Small Tooth Dog Publishing in Arizona

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Story-Skilled Child Workshops

Posted in DaddyTeller, Learn Storytelling, Press Release - January 14, 2026 - 0 Comment

Unique Parent-Involvement Training!

sean buvala teaches in a classroom. he is sitting down
Sean Buvala is our lead instructor.

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!

Parents interact with each other during the presentations. This isn’t an hour-long lecture on the history of literacy.

Authentic!
Seasoned, professional authors and storytellers teach sessions drawing on decades of 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 adding “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.

Easy Staffing!
This workshop can be easily presented in nearly any size room appropriate for the number of attendees. It requires no more than one of your staff members who is familiar with the school and the parents.

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.

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Tags : books, literacy, parent involvement, parental engagement, Sean Buvala, title 1, title one, workshops

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Look Closely: Finding Wonder In Small Details

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DOWNLOAD our catalog sheet of current books for kids and families.

So, You Want to Publish a Book? Start Here.

Latest Site Update September 3, 2025.

Upcoming Dates

Nov 8 2025: Peregrine Book Company (Live Events)

March 13/14 20206: Tucson Festival of Books (booth/stage)

the cover of the moon was not happy compartiendo el cielo. featuring a blue moon against a dark skey with clouds on it. by sean buvala and arizona publisher small tooth dog publishing group

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  • Story-Skilled Child Workshops
  • Look Closely: Finding Wonder In Small Details
  • Mother’s Day Can Be Hard
  • Books for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

smalltoothdog

Niche #publishing specializing in books for kids & the arts. IG typos happen. Staff contributors. #AZ. #kidlit smalltoothdog.com #indiepublishing

...looking at our calendar this morning and had th ...looking at our calendar this morning and had that familiar moment of realization. The Tucson Festival of Books is right around the corner, and once again, we are in that stretch where good things are happening fast.

As part of that momentum, we are opening the door a bit wider and inviting a few more people to step in with us as volunteers at Small Tooth Dog Publishing Group.

We are looking for help in two main areas:
• Vendor booth volunteers for the Tucson Festival of Books on March 14 and 15
• Behind-the-scenes support with art, illustration, editorial, and project work

Here is the WHY of the benefits of volunteering for you: because that matters.

If you volunteer with us, you get:
• Hands-on experience at a major book festival
• Real exposure to how a small, mission-driven publishing house actually operates
• Direct access to authors, illustrators, and publishing professionals
• Coaching, guidance, and insight that can support your growth as a creator
• A front-row seat to the realities of publishing beyond theory and hype
• A chance to build relationships that often lead to future opportunities

These roles are volunteer-based and do not include monetary compensation at this time. What they do offer is practical experience, meaningful connection, and learning you can actually use if you are an author, illustrator, or someone curious about the publishing world.

If this sounds like something you want to explore, reach out to us.

➡️ [staff@smalltoothdog.com](mailto:staff@smalltoothdog.com)

Let’s have a conversation and see if there is a good fit.
"Sun gently laughed. 'Brother Moon, please hear me "Sun gently laughed. 'Brother Moon, please hear me. You do need me. You are not in my shadow. You are in my light. It is my light that you reflect. You need me.'”

The light returns. Happy Solstice to you. 

Book: The Moon Was Not Happy 
by Sean Buvala
Our boy SALT takes on a fun adventure and finds an Our boy SALT takes on a fun adventure and finds an amazing twist in the deep blue sea. Come check out "Salt and the Sea" by @seantells and illustrated by @kseniiapanch_illustrator 

Whether you're raising readers, inspiring imagination, or just want another great story for bedtime, this book is designed to help you connect with the young children in your life—through wonder, storytelling, and shared discovery.

→ Learn more or purchase your copy at: https://smalltoothdog.com/salt

#booktrailer #kidlit #indiepublishing #forsalefriday

Music: "Beach Party" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Over 2 billion people rely on mountain water every Over 2 billion people rely on mountain water everyday. 

We look to the hills for life, refreshment, and meaning. 

We try to overcome, to climb every mountain, to love the ones we're with. 

#mountainsmatter

-Book: "My Expansion" by Nancy Manet and Art by Michelle Buvala
Decades ago, a book could just float into the worl Decades ago, a book could just float into the world and magically find its people. Maybe. 

Not anymore, author. The real magnet now is You.

• Readers connect with the person behind the pages
• They follow voices that reflect their worldview
• They buy when they feel trust, curiosity, and belonging

The new children's bookshelf might be crowded, but the space only you can fill is wide-open. 

Lean into that. Show up. Let us know the human creating these stories.

→ What tiny piece of your world will you share today? ✨
Kids don’t need perfect magic in their books. Crea Kids don’t need perfect magic in their books. Create a world that plays by its own rules.

Build it well, and reders will follow you anywhere.

When your story’s reality stays steady, young readers relax into the adventure, trusting that every surprise still belongs.

Give them a world that feels true, and they’ll return to it again and again. 
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#kidlit #authors #childrensbooks
“We are living in a post-literate age, and that re “We are living in a post-literate age, and that reality challenges the well-being of our families and our future. As authors, storytellers, and publishers, our calling is to spark literacy, nourish learning, and help communities grow stronger together.” — Sean Buvala

Since you are here on this page, you know stories, written or told, are more than entertainment. They’re bridges. They’re invitations. They’re the spark that teaches kids curiosity, empathy, and confidence.

If you write books, share stories, or champion literacy in your corner of the world, your work matters more than ever. 

If you are a parent or other caregiver with children in your world, you don't need to do more. 

Do less: Put down the phone and be present with words and story. 

Read. Talk. Play. 

We're moving into our 10th-anniversary year, and we're focusing deeply on the role of reading and literacy in families and communities. 

Keep showing up. 
Keep creating. 
Keep nudging your community toward connection.

Is there a story you'll share this week? Tell us in the comments.
"Stop ghosting your readers 👻" Writing a book in "Stop ghosting your readers 👻"

Writing a book in the dark and hoping a publisher will “discover” you is the old way.

📢 Now?  Be present. Be authentic.

“People come to know, like, and trust YOU, even more than they care about the book.”

💡 Start sharing. Show behind-the-scenes. Talk about your story. Share your passion for children's lit.

You’re the author. You’re the messenger.

#indiepublishing #KidLit  #BuildYourAudience
Yep, we've got frogs everywhere. . Art by @theme Yep, we've got frogs everywhere. 

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Art by @themesquitetreestudio from our very first picture book, "Apples for the Princess."
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#kidlit #folktales #frogs
More #throwbackthursday 2015, our inaugural year. More #throwbackthursday 2015, our inaugural year. These frogs are from our book, "Apples for the Princess," and were our first coloring page that we ever offered. Art by the magnificent Michelle @themesquitetreestudio. We do art of all types now at events, all inspired by our great books. See you soon at the upcoming gigs with #peregrinebookcompany and the @tucsonfestivalofbooks. 💙
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#throwbackthursday #smalltoothdog #indiepublishing #kidlit
Celebrating our 10th Anniversary this autumn, here Celebrating our 10th Anniversary this autumn, here's a #tbt to 2015 to the first booth we did as a company, although we have been doing them for other projects for some time. These two (then) age 11ish dudes kept coming back to the booth to color more pages. This was at an event with the City of Goodyear @goodyear_art Arts and Culture fest out at the @goodyearballpark. 
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#throwbackthursday #smalltoothdog #indiepublishing #kidlit
Book promotion once meant a few signings at the lo Book promotion once meant a few signings at the local bookstore and maybe a newspaper mention. In those days, publishing was only for the elite and connected. Those days are gone.

Today, things have shifted. For authors of children’s and family books, social media is not just extra; it is essential. A current, active presence helps both the author and the publisher bring a book to life in the marketplace.

You should make your social media presence part of your pitch. For Small-Tooth-Dog, we are just as interested in the personhood of the author as we are in the book they write. Audiences, too, want to know the author. 

Why it matters:

📚 Readers and parents usually discover books online first.

🤝 Publishers look for authors ready to join in marketing.

🎨 Your voice and story help build connection beyond the page.

🚀 Consistent posting keeps your book visible long after launch.

If you are an aspiring author, start building the habit of showing up online now, so when your book arrives, the audience is already listening.
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#wordsonwednesday #authortips #smalltoothdog #indiepublishing #getpublished
🐇Okay, what's this about? Who says that?  Why do p 🐇Okay, what's this about? Who says that?  Why do people say "rabbit, rabbit, rabbit" at the start of each month? It's all about hopping into good luck!

This quirky tradition is believed to have originated in the early 20th century in England. The idea is simple: uttering "rabbit, rabbit, rabbit" as the first words on the first day of the month is thought to bring prosperity and good fortune. Imagine it as giving your month a little boost of magic, a sprinkle of fun to start things off right.

Rabbits have been symbols of luck across various cultures. In some variations, people say "white rabbits" instead, or even combine both for double the luck! 🌟

🐰 Want to join the fun? Try it next month and see if it brings a sprinkle of luck your way!

Do you have any personal rituals to bring you good luck? Or maybe a family superstition? Please share them with us! 
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Art from "Hollis Saves Halloween" written by Pamela Cannons Wagner and illustrated by Raissa Thomas @fuzzywyvern. We love Raissa's art for its modern, approachable look for kids today.  
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#RabbitRabbitRabbit #smalltoothdog #kidlit #halloweenbooks #osteogenesisimperfecta
Any amazing plans for your life as the seasons cha Any amazing plans for your life as the seasons change to Autumn or Spring, depending on where you are? Travel, adventure, or just settling in?

Explore your world near and far.  Like our puppy named Salt in our "Salt and the Sea" book, maybe you'll find out some new things! 
.

#kidlit #indiepublishing #smalltoothdog #kidfriendly  

**
"Salt and the Sea" by Sean Buvala @seantells and illustrated by @kseniiapanch_illustrator . 
Visit smalltoothdog.com/salt #smalltoothdog #booksforkids #ISBN 978-1947408357
**
Catch us this year on November 8, 2025, at @peregrinebookcompany
Bears! Little kids and crafts- #throwbackthursday Bears! Little kids and crafts- #throwbackthursday to the @TucsonFestivalOfBooks 2023. We love doing festivals and crafting with kids. Catch us this year on November 8 2025, at @PeregrineBookCompany and (most likely) again at TFOB in 2026. 

Art from the book "My Expansion" and crafting from Michelle @TheMesquiteTreeStudio
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#smalltoothdog #indiepublishing #kidlit
When you were young, did you have a favorite book When you were young, did you have a favorite book about the oceans or seas?

The author of "Salt and the Sea," @storyteller, says, "I grew up with lots of classic books in my life. 'Treasure Island,' 'Gulliver's Travels,' and the 'Earthsea' books all stuck in my mind and imagination."

What about you? What books do you remember from your growing-up years? We bet there are some #percyjackson fans out there. 

**
"Salt and the Sea" by Sean Buvala and illustrated by @kseniiapanch_illustrator . Visit smalltoothdog.com/salt #kidlit #indiepublishing
Who inspired your love of reading? From the autho Who inspired your love of reading?

From the author of "Salt and the Sea," Sean Buvala, @seantells :

"My mother was one of my biggest inspirations for loving books and the power of shared bedtime reading. Some of the books she read to me are some of the best books out there for children. She passed on books she loved to us. 

As a kid, I continued to love books, always eager for the next @scholastic flyer to arrive at school. Mom always made sure we had the money to buy more books!"

Tell us in the comments ↓ who helped you to love books. 
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#smalltoothdog #reading #kidlit
Rabbit rabbit rabbit. Starting the month off right Rabbit rabbit rabbit. Starting the month off right.
A #throwbackthursday to authors @authormamanda , @ A #throwbackthursday to authors @authormamanda , @tamera.norwood , and @themesquitetreestudio at an author event back in 2023(?) at bnsantan. Amazing people. Featured on the table is Tamera's book, "There's Good All Around."
Happy Mother's Day 2025. We know that is hard for Happy Mother's Day 2025. We know that is hard for some people to hear, so we intentionally left this message until the end of 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 own woundedness as children and are desperate not to pass that on to their children. 

Maybe Mom has gone to the other side. Past the veil, and you're struggling with that grief...or relief. 

We see you. Our hearts are with you.

The works of Nancy Manet and Michelle Buvala honor that struggle or that joy. We're especially proud of these two books. In creating them, together with more than 1000 hours of art and writing, we talked endlessly about what they meant to us personally. 

We discussed our hopes and dreams for those marginalized or othered, no matter who did the othering. 

Ostensibly, they're children's books. But they aren't just that. Maybe your heart needs to see and read how one Mom grew past her oppression and grew to see wholeness in her child. 

Happy Mother's Day, in whatever way you are present today, we hope you find peace. 

Art by Michelle Buvala. If you want some books that others have used for healing and connection, check out your online bookstore for "My Expansion" and "You Are Not A Tulip In A Pot."
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#mothersdayishard #mothersday #smalltoothdog
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Discover Traditional and Hybrid Publishing in the areas of the children's books, arts, and creativity. Arizona