally in his mischief. Her aptly chosen steps and missteps of a tired child engender the verse with both hilarity and credibility. The lively, lyrical quality invites children and parents to enjoy the universal subject of napping in an original, enchanting way,” said Debra Benedetti, author, Season of Play, Mom’s Choice Award Winner and Indie Book Award-Finalist.
The book is recommended for children ages 1-5. Ms. Arco-Mastromichalis has conducted readings at several preschools, book stores, and early childhood centers throughout the St. Louis area. Wally McBap Needs A Nap! can be found in Barnes & Noble bookstores throughout the country, online at Amazon.com and at wallymcbap.com, and in several independent bookstores across the country.
About the Author
Andrea N. Arco-Mastromichalis is founder and CEO of Arco & Associates LLC, a marketing communications firm based in St. Louis, Mo., that serves clients nationwide. Arco-Mastromichalis has been published in The Boston Business Journal, Women’s Business, The National Law Journal and The Pittsburgh Business Times. She graduated summa cum laude from Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, N.C., with degrees in communications and journalism. She holds advanced certifications in corporate communications, public relations, and business marketing process and planning. A lifelong creative writer, this is Arco-Mastromichalis’ first children’s book. She resides in Ballwin with her husband and two sons, one of whom was the inspiration for Wally. For more information visit http://www.WallyMcBap.com.
News media interviews are available upon request.
"Wally McBap Needs a Nap!" by Andrea N. Arco-Mastromichalis, illustrated by Ashley Teets, ISBN 9780938467830, 7 x 10 paperback, 32 pages, Retail $12.95. Available at local and online bookstores, including Amazon.com. http://www.WallyMcBap.com
Alston Robertson, KAR Group, LLC, http://www.kargroupnow.com, +1 7046746254, [email protected]
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