Story-Skilled Child Workshops
Unique Parent-Involvement Training!
Teachers, Principals, Administrators, Leaders: How about a parental workshop that adults actually like? How about a workshop full of knowledge and usable teaching for parents?
Our unusual workshops focus on the oral-storytelling tradition to help parents create homes full of language. Homes full of language are an essential building block of literacy. For our Title 1 Parent Involvement programs: When you book our “Story-Skilled Child” workshops, you’ll help parents engage with their children’s education while easily building literacy and math skills. Together with our team, you will create memorable parent-involvement training that will leave your parents wanting more. They will be eager (and ready) to apply the content to their families from the first workshop they attend.
Our workshops and training will align with any parental involvement program, with or without Title 1 options.
They Say:
“The Story-Skilled-Child workshop was extraordinarily insightful and meaningful for any parent or educator. The workshop was not only entertaining but gave both parents and educators a new set of skills that will most certainly reinforce and celebrate literacy at school and in the home.” – Brian W., Principal, Sunset Ridge School
A Sackful of Features:
Fun! Read more
Look Closely: Finding Wonder In Small Details
Keep your eyes open as you turn the pages of Hollis Saves Halloween. Hidden somewhere on every two-page spread is a little lizard who never says a word. He’s not part of the story. He’s just a quiet observer, simply watching what unfolds. Sometimes Lizard is easy to spot, sometimes you must search.
At first, when you’re reading this book with your child, simply enjoy the story. But on your third or fourth read, invite your child to start looking (unless they’ve already begun their own lizard hunt!).
Try asking an inviting question like:
- “I wonder where little Lizard is on this page?”
- Or offer a clue: “Take a look next to the tree. What do you see?”
You might even make a little game of it. Maybe you look on one spread, and your child searches the next.
Why the Little Lizard Matters
Finding this hidden friend turns storytime into a fun, engaging hunt and brings surprising benefits for growing minds. Here’s why looking for Lizard is more than just a game:
Mother’s Day Can Be Hard
Happy Mother’s Day 2025. We know that is hard for some people to hear, so we intentionally left this message until after the day. It might be triggering for some. 
Perhaps you grew up with a loving parent who nurtured you beyond their desires and troubles to help you be as free and great as your heart desires.
Perhaps you did not.
Perhaps the person you called “Mom” struggled with their own upbringing full of “dogmatic bullshit” as author Nancy Manet calls it. Maybe they, too, struggled to be free of oppression, and yet they still passed all that abuse and yuck on to you.
Perhaps you weren’t as loved as you could have been. Possibly, you weren’t accepted because of who you truly are. Maybe you were told to be like a neat potted plant instead of a field of wildflowers.
We know that Mother’s Day isn’t easy for some. Know that we see you and want to speak up for all those who carried their woundedness as children and are desperate not to pass that on to their children. Read more
Books for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are important to our mission at The Small-Tooth-Dog Publishing Group. These four books are more than just stories—they celebrate authenticity, individuality, 
and embracing who you truly are.
From realizing that a child’s vibrant energy is something to be celebrated to recognizing that goodness surrounds us even in tough times, these books encourage readers of all ages to be true to themselves. Read more
Discussion: My Expansion
David:
Hey everyone, welcome back for another discussion of a great book. Today, we will examine My Expansion, a children’s book creating quite a buzz. 
Taylor:
It is. It has these beautiful illustrations, and the story is very sweet.
David:
Yeah, and we actually have quite a bit of material on this one. We’ve got some interviews with the author and illustrator, some early reviews, and even an early copy of the book so we can dive in and see what makes it tick.
Taylor:
Definitely a lot to unpack.
David:
So let’s start with the author, Nancy Manet. Now what’s interesting here is that she’s actually a singer-songwriter. This is her first foray into children’s literature.
Taylor:
You can definitely tell. Her background in music shines through in the writing. The language is very lyrical and very engaging.
David:
Yeah, it’s almost poetic. So, that adds a unique flavor to the book.
Taylor:
Definitely.
David:
Now, on the visual side, we have Michelle Buvala. Her illustrations are striking. They add a whole other dimension to the story.
Taylor:
Yeah, she works with hand-cut watercolors, pens, and ink. And she even uses this really unique technique called watercolor cut paper collage.
Download: Halloween Coloring Pages
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Benefits of Reading Aloud With Your Child
“Why should I read with my kids?”
Reading is often considered a solitary activity, but when done together, it can provide several benefits, especially to children. Reading aloud with your child is an activity that may seem simple, but it packs a punch in terms of its benefits. Here’s why you should read aloud with your child as often as possible.
1. Enhances Vocabulary
When you read aloud to your child, you expose them to a wide range of words and phrases that they might not encounter in everyday conversations. This helps to expand their vocabulary and improve their language skills.
2. Develops Listening Skills
Listening to someone read aloud helps your child to develop their listening skills and attention span. They learn to focus on the story and understand the sequence of events, a crucial skill for their overall cognitive development.
3. Fosters Bonding
Reading together is an intimate activity that can help to strengthen your bond with your child. It gives you both a chance to spend quality time together, discuss the story, share thoughts, and create lasting memories.
4. Encourages Imagination
Books are a great source of stimulation for a child’s imagination. When you read aloud, you help to bring the story to life in your child’s mind, encouraging them to visualize the events and characters in their own unique way.
5. Instills a Love for Reading
By making reading a regular activity, your child is more likely to develop a love for books. This can set the foundation for a lifelong habit of reading, which can benefit them in countless ways as they grow older.
So, let’s get reading! 
Do the best you can. This isn’t a contest for “best parent.” Do what you can when you can. Reading aloud with your child is not just about passing the time or keeping them entertained. It’s a powerful tool that can contribute significantly to their overall development. So, take some time from your busy schedule and read aloud with your child as often as possible. You’ll be surprised at the positive impact it can have!
Offices Closed Until September 1.
Our offices will be closed until September 1, 2023, for family breaks, vacations, etc.
If you want “how to publish a book” information or submission guidelines, please visit us at this page.
Please note: Do not send us a query letter. Our method is a bit different. See instructions on the above page.
See you soon.
#ALA: Meet Nancy Manet at the American Library Association 2023 Annual Conference
The Small-Tooth-Dog Publishing Group is delighted to announce the appearance of singer-songwriter and author Nancy Manet at the upcoming American Library Conference at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois. Nancy Manet will sign copies of her latest book, “My Expansion,” and meet fans at the Independent Book Publishers Association exhibitor booth (#3711) at 3:00 PM on Saturday and 11:30 AM on Sunday.
Fresh from a recording at Abbey Road Studios in London, Nancy will sign her children’s book focusing on her struggle to break free from rigid thinking.
Released as an adaptation of Nancy’s soon-to-be-released song, “My Expansion” captures her journey of reconciling a strict, dogmatic religious upbringing with her profound desire to love and support her free-spirited daughter. Through vivid poetry, Nancy poignantly portrays her struggle and ultimately finds her way toward understanding and acceptance.
Illustrated by Michelle Buvala, “My Expansion” showcases the enchanting tale of Big Bear and their cub through captivating artwork, making it an engaging and accessible read for young audiences. The book is available for order from local independent bookstores and online retailers.
Nancy is happy to offer a limited number of “My Expansion” copies exclusively for attendees of the American Library Conference. These limited edition copies will be available for signing at Booth 3711 on Saturday and Sunday. Due to the high demand and limited supply, conference attendees must visit the booth early to secure their copy during each of Nancy’s 30-minute signing times.
Writing from east Texas, Nancy Manet shares her experience, stating, “My upbringing led me to expect my children to conform like perfectly-potted tulips in a neat row. However, I discovered my first child to be more like a field of wildflowers. In my quest for perfection, I erred by being rigid and rule-driven instead of parenting with love and grace.”
Nancy’s early life story of hardship, betrayal, and abandonment paved the way for her present-day success as an entrepreneur. Confronted with a choice between embracing her LGBTQ daughter or rejecting her, Nancy defied dogmatic, religious ideologies and embraced genuine love and empathy for her child. She firmly believes that rigid thinking and expanding love and empathy cannot coexist.
Don’t miss the opportunity to meet Nancy Manet and have your limited edition copy of “My Expansion” personally signed at the American Library Conference. Join us at Booth 3711 on Saturday and Sunday to engage with this author who fearlessly explores parental love, acceptance, and personal growth.
Small-Tooth-Dog Publishing Group at Tucson Festival of Books 2026 | Booth 288 Schedule & Events
Tucson Festival of Books 2026
The Small-Tooth-Dog Publishing Group – Booth 288
We are excited to return to the Tucson Festival of Books 2026 on March 14 and 15.
You can find The Small-Tooth-Dog Publishing Group at Booth 288, located on the south side of the mall area.
Search for us in the TFOB app under: The Small-Tooth-Dog Publishing Group.
This year, Booth 288 is a destination.
If you are planning your festival weekend, plan to spend time with us.
Full Weekend Schedule – Booth 288
Every featured book includes a hands-on, book-based craft led by illustrator Michelle Buvala.
Saturday – March 14
Craft included
Illustrated by Michelle Buvala
Craft included
Harriet Cole
A middle-grade novel inspired by Norse folktales
Craft included
children’s picture books
Celebration crafting for all ages
Sunday – March 15
Craft included
Trickster stories rooted in the Sonoran Desert
Craft included
Craft included
Craft included
Book-Based Crafting All Weekend
This is not just a book signing booth.
Every featured book includes a craft directly connected to the story. Illustrator Michelle Buvala will be leading crafting throughout the weekend, guiding children and families as they:
New crafts will rotate throughout the weekend. Families are welcome to return multiple times.
Meet Our Authors and Illustrator
We are proud to feature:
Read Michelle’s bio
Read Nancy’s bio
Read Harriet’s bio
Read Tamera’s bio
Read Marc’s bio
Read Sean’s bio
Visit their individual pages to learn more about their work and books.
For Families Visiting the Tucson Festival of Books
Booth 288 is designed for:
Bring your children. Stay for a craft. Browse the books. Talk with the authors.
We are located on the south side of the mall area.
So You Want to Publish a Children’s Book?
The Small-Tooth-Dog Publishing Group works with select authors who are serious about their craft and committed to building readership.
We focus prim
arily on:
All of our authors are expected to actively participate in building their platform, including social media engagement.
If you are an author who is:
We encourage you to speak with Sean Buvala at Booth 288 during the festival.
You may also DM us to set up an informal time to talk.
Begin here:
So You Want to Publish a Book?
We are selective. We are encouraging. We are committed to quality.
Plan Your Visit to Booth 288
Tucson Festival of Books
March 14–15, 2026
Booth 288
South side of the mall area
Search for The Small-Tooth-Dog Publishing Group in the official festival app.
Come create.
Come read.
Come meet the authors.
Come talk publishing.
We look forward to seeing you at the Tucson Festival of Books 2026.