Monday's green books series - 'East Garrison' by G.M. Weger

This week we're getting back to one reviewed book on Monday and today we have a great book that has it all: romance, suspense, adventure, relationship, man vs. nature and a surprising ending. And it all happens in East Garrison in California.

Our book for today is:

East Garrison


Author: G.M. Weger
G. M. Weger lives near East Garrison, in the town of Salinas, California. She works as an editor for the Department of Defense on former Army base Fort Ord.

In 1996, she moved to the Central Coast of California on former Army base Fort Ord and began driving around the haunted, empty place during lunch hours.

The inspiration for East Garrison began during one of these treks when she saw the strange juxtaposition of wildlife and deserted Army buildings and discovered the pioneer Whitcher cemetery. Since then, numerous housing developments have popped up, destroying habitat and food supply for many animals. This new construction pushed predators into residential areas that border the wild lands.

Reports of mountain lion sightings on Fort Ord and attacks in other California parks encouraged her muse, and she wrote East Garrison. As she was writing the novel she found her true love—researching the history of Fort Ord prior to the Army. Her next novel will uncover the real story of the Whitchers.

Publisher: Synergy Books

Published on: February 1, 2009

What it is about:
All Tracy Dade wants is to deliver a healthy baby and be a good mother, but she fears her unhealthy relationship with her father - a Vietnam vet suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder-will sabotage her ability to have a normal life. She decides reconciling with him is her only hope and begins a pilgrimage to Fort Ord's abandoned East Garrison to track him down. In her way stand acres of land polluted with unexploded ordnance, an overprotective husband, a dangerous predator stalking the base, and her own stubborn heart. With her labor just hours away, she's running out of time.

Why you should get it:
This is a breathtaking thriller that it is really hard to put down before the last page. G.M. Weger, just like a good chef, takes complicated ingredients like family relationships, history, man-nature coexistence and suspense and skillfully mix them into a powerful novel. She brings up important issues about the relationship of humans with nature and wildlife and the ramifications of the development of urban sprawl, including the depletion of wild ecosystems. Even if you don't live near East Garrison like the author or haven't never heard about the mountain lions before, you definitely understand these issues much better after reading the book.

Last but not least - I always like an unexpected ending!

What others say about the book:

"G.M. Weger's East Garrison is an excellent read. G.M. Weger is a true origial. She can create characters I guarantee you've never met before." - Scott Baker, Winner of the World Fantasy Award

"I read a lot of stories in my job and G.M. Weger's is one of the original and memorable." - Billy Tackett, Award-winning artist and illustrator

You can learn more about the book at the author's website - www.gmweger.com. Here's also a video of G.M. Weger from her website on the book:

WANT TO WIN A COPY OF THIS BOOK?

All you have to do is to join our Earth Day celebration on our Facebook group. We're celebrating there Earth Day with tree planting, giveaway of green books and an effort to increase our group to 1000 members! Every day, until the end of the month, where at least 14 new members will be added, we will have a raffle of a green book of authors and publishers we work with, including a copy of 'East Garrison', gift of the publicist, Phenix & Phenix!

So if you're already a member, bring along more Facebook friends to the group. If you're not a member, join in and bring other friends with you. Remember - every day with more than new 14 members we'll have a new raffle and we have great books to give (check out our post tomorrow for more details).Plant a tree for every book you read!

If you're looking for other interesting green-themed books, you are invited to check out our green books page on our website's green resources section.

Yours,
Raz @ Eco-Libris
www.ecolibris.net

Join our Facebook group Earth Day celebration with green books giveaways and tree planting!

Earth Day is just around the corner (April 22) and Eco-Libris has a busy month coming - from a celebration of green reading with the Chicago Bulls to an Earth Day campaign with Raincoast Books in Canadian Bookstores and a couple of new collaborations with publishers, including Barefoot Books, Beaufort Books and Bookhouse Publishing (check out our updates here for more information).

As busy as this month is we don't want to forget it's all about the celebration of Earth Day. This Earth day we have many green books to give away and many trees to plant. And we wish to celebrate it with as many friends as possible! We set up a goal of increasing our number of Facebook group members to at least 1,000 members by the end of the month.

We started with 581 members on April 1 and already we have 96 new members which brings us to 677 members all together! And we're not counting only new members, we're counting trees! For every new member (until we reach the 1000th member) Eco-Libris will plant a new tree with our planting partners!

And we also have great green books to give away! Since we needed at the beginning at least 14 new members a day, we decided to have a raffle of a new book each day we'll meet this goal. We're giving away great green books of an author or publisher that works with Eco-Libris! We have great books waiting for you, such as:

- Green Beginning by Avrim and Vicki Topel
- Sammy and Sue Go Green Too! by Suzanne Corso
- Little Green Books (Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing)
- The Barefoot Book of Earth Tales by Dawn Casey
- Gardening Eden by Michael Abbaté

And more! We'll add more information about all of the books on our wall during this month, so stay tuned and check out our group (and join it if you haven't done it yet :-) at http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/wall.php?id=4590684259

With your assistance by April 30, we'll succeed to increase our community to (at least) 1,000 members and plant hundreds of new trees!

Happy and Green April!

Raz @ Eco-Libris
www.ecolibris.net

Bulls opened the Green Reading & Technology Center today

The Bulls' Green Reading event, which we reported on earlier this week, took place earlier today at Pope John Paul II Catholic School in Chicago.

Bulls forward Tyrus Thomas hosted the opening of the Green Reading & Technology Center at the School. Thomas, together with Bob Love and Benny the Bull, was on hand for an official ribbon cutting ceremony to welcome a group of students to the newly renovated space which was constructed entirely with environmentally friendly and energy efficient materials.

Later on Thomas read out loud from “Planet Earth Gets Well.” As we reported, the Bulls donated 100 copies of the book to the school and partner with Eco-Libris, a green business that works to balance out the paper used for books by planting trees. In honor of the donation, 100 trees will be planted with Eco-Libris!

Here's a link to the press release of the Bulls. We hope to bring you photos from this exciting event very soon.

Yours,
Raz @ Eco-Libris
www.ecolibris.net

Monday's green books series (part 2): Earth Tales

This week we divided our Monday's green books series into two and today is the second part, with a very unique book that suits perfectly not only the upcoming Earth Day but also Passover, the Jewish holiday that we're celebrating this month.

Our book for today is:

The Barefoot Book of Earth Tales

As we mentioned yesterday, in celebration of Earth Day, Barefoot Books are working together with Eco-Libris this April to plant a tree for every copy sold of this book!

Author: Dawn Casey

Dawn Casey has always been passionate about traditional tales, believing that folklore can help answer some of the toughest questions about humankind. This is Dawn s second project with Barefoot Books, following The Great Race (2006). Dawn combines writing with a career as a primary school teacher. She and her family live in East Sussex, England.

Illustrator: Anne Wilson

Anne Wilson gains much of her inspiration and sense of color from her travels. She has an MA in illustration from St. Martin's College of Art, London, and has been illustrating children's books for several years. This is Anne's fourth project for Barefoot Books, following Storytime (2005), The Great Race (2006) and We're Sailing Down the Nile (2007). Anne live s in Reading, England, with her husband and daughters.

Publisher: Barefoot Books

Published on: April 1, 2009

Reading age: Reading together: 4-8, Read alone: 6-10

What it is about:
In this beautiful anthology of folktales, young readers learn how different cultures around the world live in harmony with the rhythms and patterns of nature. Discover how to tread lightly on our precious Earth by following the easy eco-tips and trying out some of the fun and creative activities that accompany each story.

Children will discover how the residents of the Kingdom of Benin keep within the Nigerian rainforest consume less and conserve more; how the Comanche Indians respect Mother Earth by giving more than they receive; among Bali's coral reefs and volcanic mountain peaks iis the lesson that everything in nature is connected.

Why you should get it:
The stories are really special and connect you to ancient cultures. Even more, these are not just folk tales, these are the cornerstones of human relationship with mother earth, which we need to be reminded of now more than ever.

I think the uniqueness and importance of these stories can be summarized in the words of Chief Seathl, which are brought at the introduction to the American Southwest story:
"Every shining pine needle, every clearing, every sandy shore, every mist in the dark woods and every humming insect is holy in the memory and experience of my people.

Teach your children what we have taught our children, that the Earth is our mother. The rivers are our brothers; they quench our thirst and feed our children. The air is precious to the red man, for all things share the same breath - the beast, the tree, the man - they all share the same teeth."

Add to these stories the special hands-on activities that append each story to help children put green ideals into practice and you get a great children's book that is truly unique, important and fun.

Maybe like with the Haggadah of Pesach, which passes the story about the Jewish liberation from slavery in Egypt from generation to generation, these stories should be told by parents to their kids every Earth Day to keep these ideas about man-mother earth relationship in our hearts and minds for good.

WANT TO WIN A COPY OF THIS BOOK?

All you have to do is to join our Earth Day celebration on our Facebook group. We're celebrating there Earth Day with tree planting, giveaway of green books and an effort to increase our group to 1000 members! Every day, until the end of the month, where at least 14 new members will be added, we will have a raffle of a green book of authors and publishers we work with, including a copy of 'Earth Tales', gift of Barefoot Books!

So if you're already a member, bring along more Facebook friends to the group. If you're not a member, join in and bring other friends with you. Remember - every day with more than new 14 members we'll have a new raffle and we have great books to give (check out our post tomorrow for more details).Plant a tree for every book you read!

If you're looking for other interesting green-themed books, you are invited to check out our green books page on our website's green resources section.

Yours,
Raz @ Eco-Libris
www.ecolibris.net

Barefoot Book of Earth Tales - buy this book on April and a new tree will be planted with Eco-Libris!

We are working with Barefoot Books for a while and today we are happy to announce on a new collaboration with this great publisher: They're releasing this month a new book, entitled 'Earth Tales', and for every copy sold in April, we are planting a tree!

We are very excited to take part in the celebration of this new book, which is released just in time for Earth Day, but is already available now. In this beautiful anthology of folktales, young readers learn how different cultures around the world live in harmony with the rhythms and patterns of nature. Discover how to tread lightly on our precious Earth by following the easy eco-tips and trying out some of the fun and creative activities that accompany each story. This is the perfect gift for any earth-conscious child!

We will review the book tomorrow, so stay tuned. We also want to thank Substance, a design agency based in Manchester, England with an interest in environmental issues, which created the beautiful poster you see above in celebration of our partnership with Barefoot Books.

Yours,
Raz @ Eco-Libris
www.ecolibris.net

Monday's green books series (part 1): Sammy & Sue Go Green Too! (and a giveaway)

This week we divide our Monday's green books series into two (and delay them a little bit..), as we bring you reviews of two new great books we partner with. Our first book is dedicated to our motherlove, planet earth - a place for our children to flourish! And the book itself is no less marvelous than its dedication.

Our book for today is:

Sammy and Sue Go Green Too!

The publisher, Beaufort Books, and the author Suzanne Corso, are collaborating with Eco-Libris to encourage the readers of this wonderful book to green up their reading and take a step to support the environment by planting a tree with us for their copy. Thanks to the support of Beaufort Books and Suzanne Corso, readers will be able to do so at a special discount on our website!

Author: Suzanne Corso

Suzanne is the author of two feature film screenplays, which are based on her novels. Brooklyn Story, a young woman’s coming of age tale and RoughCuts; The Trilogy. A fast-paced, romantic suspense story set against the backdrop of the diamond business. She has also penned other screenplays, such as A Simple Road and Gary Granite. Suzanne has also developed a television show called Empire, based upon Wall Street and has also produced for the New York and London stages the critically acclaimed Roman Nights, about screen legend Anna Magnani and playwright Tennessee Williams.

Along with her other accomplishments Suzanne has produced two documentaries; Indonesia, A Personal Journey and HEAR THEM ROAR, shot entirely at the Endangered Animal Rescue Sanctuary in Citra, Florida. Narrated by Lorraine Bracco. This documentary was the foundation that inspired her children’s series.

Publisher: Beaufort Books

Published on: April 22, 2009

Reading ages: 5-9

What it is about (from the author's website):
The Sammy & Sue Series, based on Sammy and Sue Corso, a mother/daughter team that seeks to educate children about the environment, the planet, nutrition, and to lead to an eco-friendly (”green”) life. The Sammy & Sue books have one goal in mind; to educate our children, to protect our environment and keep our animals safe.

“Go Green Too!” is the first book in the series and will lead your children on thrilling adventures while teaching them to value the planet and all of its resources. Sammy & Sue are helping to help you spread and start saving the planet. Their mission is to teach their New York City neighbors and American families to conserve energy, drive hybrid cars, and make peace with nature by using eco-friendly products, recycling, and eating organically grown foods. Sammy & Sue set out to visit various eco-friendly companies and organic farms across America.

Why you should get it:
1. The joint mother-daughter journey into the green world is a great way to introduce readers, both parents and children, with environmental ideas and concepts. I think that the 'team' idea makes the characters as well as their messages much more easy to identify with.

2. It's a fun story! I think one of the problems of the green movement, especially with kids, is the serious image it has and the notion that going green is a complexed mission. Well, the future of the planet is a serious issue, no doubt about that, but it doesn't mean that you can't engage children into it in a fun and original way that will help them to get connected to green ideas, and that's exactly what this book does.

3. And it's also educational. I liked the fact that by the end of the book kids can find a glossary (or as they call it "Hard words made easy") with simple explanations to big words like atmosphere, pesticides, biodegradable and so on.

4. Beautiful illustrations - they make the story so alive!

What others say about the book:
“These wonderful stories instill a sense of not only understanding but, empowerment ot our childern about the earth and how to take care of it. I look forward to reading them with my daugthers.” Marcia Cross, Actress "Desperate Housewives" ABC

"A hip testament to being kind to the world around us." Dr. Mehmet Oz, Columbia University, Vice Chairman, Cardiovascular Services, Oprah Show / XM Radio

"To bring about positive environmental change requires an understanding of our impact on the natural world, and a sense of adventure with endless possibility; Sammy & Sue have both" Philip Charles Gamett, President EarthPositive Apparel

You can read more about the book and the series at www.sammyandsue.com

GIVEAWAY ALERT!!!

The publisher, Beaufort Books are giving away one copy of the book, and of course a tree will be planted for the copy!

How you can win? please add a comment below with an answer the following question: how do you go green too with your kid? Submissions are accepted until Wednesday, April 8, 12PM EST. The winner will be announced the following day.

If you're looking for other interesting green-themed books, you are invited to check out our green books page on our website's green resources section.

Yours,
Raz @ Eco-Libris

Plant a tree for every book you read!

The Chicago Bulls are promoting Green Reading and Eco-Libris is taking part in it!

We have great news today: As part of the 'NBA Green Week 2009' the Chicago Bulls are promoting green reading in one of Chicago's schools and Eco-Libris is part of it!

Yes, President Obama's favorite basketball team will celebrate this Friday (April 3) the grand opening of The Green Reading & Technology Corner at Pope John Paul School in Chicago.

During the opening, Bulls players will participate in a Reading Time-Out where they will read an excerpt of “Planet Earth Gets Well” by Madeline Kaplan, a children’s book that addresses environmental concerns in a child-friendly format. In addition to having a green theme, the author and the Chicago Bulls are collaborating with Eco-Libris to green up the book by planting trees.

The Bulls are donating a total of 100 copies of this book to the school's library, thus planting 100 trees as a result of the project. In addition, every book comes with Eco-Libris sticker made of recycled paper that reads “One tree planted for this book”.

Here are more details on the event:

Date: April 3, 3009 at 3:30pm

Location: Pope John Paul School, 4325 South Richmond Chicago, IL

Event: Grand Opening of the Green Reading & Technology Corner. As part of the Read to Achieve Program, the Bulls added a new component to the Reading & Learning Center where we created an environmentally friendly learning space at a local school.

Following the Opening, Bulls players will participate in a Reading Time-Out where they will read an excerpt of “Planet Earth Gets Well” a children’s book addresses environmental concerns in a child-friendly format. Planet Earth Gets Well's partnership with Eco-Libris, a green business that works to balance out the paper used for books by planting trees, plants one tree for every book purchased.

The Bulls are donating a total of 100 copies of this book to the library, thus planting 100 trees as a result of the project. Eco-Libris includes book sleeve stickers made of recycled paper for every book they balance out that reads “One tree planted for this book”.

Featured Book: Planet Earth Gets Well by Madeline Kaplan, illustrated by Taillefer Long, addresses environmental concerns in a child-friendly format, based on the author’s awareness that future generations must be prepared to preserve their planet and its resources.

When Planet Earth gets the sniffles, Mother Nature challenges each of us to retract our gluttonous ways. She instructs the Planet Earth to take better care of himself which means all humans must make big changes about key issues like global warming, the melting of polar ice caps, deforestation and energy depletion. Once Planet Earth sneezes, Mother Nature listens and helps each and every one of us learn how to be good to our dear, old friend. This educational reader is wholly unique in the ways that matter-think globally, think green, and act accordingly. Reading level: Ages 4-8

More on 'Planet Earth Gets Well':

Review of 'Planet Earth Gets Well' on Monday's green books series

'Planet Earth Gets Well' is added to Earth Day Network's recommended reading!

An interview with Madeline Kaplan

'Planet Earth Gets Well' is going green with Eco-Libris!

The book's website: http://www.planetearthgetswell.com

Yours,
Raz @ Eco-Libris
http://www.ecolibris.net/