New Self-Esteem–Boosting Kid’s Book: A Must-Have for Back-to-School Shopping!

Aug. 7, 2012 - PRLog -- ATLANTA, Georgia – It’s back-to-school time across America, which means that parents and teachers are stocking up on new backpacks, shiny notebooks, and colorful markers. These school supplies will no doubt help students prepare for classes this fall, but how can parents and teachers help youngsters also navigate the tricky realm of social relationships?  

The pressure to “fit in” and be accepted by peers can be overwhelming, and being excluded by others can have a lasting effect on a child’s self-esteem. Stanley Stinkbug, the main character in The Ugly Bug Ball, a new children’s book by Georgia authors and elementary school teachers Michelle Burns and Dr. Anissa Freeman, knows how it feels to be left out. Stanley is excited to learn that his fellow bugs, the Uglies, are preparing to throw a lavish ball in Mrs. Anderson’s garden. Maybe he’ll finally get a chance to talk to his bug crush, the beautiful red velvet ant Remy Red! Stanley’s hopes are quickly dashed, however, after he learns that his stinkbug stench keeps him off the guest list. What’s an ugly bug to do?

The Ugly Bug Ball is a result of hours of collaboration between Burns and Freeman, both in the classroom and in the garden. The compelling plot showcases the authors’ shared loves of writing and storytelling. The vivid descriptions of the story’s setting—a blooming Georgia flower garden—highlight their knack for gardening and their affection for all insects. Mrs. Anderson’s garden and its inhabitants are brought to life by colorful, jaw-dropping illustrations by D.S. Edwards.

The Ugly Bug Ball offers readers a lesson in acceptance and true friendship. It’s a perfect addition to any back-to-school list!

The Ugly Bug Ball will be released September 6 and is available for preorder through BQB’s online store: http://shop.boutiqueofqualitybooks.com/The-Ugly-Bug-Ball-.... It’s also available for prerelease reviews to those interested in taking an early peek and posting their comments online. To get a prerelease copy, contact Julie Breedlove at Julie@bqbpublishing.com.

About the authors
Dr. Anissa Freeman has spent the last twelve years as an elementary school teacher. She has a master of arts degree in teaching from Piedmont College and a doctorate degree in curriculum and instruction from Argosy University.  She lives in Kennesaw, Georgia, with four pet birds and a Malti-Tzu named Coco.

Ms. Michelle Burns has taught a variety of different grade levels over the last ten years. She has a bachelor of arts degree in elementary education from Arizona State University and a master of arts degree in reading and literacy from Walden University. She lives in Hiram, Georgia, with her daughter and their miniature poodle, Henri.

Both Dr. Freeman and Ms. Burns are passionate about teaching, writing, and gardening. They both currently teach at West Side Elementary School in Marietta, Georgia. To learn more and stay updated through their blog, visit http://www.theuglybugballbook.com/.

About BQB Publishing
Founded in August of 2010, BQB was created to be “the writer’s publisher,” focusing on quality writing from new authors. An independent hybrid publisher, BQB combines the quality processes of traditional publishing with hands-on author involvement to bring today’s new writers and tomorrow’s best sellers into the hands of booksellers and the reading public. To learn more about BQB, visit http://www.bqbpublishing.com/.