Category: Commentary
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
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!
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.
2023 Tune Up!
Our latest workshop/lab helping you get your social media ready for 2023.
Let’s remove your excuses and help
launch a fantastic 2023 where you’ll reach and connect with audiences, readers, and great customers.
Confused, Lost, Burnt Out, Overwhelmed, Frustrated?
Another NEW YEAR is upon us, and you still aren’t where you want to be? You are so done with theories and making resolutions …and…you know you won’t be able to keep them.
The core essentials of marketing have not changed in decades. However, HOW marketing is done changes frequently. Perhaps you are a bit confused by the “option shock” and want someone to show you WHAT needs to be done and HOW to get it in place and working. You’re not ready to hire staff yet, but sheesh, all of this is making you a bit crazy?
Or, you might be doing okay with your work but want a refresh on the latest ideas and services, that is, a tune-up for 2023.
Okay, we hear you. What if we gave you the steps weekly and showed you where the (no cost!) resources are ready for you to use?
Soon! More Tucson-Festival-of-Books Live Streams
We’ve got MORE live streams in connection with the Tucson Festival of Books:
March 19, 2021. 5PM Arizona (5pm Los Angeles/8pm New York):
March 26, 2021. 5PM Arizona (5pm Los Angeles/8pm New York):
Watching 19th or 26th?! USE THIS YOUTUBE LINK NOW
Small-Tooth-Dog at Tucson Festival of Books, 2021!
We are happy and excited to share with you that we are a virtual exhibitor at the online Tucson Festival of Books in March 2021!
We’ll be sharing updates and more with you about our time at the Tucson Festival of Books, 2021!
Scheduled to appear from our “house” includes authors and illustrators:
The Schedule So Far:
Both Days: Virtual live one-on-one interviews, panel discussions, teaching, and prizes!
Special Saturday Events, March 6, 2021:
All times are AZ. So that’s 1 hour later than Los Angeles and 2 hours earlier than New York.
(9am Los Angeles =10am Arizona =12noon New York)
– Saturday 10 am Author Interview with Harriet Cole
-Author of “Fifteen Pounds of Muscle and Bounce: And Other Uncomfortable Norse Tales.”
– Saturday 12Noon Illustrators Interview (Scheduled C.S. Fritz and Michelle Buvala)
– Saturday 1 pm Presenter Interview (How the Oral Storytelling Tradition Can Inform Your Writing.)
– Interview and discussion with Laura Packer and Sean Buvala
– Saturday 3 pm Kidlit Panel
– Kidlit Focus Panel: Amanda, Marc, Sean, Harriet, Michelle, Tamera
– Saturday 7 pm Workshop: So, You Want to Publish a Book?
-for authors of kidlit and nonfiction books.
Special Sunday Events, March 7, 2021:
– Sunday 10 am Author Panel: What Have You Learned on Your Publishing Journey?
– Author Panel on Publishing Experience.
– Sunday 12 pm Workshop: “Author: Don’t Write Your Book First”
Especially for the potential authors of nonfiction and kidlit.
– Sunday 3 pm Panel: What’s Coming Soon from Small-Tooth-Dog Publishing?
– With Marc, Tamera, Gerri, Sean, Amanda, Laura
More news and artists coming soon!
Award! “From Audience to Zeal” is a WINNER in the Storytelling World Honors 2020
We’re honored to tell you that two books under our imprint here at The Small-Tooth-Dog Publishing Group (Tolleson) received honors from “Storytelling World.” First, in the niche of oral storytelling, with hundreds of books submitted, “From Audience to Zeal: The ABCs of Finding, Crafting, and Telling a Great Story” received the WINNER in category 7 for “special storytelling resources.”
The author, Laura Packer says, “I am thrilled and humbled to be one of Storytelling World’s 2020 honorees. Along with being a practical guide, ‘From Audience to Zeal’ is a love letter to storytellers and storytelling. I am so glad it will find a broader audience thanks to this recognition.”
Great Deal for Cyber Shopping Weekend 2019
We’ve created a fantastic package of books and coaching to help you (or someone on your list) on the journey as a storyteller, public speaker, or spoken-word artist. We hope you’ll take a look at https://smalltoothdog.com/blackfriday for this incredible package.
Look Closely: Finding Wonder In Small Details
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:
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:
Read more