New Bilingual Children’s Book Available Just in Time for the Holiday Season

Dec. 9, 2009 - PRLog -- PEPPERELL, MA - Pepperell resident Gretchen Archambault has just self-published her first book, “Hats, Gloves, Hot Cocoa with Love.”  Aimed at preschoolers through first graders, the book  evokes all of the sights, sounds, smells and feelings of a New England Winter, and is badesigned to delight and challenge early readers with appropriate compound words and compelling visual imagery illustrated by Westford artist, Keith Rose.  The book is available immediately.

“The original idea for "Hats, Gloves, Hot Cocoa with Love" was to create a book for both young children and adults that would stimulate the senses,” said the author.  “My hope is that this book captures all of the experiences of a Winter in New England. I’ve even included a family recipe for hot cocoa that is a perfect complement when reading this book to young children around the fire.”

Alternately titled “| Gorros, Guantes, Chocolate Caliente Con Amor,” Gretchen’s book is very unique because of the Spanish translation that follows along with the English text.  “Since most of my family still resides in the Dominican Republic, I decided to include the Spanish translation, not only so my family could enjoy the book but to also help them learn some new English words. And, this book is a great educational tool for introducing Spanish to young children without overwhelming them, and great for Spanish departments in schools as a teaching aid.”

Gretchen decided to self-publish her book after doing some research on traditional publishing.  Finding and securing a traditional publishing contract in this economy is difficult because fewer books are being published.  Plus, with lag times of 9 to 18 months, it would be quite some time before the finished book would be in readers’ hands with a traditional publisher.  So, after doing a bit of research, Gretchen worked with a local printer to help bring her vision to life.

"Hats, Gloves, Hot Cocoa with Love" is a very traditional book that evokes the experiences that occur in a winter in New England, with a very non-traditional spin (bilingual). “I want the readers to feel their "inner child" and I want the listeners and reader alike to experience, or re-experience, these moments together with family and friends. In addition, I’ve included some "I spy" exercises that add a bit of adventure and challenge, allowing children to take risks and build self esteem at the same time.”

"Hats, Gloves, Hot Cocoa with Love" is available on Gretchen’s website at http://www.angelchildrenbooks.com, as well as on Amazon.com.  In addition, the book is available at a number of businesses in the Pepperell area.

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Born and raised in Amherst, Massachusetts, Gretchen Archambault spent her childhood on the family farm where she and her brother were raised speaking English and Spanish.

Every season, as seen through the eyes of a child, has always been close to Gretchen’s heart. Gretchen’s children are a constant inspiration as they wonder at all the things new to their world. Gretchen recreates these moments with her words to remind us of the magic in each season.

Gretchen resides in Pepperell, Massachusetts with her husband and two children.