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Teeny Sweeney and the Cousin Calamity Release Party

We are gearing up for the release of TEENY SWEENEY AND THE COUSIN CALAMITY, which is book 2 in the popular Teeny Sweeney series by Amberly Kristen Clowe and illustrated by Janet Samuel. We are so excited for everyone to get their copy of the next title in this award-winning series and read about how Teeny has not just one, but TWO surprise visits that throw her plans into total chaos!

 

To help kick things off, author Amberly Kristen Clowe will be hosting a virtual book launch party on Saturday March 27 from 11am to 1pm CT/ 12pm to 2pm ET via Facebook. For all the details, please visit her blog here. 

 

In the meantime, we asked Amberly a few fun questions about writing this new title in the series. Check out what she has to say below:

  1. When I first decided to write a concept book?

Concept books for this age group really make sense to me. Seven-to-nine year-olds have not only begun to read on their own, but they are also beginning to apply what they know about right and wrong, on their own. I love the Teeny Sweeney series, because at its heart, is a bigger-than-life character, trying to figure out God’s will for her life. We work hard to create organic situations that readers will be able to relate to and learn alongside.

 

  1. What’s the theme of the book?

This book’s theme is that all good things, good gifts come from God. Readers will notice this idea interlaced throughout the story. It is really fun to experience Teeny’s epiphany moments where she sees how God directs her.

 

  1. Why do you love Teeny Sweeney? Why do you think your readers will/do love her?

Teeny Sweeney is so fun. She is dramatic, but not in the way that makes you want to pull your hair out (most of the time). She enables you to see a situation in a new, often funny light. She’s the kind of character that you want as your best friend. You absolutely know that whatever you do, it will be an adventure. I also adore how flawed she is (like us all). She gets frustrated. She has trouble saying “sorry.” She makes mistakes, but like most Christians, she is also trying to do better, she’s trying to please God. He is on her mind and in her heart. I believe that readers will really understand that. They will hurt when she’s hurting, smile when she’s smiling, and in turn, grow when she’s growing.

 

  1. How did you come up with the idea of weaving 2 different storylines together, specifically these 2?

My favorite books and movies are those that have a lot going on, especially with regards to the setting and action. So, it makes sense that this book leaned that way. Not only is Teeny dealing with these difficult emotions towards her cousin, but she’s also trying to figure out this wild mystery. My hope is that readers feel like they’ve been to a million places and spoke with a million people by the final page.

 

  1. How do you think the Teeny books, like book 2, might be used by educators? In your opinion, is their educational value? What is it?

Honestly, as an educator, my favorite kind of learning experience is the authentic type. The humor in this story is real. The lessons are weaved authentically, instead of told.  The vocabulary is rich. The provided activities are f-u-n. That’s one of the many rad things about Little Lamb Books. I don’t know if a lot of people know this, but the founder of this publishing house has an education background, and it is evident in the educational quality of their books.

 

Thanks to Amberly for sharing with us a few details about TEENY SWEENEY AND THE COUSIN CALAMITY! We hope everyone grabs a copy for the young readers at school and at home. And if you missed the first book, TEENY SWEENEY And THE MUSTACHE CASH, it’s available wherever children’s books are purchased, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Walmart, and littlelambbooks.com/shop.