Hetty or Not, West Martha Sears

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.

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