Los Angeles, CA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 12/20/2016 -- Children's Literary Classics is pleased to announce that the children's picture book, Nickerbacher the Funniest Dragon, written by Terry John Barto and illustrated by Kim Sponaugle has been selected to receive the Children's Literary Classics Seal of Approval. The CLC Seal of Approval is a designation reserved for those books which uphold the rigorous criteria set forth by the Children's Literary Classics review committee, a team comprised of individuals with backgrounds in publishing, editing, writing, illustration and graphic design.

Nickerbacher the dragon loves to make people laugh so much that he aspires to one day become a comedian. Nickerbacher's father, however, expects him to fulfill his duty as a dragon to guard the fair Princess Gwendolyn. Torn between duty and the desire to follow his dreams, Nickerbacher must make some big decisions.

Nickerbacher the Funniest Dragon, by Terry John Barto, is an enchanting tale about family, friendship, duty and dreams. Interspersed with funny jokes, as told by Nickerbacher, this book is sure to inspire children to follow their destiny while honoring family. Expressive and whimsical illustrations by Kim Sponaugle are perfectly paired with this lovely book which will entertain and delight young readers.

"Overall, this dramatic story about a dragon stand-up comedian will likely entertain readers of all ages." -Kirkus Reviews

To purchase a copy of Nickerbacher, The Funniest Dragon, please visit amazon.com

For more information, go to to nickerbacher.com

About Children's Literary Classics
Children's Literary Classics, an organization dedicated to furthering excellence in children's literature, takes great pride in its role to help promote classic children's literature which appeals to youth, while educating and encouraging positive values in the impressionable young minds of future generations.

To learn more about Children's Literary Classics, you may visit their website at http://www.clcawards.org or http://www.childrensliteraryclassics.com

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

A dragon pursues the dream of being a comedian; a princess supports his cause and protests for Dragon Rights; a prince struggles to maintain status in The Prince Guild.

Los Angeles, CA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 12/20/2016 -- Nickerbacher is a dragon and aspiring comedian who travels to La La Land to audition for The Late Knight Show. Hoping to prove to his father - and the world - that dragons can be funny. Nickerbacher befriends a prince and a princess who help him realize his dream while paving the way for equal rights of all citizens.

Just in time for the holidays is the early chapter edition of Nickerbacher. In this version, Princess Gwendolyn is his manager who enlists the help of Prince Happenstance and a Lucky Leprechaun. On Nickerbacher's journey to La La Land, he overcomes obstacles and persists in auditioning for the famed TV show host - Johnny Kingston. Along the way, he encounters magical characters, a zealous paparazzi, and develops a genuine camaraderie. But will he achieve Papa's acceptance?

Nickerbacher is suitable for ages 7-10 (Juvenile Fiction – Early Chapter Books). The book is a 6" x 9" paperback, 55 pages and available for $6.99 and the digital download is $2.99. For more information please visit nickerbacher.com. To order, Nickerbacher is for sale at Amazon.com.

Nickerbacher is based on the Award Winning Picture Book, Nickerbacher the Funniest Dragon, which is the winner of the Mom's Choice Gold Award, Purple Dragonfly Book Award, Royal Dragonfly Book Award, the National Parenting Publications Award, the Family Review Center Best of Year, Readers' Favorite International Book Award - Gold, First Place Writer's Digest Book Awards, BlueInk Review's Best Books of 2015, Children's Literary Classics Seal of Approval, CIPA EVVY Gold Award, and The Wishing Shelf Book Award.

"Barto, who also authored Gollywood, Here I Come!, has a knack for delivering giggles along with a positive message about being true to your heart. Nickerbacher's humor will delight young readers, and his struggle to find his way in the world by going against the dragon-norm is a charming spin on a common motif. For Nickerbacher, pursuing his dreams proves to have a positive impact on his family, further cementing the moral of the story as a hopeful one. Overall, Barto has delivered a fun, read-aloud worthy story deserving of a standing ovation." BlueInk Review

"A young dragon slays his captive princess, her prince and finally his own disapproving father--with laughter.

Young readers will identify with the sad-eyed main character from the start. The text of this book is full of body language and voice cues and, as a result, often begs to be read aloud. This dramatic story about a dragon stand-up comedian will likely entertain readers of all ages. A dragon tale that may help bridge the gap between young and old readers." Kirkus Reviews

About Terry John Barto
Terry John Barto is an Award Winning author. Before writing children's books, he has crafted dances and musical staging for more than 200 productions throughout the United States and abroad. World premiere productions include Babes In Toyland at the Lincoln Center, Cinderella, and Sleeping Beauty for Shakespeare Santa Cruz. Terry staged long-running shows for Princess Cruises and a variety of his choreography has been seen on CBS' The Bold and the Beautiful.

As the Creative Director for Wings of Dreams Productions, he turned diverse ideas into screenplays for animation and toys. He has also written the children's picture book Gollywood, Here I Come! (Mom's Choice Award, Story Monster Approved).

For information, please visit gollywoodhereicome.com

About Kim Sponaugle
Kim Sponaugle, created magical jewel toned illustrations for Nickerbacher, The Funniest Dragon. She has created a stunning new look for Nickerbacher with line art and ink shading. Kim is a graduate or the Art Institute of Philadelphia, started Pictures Kitchen Studios in 2007 and since has illustrated over 50 books for kids. Pictures Kitchen Studios has been honored to receive numerous awards including Mom's Choice, Pinnacle Book Award, CIPA EVVY and Reader's Favorite Awards.

Visit picturekitchenstudio.com for her portfolio.

We love reading children stories about dragons and their incredible adventures. Short stories for kids have never been so much fun with Nickerbacher's silly jokes. At the same time, his journey has inspired many and is already a classic picture book. This new, early chapter children's book that is certain to captivate and entertain.

Get your copy at Amazon.com.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Los Angeles, CA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 06/23/2015 -- The judges of the Purple Dragonfly Book Awards contest, which recognizes excellence in children's literature, have spoken, and Nickerbacher, The Funniest Dragon by Terry John Barto and Illustrations by Kim Sponaugle, won 1st Place in the Illustrations and the Activity Kit categories. Also, honorable mention in Picture Book 5 & under and Picture Book 6 & older.

"Winning any place in the Purple Dragonfly Contest is a huge honor because in order to maintain the integrity of the Dragonfly Book Awards, a minimum score is required before a First or Second place or Honorable Mention will be awarded to the entrant – even if it is the sole entry in a category," explains Linda F. Radke, president of Five Star Publications, the sponsor of the Dragonfly Book Awards. "Competition is steep, too, because there is no publication date limit as long as the book is still in print."

Nickerbacher, The Funniest Dragon slays a princess, her prince and finally his own disapproving papa… with laughter. And along the way, he encourages others to dream big and follow their hearts. It retails for $15.15 and $3.99 for a digital download and can be purchased at Amazon, Barns and Noble, Google, Kobo, and iTunes.

For a complete list of winners including all first and second place and honorable mention recipients, visit FiveStarBookAwards.com

The next Purple Dragonfly Book Awards contest is already underway. Submissions postmarked March 1, 2016 or earlier are eligible for the Early Bird reward: a free e-copy of The Economical Guide to Self-Publishing or Promote Like a Pro: Small Budget, Big Show written by Radke. Final deadline for submissions is May 1, 2016. The Early Bird deadline for the Royal Dragonfly Book Awards Contest, which recognizes outstanding literature in all categories, is August 1, 2015. October 1, 2015 is the final deadline.

For complete rules and submission forms for either contest, visit FiveStarBookAwards.com and click on the contest of choice.

To learn more about Five Star Publications, celebrating 30 years of doing business in Chandler, Arizona, access FiveStarPublications.com, email info@FiveStarPublications.com or call 480-940-8182.

For more information about Nickerbacher, The Funniest Dragon, please go to nickerbacher.com

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

The Tale of a Young Turkey’s Rise to Cinematic Stardom is an Award Winning Book.

Los Angeles, CA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 06/11/2015 -- The judges of the Purple Dragonfly Book Awards contest, which recognizes excellence in children's literature, have spoken, and Gollywood, Here I Come! by Terry John Barto won 1st Place Picture Book 6 & older, 1st Place Cover Design, 2nd Place Art/ Music and Honorable Mentions in the Illustrations and Picture Book 5 & under categories.

"Winning any place in the Purple Dragonfly Contest is a huge honor because in order to maintain the integrity of the Dragonfly Book Awards, a minimum score is required before a First or Second place or Honorable Mention will be awarded to the entrant – even if it is the sole entry in a category," explains Linda F. Radke, president of Five Star Publications, the sponsor of the Dragonfly Book Awards. "Competition is steep, too, because there is no publication date limit as long as the book is still in print."

For a complete list of winners including all first and second place and honorable mention recipients, visit www.FiveStarBookAwards.com To learn more about Five Star Publications, celebrating 30 years of doing business in Chandler, Arizona, access www.FiveStarPublications.com or call 480-940-8182.

THE STORY:
Who doesn't fantasize about becoming a big movie star, living up all the glitz, glam and glory that comes with it? A talented little turkey named Anamazie has big dreams while practicing in the small town of Gobbleville. After a few hard knocks, she gets discovered and is chosen to star in a major motion picture.

Gollywood Here I Come! taps into current pop culture trends of TV shows like "America's Got Talent" and the public's fascination with celebrities. At its heart, the story leaves young readers with the positive message "You can do anything if you work hard and never give up." Gollywood, Here I Come! retails for $15.15 is available at Amazon.com, BarnsandNoble.com, and many of your favorite book stores.

About Terry John Barto
Before writing children's books, Terry John Barto directed and choreographed more than 200 regional theater productions and was the creative mind behind numerous television and cruise ship shows around the world. As the creative director for Wings of Dreams Productions, Barto collaborated with other artists on a variety of diverse ideas and turned them into screenplays for animated films. He also helped develop popular action figures and dolls for several large retailers.

Terry John Barto is the also the author of the award winning children's picture book - Nickerbacher, The Funniest Dragon. Please go to nickerbacher.com for more information.

THE ILLUSTRATOR:
Mattia Cerato was born in the small town of Cuneo, surrounded by the beautiful Italian Alps. At the age of 3, when his main interest seemed to be eating lots of pasta, his father encouraged him to draw. As a result, he spent most of his time creating funny images on practically every surface he could find. As a young adult, Mattia honed his natural talent for illustration at the European Institute of Design in Turin.

Since then, Mattia has created illustrations for many books before bringing Anamazie and her fellow turkey friends to life on the pages of Gollywood, Here I Come! For more information, please go to gollywoodhereicome.com

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

New Children’s Book Celebrates Fulfilling Your Dreams. A Father/Son story perfect for Father's Day.

Los Angeles, CA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 06/10/2015 -- What does it take to make your dreams come true? Passion? Practice? A willingness to defy your natural duty? For one loveable dragon, all this and more! Come meet author Terry John Barto's newest loveable character in Nickerbacher, The Funniest Dragon, a 34 page color illustrated book breathing fun for children ages 5-8. With beautiful illustrations by Kim Sponaugle, Nickerbacher, The Funniest Dragon encourages young ones to dream big while laughing at Nickerbacher's silly jokes!

Nickerbacher is a sweet-tempered, bushy-browed beast who spends his days guarding Princess Gwendolyn and dreams of being a stand-up comic -- not exactly a profession for a dragon! He's true to his duty as a dragon – as dictated by his Papa – but wants only to make the world laugh. Gwendolyn is supportive and encouraging, telling him he needs to do what makes him happy. It isn't until the dashing Prince Happenstance comes along, ready for a fight, that they realize that instead of battling each other, they should do what's in their hearts and pursue their true desires (the Prince really wants to be a baseball pitcher). With a winning set at The Comedy Castle and his family's newfound support and pride, it's all laughter, happiness and dreams come true for the good-natured dragon!

Nickerbacher the Funniest Dragon is the winner of the Mom's Choice Gold Award, 3 Purple Dragonfly Book Awards, a Beverly Hills Book Awards Finalist, the National Parenting Publications Award, the Family Review Center Gold Award, a National Indie Excellence Awards (NIEA) Finalist, and is Story Monster Approved

Nickerbacher, The Funniest Dragon is 34 pages and is available for a suggested retail price of $15.15. To order or for more information please visit www.nickerbacher.com. Nickerbacher, The Funniest Dragon is also for sale at www.amazon.com or www.barnsandnoble.com and available for download as an eBook.

About Terry John Barto
Terry John Barto has crafted dances and musical staging for more than 200 productions throughout the United States and abroad. World premiere productions include Babes In Toyland, Cinderella, and Sleeping Beauty. Terry staged long-running shows for Princess Cruises and a variety of his choreography has been seen on CBS' The Bold and the Beautiful. As the Creative Director for Wings of Dreams Productions, he turned diverse ideas into screenplays for animation and toys. He has also written another children's book Gollywood, Here I Come! (Mom's Choice Award, Story Monster Approved) For more information about Terry John Barto, please visit www.TjbKids.com.

About the Illustrator
Kim Sponaugle, a graduate or the Art Institute of Philadelphia, started Pictures Kitchen Studios in 2007 and since has illustrated over 50 books for kids. Pictures Kitchen Studios has been honored to receive numerous awards including Mom's Choice, Pinnacle Book Award, CIPA EVVY and Reader's Favorite Awards. Visit www.picturekitchenstudio.com.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Two enemies forge a friendship, save a princess and discover that a truly happy dragon is the one who is true to himself... and this dragon wants to be a stand-up comic.

Los Angeles, CA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 05/12/2015 -- The new children's picture book Nickerbacher, The Funniest Dragon is not only an imaginative fantasy with a modern twist, it's an easily devoured lesson in following your dreams. But there's another theme in Nickerbacher, The Funniest Dragon and it's one that's rarely touched upon in children's literature; the idea that parents have their own visions of what their children might be when they grow up, but they will love them no matter what career path they choose.

It's an affirmation that's brought to imaginative light in this latest offering from up-and-coming author Terry John Barto, and illustrator Kim Sponaugle.

THE STORY:

Once upon a time, a young dragon named Nickerbacher stood guard for Princess Gwendolyn in a tall tower because his papa told him to.

But Nickerbacher wanted to do stand-up comedy. Everyday he would practice his routine on the princess.

And so begins the story of a dragon who wants to be a comedian, a princess who thinks he's truly funny and her prince who has dreams of his own.

Nickerbacher's fire-breathing father instructs him to guard Princess Gwendolyn at the castle because that's what good dragons do. Not wanting to displease dad, the aspiring stand-up comic secretly works on his comedy routine with Princess Gwendolyn, his adoring audience-of-one.

When the Prince shows up for the Princess he expects to battle a ferocious dragon. But Nickerbacher chooses to slay him with jokes instead of flames. It so happens the Prince also has an unfulfilled dream, but between the two of them only Nickerbacher has the resolve to go for it.

Nickerbacher learns that the road to success is sometimes bumpy. When he finally goes on stage for his big night, the curtain goes up and he realizes he's truly been bitten by the performance bug. When the curtain comes down at the end of the show, he discovers he has a proud papa who loves him no matter what.

THE TREND:

When it comes to learning-related activities, a recent survey reveals parents spend about the same amount of time with boys as they do with girls, but there are noticeable differences in the types of activities. The data suggests that young girls are more likely to be taken to libraries, are more likely to own books and are more likely to be read to for longer periods of time than are boys.Learning to read is one of life's great milestones and Nickerbacher, The Funniest Dragon from AuthorHouse publishing, helps even the playing field for boys with a picture book that's smart enough to invite their sisters along for the ride.

About Terry John Barto
Terry John Barto directed and choreographed more than 200 regional theater productions and was the creative mind behind numerous television and cruise ship live shows around the world. As the creative director for Wings of Dreams Productions, Barto collaborated with other artists on a variety of diverse ideas and turned them into screenplays for animated films. He also helped develop popular action figures and dolls for several large retailers. His debut children's picture book, Gollywood, Here I Come! was released October 1, 2014.

Terry lives in Los Angeles where he enjoys Pilates, Yoga, and hiking with his dachshunds, Hunter and Mazie.

About Kim Sponaugle
Kim Sponaugle started her career as an illustrator with her first two book series "The Adventures of Beatrice" for Concordia Publishing House in 2001. She is a graduate of the Art Institute of Philadelphia with a degree in graphic design but found her "home" in children's book illustration. She enjoys life with her husband Jerry and their son Josh in Salem County, New Jersey.

"Nickerbacher, The Funniest Dragon" is from AuthorHouse publishing, a Penguin Random House company. It is available at Amazon.com and BarnsandNoble.com as well as Books-a-Million.

For more information, go to Nickerbacher.com and TjbKids.com

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Tjb KIds is honored to announce that Gollywood, Here I Come! has earned the prestigious Mom’s Choice Award®. Having been rigorously evaluated by an MCA judging panel, Gollywood, Here I Come! is deemed to be among the best products for families.

Los Angeles, CA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 01/12/2015 -- The Mom's Choice Awards® (MCA) has named Gollywood, Here I Come! as among the best in family-friendly media, products and services. The MCA evaluation process uses a propriety methodology in which entries are scored on a number of elements including production quality, design, educational value, entertainment value, originality, appeal, and cost.

"We are thrilled to earn the Mom's Choice Awards Honoring Excellence Seal of Approval," says author Terry John Barto "We know all the great things the MCA does to connect consumers, educators, and caregivers with the best products and services available for families. What is especially important to us as a company, is that the Mom's Choice Awards Team views us as part of the MCA family—not just "yesterday's award cycle." Thanks to the MCA Support Team, Gollywood, Here I Come! will have lifelong marketing and promotional support—helping us get Gollywood, Here I Come! to the people who value it the most.

To be considered for an award, each entrant submits five (5) identical samples for testing. Entries are matched to evaluators in the MCA database. Evaluators are bound by a strict code of ethics not only to ensure objectivity, but also to ensure that the evaluation is free from manufacturer influence. The five evaluations are submitted to the MCA Executive Committee for final review and approval.

"Our aim to introduce families and educators to best-in-class products and services," explains Dawn Matheson, Executive Director of the Mom's Choice Awards. "We have a passion to help families grow emotionally, physically and spiritually. Parents and educators know that products and services bearing our seal of approval are high-quality and also a great value. The MCA evaluation program is designed incorporate the expertise of scientists, physicians and other specialists; but we also engage parents, children, educators, and caregivers because they are experts in knowing what is best for their families."

With the evaluation now complete, the testing samples of Gollywood, Here I Come! will be donated to schools, libraries, hospitals and nonprofit organizations.

About Tjb Kids
At Tjb Kids, we love dreaming! With one condition: be ready to laugh. A young turkey likes to sing, dance and act in Gollywood, Here I Come! And coming soon, a dragon wants to tell jokes in Nickerbacher, The Funniest Dragon. All told through captivating, fun stories.

The company's website at tjbkids.com contains additional information.

Information about Gollywood, Here I Come! and where to purchase it can be found at gollywoodhereicome.com

About the Mom's Choice Awards®
The Mom's Choice Awards® (MCA) evaluates products and services created for children and families. Products and services bearing the company's mother-and-child Honoring Excellence Seal of Approval have earned the MCA distinction for helping families grow emotionally, physically and spiritually; being morally sound and promote good will; and are inspirational and uplifting.

The MCA program is globally recognized for establishing the benchmark of excellence in family-friendly media, products and services. The organization is based in the United States and has reviewed thousands of entries from more than 40 countries.

In addition to being a best-in-class company for the awards industry, the Mom's Choice Awards provides collaborative lifetime marketing and promotional support to its Honorees. The company has invested heavily in creating educational, marketing and event opportunities to help Honorees and Distinguished Alumni reach their key markets effectively.

Around the world, parents, educators, retailers and members of the media look for the MCA mother-and-child Honoring Excellence Seal of Approval when selecting quality products and services for children and families.

Learn more about the Mom's Choice Awards by visiting their website: MomsChoiceAwards.com

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Just in Time for Turkey Day, Gollywood Here I Come! Waddles Into Stores and Online

Los Angeles, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 10/08/2014 -- Who doesn't fantasize about becoming a big movie star, living up all the glitz, glam and glory that comes with it? A talented little turkey named Anamazie Marie LaBelle sure does, only her dream becomes reality in the delightful new children's book Gollywood Here I Come!, written by director/choreographer-turned author Terry John Barto.

Growing up in the small town of Gobbleville, Anamazie studied acting, singing and dancing while basking in the local spotlight as a star baton twirler. Opportunity comes knocking when the competition Gobbleville's Got Talent gives Anamazie her shot at being discovered. With her mom Henrietta at her back, she makes it all the way to the finals, but falls short of the top prize. That is where her path to stardom truly begins as she is discovered by a talent scout, is cast in her first movie and declares "Gollywood, Here I Come!"

With colorful whimsical illustrations by Mattia Cerato, Gollywood Here I Come! taps into current pop culture trends of TV shows like "America's Got Talent" and "American Idol; and the public's fascination with celebrities and movie stars. At its heart, the story leaves young readers with the positive message "You can do anything if you work hard and never give up."

About Terry John Barto
Terry John Barto has crafted dances and musical staging for more than 200 productions throughout the United States and abroad. His versatility ranges from Annie and Crazy For You to The Who's Tommy and West Side Story. Terry staged long-running shows for Princess Cruises and a variety of his choreography has been seen on CBS' The Bold and the Beautiful. As the Creative Director for Wings of Dreams Productions, he turned diverse ideas into screenplays for animation and toys. He has also written another children's book Nickerbacher, The Funniest Dragon to be released in 2015.

For more information about Terry John Barto, please visit TjbKids.com

About Mattia Cerato
Mattia Cerato was born in Cuneo, a small town surrounded by the beautiful Italian alps. At a young age his artist father encourage Mattia to draw and when he grew up he studied illustration at the European Institute of Design (IED). After graduation, he landed his first illustration job, a book titled My First Picture Dictionary for Rass Language House. He subsequently went on to illustrate many more children's books.

For more information about Mattia Cerato please visit www.mbartists.com

Gollywood Here I Come is 32 pages and is available for a suggested retail price of $15.15.

To order please visit gollywoodhereicome.com, amazon.com and barnsandnoble.com.

Title: Gollywood Here I Come!
Category: Children; Ages 4-8
SRP: $15.55
Length: 32 pages
ISBN:
978-1-4969-3509-0 (sc)
978-1-4969-3512-0 (e)

Published by:
Author House LLC
Bloomington, IN
800-839-8640

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Hard work and a positive attitude pay off when a small-town turkey spreads her wings and pursues her dream of becoming a movie star.

Los Angeles, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 09/09/2014 -- While video games, movies and sports are vying for children's attention, reading... and reading to them... is becoming a lost art. The new children's picture book, Gollywood, Here I Come!, is a true contender that makes reading an exciting option. It features the adventures of an ambitious turkey named Anamazie Marie LaBelle, in a vivid tale children ages five to eight are likely to gobble up.

This imaginative, debut picture book from theater director/choreographer Terry John Barto is not only an inspirational success story, it's an introductory primer to the world of movie-making. With unexpected twists and whimsical illustrations, Gollywood, Here I Come! shows how dreams can come true even in the face of a few hard knocks.

Of all the children's books in the marketplace, few fowl have taken center stage since the classic tale of Chicken Little. In Gollywood, Here I Come!, parents and kids will certainly relish the adventures of Anamazie Marie LaBelle.

"My mom says you can do anything if you work hard and never give up.
Anamazie Marie LaBelle
Gollywood, Here I Come!

THE STORY:
Anamazie Marie LaBelle, who balances her baton-twirling with singing and dance lessons, is one busy turkey. A spirited bird with a lot of pluck, Anamazie lives in Gobbleville, a small, vibrant town of turkeys who behave like humans. They attend barbeques, festivals and parades in a homespun environment.

Nearby, is the film industry town of Gollywood. It may be the most glamorous place in the world, but Gobbleville's down-to-earth citizens are skeptical of this big, outlandish city.

One day, after leading the Wattle View Marching Band down Gobbleville's Main Street, Anamazie discovers the path to stardom: the TV show, Gobbleville's Got Talent, where a talent scout in the audience invites her to Gollywood Pictures Studio for a screen test.

She lands a role in the studio's next movie, but discovers she must first overcome obstacles as the new turkey in town and learn how to work with others. Anamazie becomes a big star, returns to Gobbleville after her glamorous movie premiere and inspires her friends to work hard and never give up on their dreams.

About Terry John Barto
Before writing his debut children's book, Terry John Barto directed and choreographed more than 200 regional theater productions and was the creative mind behind numerous television and cruise ship live shows around the world.

As the creative director for Wings of Dreams Productions, Barto collaborated with other artists on a variety of diverse ideas and turned them into screenplays for animated films. He also helped develop popular action figures and dolls for several large retailers.

About Mattia Cerato
Mattia Cerato was born in the small town of Cuneo, surrounded by the beautiful Italian Alps. At the age of 3, when his main interest seemed to be eating lots of pasta, his father encouraged him to draw. As a result, he spent most of his time creating funny images on practically every surface he could find.

As a young adult, Mattia honed his natural talent for illustration at the European Institute of Design in Turin. Within eight months of graduation, he landed his first job as an illustrator for My First Picture Dictionary (Rass Language House, Hong Kong).

Since then, Mattia has created illustrations for many books and toys before bringing Anamazie and her fellow turkey friends to life on the pages of Gollywood, Here I Come!

Gollywood, Here I Come! is available at Amazon.com and BarnsandNoble.com.
More information available at TjbKids.com and GollywoodHereICome.com.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Hard work and a positive attitude pay off when a small-town turkey spreads her wings and pursues her dream of becoming a movie star.

Los Angeles, CA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 09/03/2014 -- While video games, movies and sports are vying for children's attention, reading... and reading to them... is becoming a lost art. The new children's picture book, Gollywood, Here I Come!, is a true contender that makes reading an exciting option. It features the adventures of an ambitious turkey named Anamazie Marie LaBelle, in a vivid tale children ages five to eight are likely to gobble up.

This imaginative, debut picture book from theater director/choreographer Terry John Barto is not only an inspirational success story, it's an introductory primer to the world of movie-making. With unexpected twists and whimsical illustrations, Gollywood, Here I Come!, from AuthorHouse publishing, shows how dreams can come true even in the face of a few hard knocks.

Of all the children's books in the marketplace, few fowl have taken center stage since the classic tale of Chicken Little. In Gollywood, Here I Come!, parents and kids will certainly relish the adventures of Anamazie Marie LaBelle.

"My mom says you can do anything if you work hard and never give up."
Anamazie Marie LaBelle
Gollywood, Here I Come!

THE STORY:
Anamazie Marie LaBelle, who balances her baton-twirling with singing and dance lessons, is one busy turkey. A spirited bird with a lot of pluck, Anamazie lives in Gobbleville, a small, vibrant town of turkeys who behave like humans. They attend barbeques, festivals and parades in a homespun environment.

Nearby, is the film industry town of Gollywood. It may be the most glamorous place in the world, but Gobbleville's down-to-earth citizens are skeptical of this big, outlandish city.

One day, after leading the Wattle View Marching Band down Gobbleville's Main Street, Anamazie discovers the path to stardom: the TV show, Gobbleville's Got Talent, where a talent scout in the audience invites her to Gollywood Pictures Studio for a screen test.

She lands a role in the studio's next movie, but discovers she must first overcome obstacles as the new turkey in town and learn how to work with others. Anamazie becomes a big star, returns to Gobbleville after her glamorous movie premiere and inspires her friends to work hard and never give up on their dreams.

THE AUTHOR:
Before writing his debut children's book, Terry John Barto directed and choreographed more than 200 regional theater productions and was the creative mind behind numerous television and cruise ship live shows around the world.

As the creative director for Wings of Dreams Productions, Barto collaborated with other artists on a variety of diverse ideas and turned them into screenplays for animated films. He also helped develop popular action figures and dolls for several large retailers.
Terry lives in Los Angeles where he enjoys Pilates, Yoga, and hiking with his dachshund, Mazie.

THE ILLUSTRATOR:
Mattia Cerato was born in the small town of Cuneo, surrounded by the beautiful Italian Alps. At the age of 3, when his main interest seemed to be eating lots of pasta, his father encouraged him to draw. As a result, he spent most of his time creating funny images on practically every surface he could find.

As a young adult, Mattia honed his natural talent for illustration at the European Institute of Design in Turin. Within eight months of graduation, he landed his first job as an illustrator for My First Picture Dictionary (Rass Language House, Hong Kong).

Since then, Mattia has created illustrations for many books and toys including Don't Listen to Those Pigs! (Pearson Digital Studio), 1,000 Pirate Stickers (Usborne Publishing), You Can Draw Dinosaurs (Picture Window Books), and Problem Solved! Readers Series (Red Chair Press) before bringing Anamazie and her fellow turkey friends to life on the pages of Gollywood, Here I Come! (AuthorHouse).

For more information, go to TjbKids.com and gollywoodhereicome.com

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