New Children's Book Blends Adventure With Challenges of Growing Up

Feb. 1, 2012 - PRLog -- (Portland, Oregon) – Lisa Ard knows something about the challenges of growing up – literally. “I was 5’ 7” tall at age 10 and taller than my 5th grade teacher. Needless to say, I stood out.” Whether it was her own memories of growing up or watching her two kids approach puberty, Lisa Ard found an outlet for the challenges of growing up in her protagonist Patrick.   

For Patrick, being twelve years old can be challenging. Add to that the unusual ability to experience dreams as reality and you begin to understand Patrick's need for a little self-control. A "sweet" dream devouring the world's largest ice cream sundae can end with an enormous stomachache. A fall from a bike means Patrick wakes with a broken arm. Try explaining that to the emergency room doctor. Oh wait -- that would be Patrick's mom. She's a dream seeker too, as are Patrick's sister and brother. If Patrick follows the family's dream-seeking rules he can have cool nighttime adventures. But if he forgets....
   
Fright Flight, the first book in the series, focuses on the challenge of self-control. It opens with a brief dream sequence where Patrick gorges on a mountain of ice cream. Upon waking, he feels awful and Patrick’s mom reminds him that self control is important in his dreams and in life.

On the opening pages of ‘Fright Flight’, Patrick is challenged to show some self-control as he dreams of a mountainous ice cream sundae. When he wakes, he feels ill and his mom reminds him that self-control is important, not only in his dreams, but during his waking hours.

“Self control can be a hard concept for kids. It comes into play whether it’s going to bed at a decent hour, making good food choices, turning off the video games, getting enough exercise. . . well, perhaps it’s a difficult concept for kids and adults alike!” says author Lisa Ard.   

The main adventure in ‘Fright Flight’ is an outer space adventure modeled after Patrick’s daytime play with a favorite video game. Initially Patrick panics when he enters the dream and learns he’s piloting a spaceship. Following the dream-seeking rules and showing some self-control allow Patrick to enjoy the adventure and seek safe passage home.   

“Ultimately these books will be about the great adventures Patrick and his family members have in dreams. But I hope that kids will also enjoy thinking about growing up and how they best handle it,” says author Lisa Ard. “Readers like the fact that although Patrick has his own adventures, his family and friends are right there with him. I’ve even had a young reader in Canada ask to see more of the dad, so I’ll be working that into a future book!”   

Book club questions are available to spur discussion around central themes in the series, including the challenges of growing up. Readers can continue the adventure through book club questions, contests, puzzles and other activities available at: www.dreamseekeradventures.com

‘Fright Flight, Dream Seekers Book One’ is available on Amazon, BarnesandNoble.com, iTunes, Powells and other online booksellers. Retail pricing is $2.99 (ebook) and $6.99 (paperback). It is an early middle-grade fantasy series for kids ages 7-10.
   

About the Author
LISA ARD is a children's book author AND avid reader, stay-at-home mom, part-time business consultant, school volunteer, library board president, Sunday school teacher, book club member, chauffeur, volleyball coach, wife and mom, not necessarily in that order. She lives in Portland, Oregon with her husband and two children.   

About the Illustrator
MAJIDA K. NELSON holds a BA in art from Marylhurst University and an AA in Graphic Design. In addition to her illustration work, she is also an author. Her middle grade mystery novel, The Royal Red Secret, was published in 2011. Majida Nelson lives in Portland, Oregon.
   
Title: FRIGHT FLIGHT, DREAM SEEKERS BOOK ONE
Author: Lisa Ard
Pub. Date: 2011
Publisher: Puddletown Publishing Group
                  Beavercreek, Oregon
                  (503) 320-1242

Cost: $2.99 e-book and $6.99 paperback
ISBN:  978-1-61413-0246 ebook
           978-1-61413-0260 paperback

For review copies contact Renee LaChance at Puddletown Publishing Group:
lachance@puddletowngroup.com

More information about the book, visit: www.dreamseekeradventures.com