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.
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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 mesh with any parental-involvement program, with or without the 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!
Parents interact and engage with each other in the presentations. This isn’t an hour-long lecture on the history of literacy.
Authentic!
Seasoned, professional authors and storytellers teach sessions with decades of professional experience in schools and with their own children. Our focus and training are firmly rooted in the “what works” practice of communications, not just dry theory.
Learning Focused!
There are no “projected slides”* or long lectures. One or two sessions per school allow parents to ask questions and receive focused attention to their needs.
Practical!
Parents learn to immediately use their natural skills rather than having to add “one more thing” to their already busy schedules. The skills we teach blend seamlessly into the lives of families of all types, affirming what they already do well while giving them new ways (not checklists and charts) to integrate and encourage language in their homes.
Resources Used:
In addition to direct, live teaching and interaction, we feature two books as part of the learning.
In session one, each family will receive a copy of the “DaddyTeller” book by Sean Buvala. Focusing on the “put the book down” approach to oral storytelling, DaddyTeller will provide parents with eight stories to learn and use with their kids, applying the techniques taught and practiced in the first session. While the title has the word “Daddy” in it, the content applies to all parents and caregivers.
In session two, the focus is on family-history-based storytelling and interactive techniques for reading a book with a child. Each family will receive one of the great books for kids from our team at The Small-Tooth-Dog Publishing Group.
Let’s Talk. You could arrange a free demonstration workshop for your decision-making team. Please contact us at staff@smalltoothdog.com.
Notes:
*We don’t use “projected slides” for our workshops at most events except for large groups where some activities may require them.
**Presented in collaboration with The Small-Tooth-Dog Publishing Group LLC.
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.
Children’s Book Week May 2023
It’s Children’s Book Week! 📚 Coloring Page Alert! Freebies below for home and classroom activities.↓
Reading books with your kids can be a great way to spend quality time together and to help your kids develop important skills:
• Improved language and communication
• Improved problem-solving
• Enhanced focus and concentration
• Increased memory and creativity
Plus, it’s just plain fun! 😃
Oh, the free coloring page? Here it is!
Free bookmarks to print & color? Go right here!
We love the hashtag #ReadBooksSparkChange. What better way to kick that off than when of our bears from “My Expansion” by @nanmanet? This book is about sparking change in the relationship between Big Bear and the cub. From learning and growing as a bear family in the book to finding more expansion by reading great books, we think this art by illustrator @themesquitetreestudio is perfect.
Need even more free pages for classroom activities? Go here for the full list.
New Indie Reader Approved Book: My Expansion
Here’s today’s news! For our “My Expansion” book, we are honored and humbled to receive a 4-star review, and a “Indie Reader Approved” status today from IndieReader. Congrats to Nancy Manet and Michelle Buvala for this fine, detailed review recognizing the hundreds of hours that go into producing a book like this.
Here’s an excerpt:
“Nancy Manet’s book MY EXPANSION, beautifully illustrated by Michelle Buvala, is an original, creative, and compassionate story to encourage and offer guidance to a child who may be different from other children . . . While MY EXPANSION is clearly a children’s book, the messages it conveys are as much directed at parents as they are at children. “ ~IndieReader
Thank you to everyone on our team that strive for excellence in all our books.
Tucson Festival of Books 2023
We’ll be at the 2023 Tucson Festival of Books! Great new books, too. Watch this post.
Three New Books Debut on March 4:
|
Salt and the Sea
|
My Expansion
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The Gecko is On the Cover  |
Schedule. See us in booth #408
Saturday, March 4, 2023
10am Meet and Greet: Michelle Buvala
10am: Free Family Craft #1: Gecko Headbands for the book, “The Gecko is On the Cover.”
12noon Meet and Greet: Nancy Manet
12noon Free Family Craft: Bear Masks for the book, “My Expansion.”
2pm Meet and Greet: Harriet Cole
2pm Family Crafting #3
4pm Meet and Greet: Sean Buvala & Marc Severson
4pm: Family Crafting: #4
Sunday, March 5, 2023
10am Meet and Greet: Nancy Manet
10am: Family Crafting #1:
12noon Meet and Greet: Amanda Malek Ahmadi
12noon Family Crafting #2
2pm Meet and Greet: Tamera Norwood
2pm Family Crafting #3
4pm Meet and Greet: Harriet Cole
4pm: Family Crafting: #4
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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