Psychologist and Author Amy L. Stark Launches Book Tour For Children in Orange County, California

ORANGE COUNTY, Calif. - July 27, 2015 - PRLog -- Sure. You've heard of fairy godmothers in storybooks. How about fairy godmothers in real life? Santa Ana-based psychologist and children’s book author Amy Stark will answer that question and more at a series of story time events and festivals in Orange County.

Dr. Stark is the author of the new illustrated children’s book The Fairy Godmother Next Door and will kick off her story time readings on Sunday, August 9, at Barnes & Noble, 791 South Main Street in Orange at Orange Town & Country shopping center. The event runs noon-2 p.m.

The tour continues on Sunday, August 30, 12:30-1:30 p.m., at Once Upon a Storybook, 17300 E. 17^th Street in Tustin. Stark will read The Fairy Godmother Next Door and sign copies of her book.

The inspiration for the enchanting story of a fairy godmother and the little girl next door comes from Stark’s desire to be a fairy godmother.

“My wish came true,” said Stark. “I’ve been a fairy godmother to my neighbors’ children since they were born. We discuss fairies and elves, feelings, wishes and dreams – all things children should have an opportunity to do.”

This fall, Stark will appear at the Orange County Children’s Book Festival on Sunday, October 4. She will sign copies of her book and have a special presentation for children on one of the festival’s performance stages.

When she’s not writing books, Stark works with children impacted by high-conflict divorce. Her years of helping children cope with stressful situations further re-enforced her observation that kids need to expand their imagination and be expressive on the path to living a full life.

“Imaginative play and wishing are important parts of living a full life,” Stark explained. “In our busy lives, we often forget about them.”

The Fairy Godmother Next Door reflects messages of hope, giving, understanding and playfulness. Beautiful, full-color illustrations bring the story to life and include a magical landscape with a fish pond and fairy garden and a home with a heart-shaped gate and two friendly dogs. The dogs are an important part of the story, too.

“Dogs have lessons to teach us all, about unconditional love and compassion and understanding,” Stark said. “They have a deep knowing about people, which often surpasses words, and they provide comfort, support and playfulness. There is magic in all of that.”

The Fairy Godmother Next Door is $12.99 and available at www.barnesandnoble.com, (http://www.barnesandnoble.com) www.amazon.com and independent booksellers.

About the author

Amy Stark, Ph.D. is a highly respected clinical psychologist based in California. She received her doctorate from the California School of Professional Psychology in San Diego. Her background in education is in child psychology. Dr. Stark is best known for her work with children of high-conflict divorce. She is the author of four books – Whole Heart for Girls, Whole Heart for Young Women, The Fairy Godmother Next Door, and the business book Because I Said So. Follow Dr. Stark on Twitter @drstark and at www.dramystark.com