Monday, April 13, 2020

Sebastian, A Story About A Skunk On Skiis

by Mary Kaye B. Stewart  | Mar 26, 2018
FREE Shipping on orders over $25 shipped by Amazon
Usually ships within 3 days.

Monday, January 14, 2019

Moving forward

Summer and Fall 2018 into Winter 2019 brought publication and initial appearances for Sebastian.  Time for the project was limited over the past few seasons.  Always a balancing act.  The trails Sebastian explored  were not as interesting as hoped and outside demands used creative energy in other areas.  Ideas for completing the wellness kit for Sebastian are now underway.  Here's to 2019  bringing fresh creative energy and completion of Sebastian's wellness kits.










































Wednesday, April 25, 2018

Sprinter to Spring 2018

After repeated efforts with student illustrators, the time came for me to take matters into my own hands.  I took on the challenge of illustrating Sebastian, A Story About A Skunk on Skiis.  Like Max, The Magical Blue Moose and Busy Barn-a-bee books,  colorful illustrations and rhyming words create a story as viewed through the lens of a child. The story includes a winter sport theme, skiing.  Unlike Max and Barn-a-bee, with illustrations designed on the computer, Sebastian illustrations were handmade. A mix of pastels and gel pens were used throughout the book.  Also included are sketch pages for the young reader to draw his or her own version of Sebastian.  The proof of the book is under review and research on which items to include with the book as a character wellness kit are well underway.

Since my last update Max and Barnabee headed to Killington, VT  and shared some great views from the Mountain Summit! Winter brought the need to hybernate,  while Brain Injury Awareness Month was celebrated during March.  Interesting photos of Providence, RI and the statehouse were shared on facebook for those who enjoy remote field trips.  They are a big hit at assisted living.  The wellness project helped to raise awareness to RI Representatives prior to the session.  A visit to New Hampshire before March ended allowed Max to share fun photos from restaurants to the making of a half pipes at Loon Mountain. Cannon Mountain provided amazing steep video and outstanding views.  Wellness kits were sent to NY in March and cheered on a special child on a feeding tube. 

April has training for a 5k on the agenda.  With only two weeks to go, wellness kits are packaged for the first (that I am aware of) family fun day activity at Goddard State Park.  The Keep Your Head Up 2 Mile Walk, 5k Run and Kids Run will be held May 5 with activities to raise awareness.  See Max's fb page for details.

Monday, December 11, 2017

Time for what now is developing into a quarterly blog update. With summer a mere memory and autumn crisp air turning into cold arctic air, the Holidays are upon us all. Facebook has been a great tool for capturing special moments at the Narragansett Bay in RI, the airport in Detroit, MI, and a variety of sights in Peoria, Il.  The trip to the horse races in Saratoga, NY was it's usual thrill.  The video uploads are fun to watch any time of year.  RI Author's Assn. provided me with an opportunity to dress up in my usual eccentric style at The 2017 Calamari Fest in RI.  I loved my over sized brim on my pink hat and my dress colors could not have been more perfect for the occasion. The event allowed more children to meet Max and Barn-a-bee.  As hurricane season devastated so many families, my project expanded to ship wellness kits to children and families in effected areas.  It is at this time of year when we particularly count our blessings. 

A student illustrator has been selected for drawings in the next book.  At this point, I imagine publishing in 2018 when the illustrations are complete.  In this season of giving, I will be busy preparing wellness kits for donations in hopes that no child is left behind in gift department. Nothing like a peek at the videos on Max's FB page with hot chocolate.  Wishing one and all a joyous holiday season and a wonderful New Year!! 

Tuesday, July 25, 2017

A belated Happy Summer!

So it has been many moons since my last update.  Max and Barnabee continue to raise awareness as time goes on.  Most of June was spent on other projects. A few highlights included watching windsurfers locally and discovering new places to gather fun filled photos.  It is always fun to catch a glimpse of the Block Island Ferry and visit the Lobster Docks in Galilea.  RI Lobsters Association provided Max an opportunity to see how lobster traps are stored and recycled in huge dumpsters.  Skies were blue as ever and it was once again amazing to share what our little state of Rhody has to offer.  The RI seagulls are so clever!! One family uses a coiled fisherman's rope atop outdoor storeage units for their nest.  Captured in a posted photo is one parent watching over two baby seagulls.    The photos from Max's facebook page have been great conversation pieces at assisted living.  Giving others unable to make the trip a peek at the photos has been quite a treat!

Also uploaded, a slide show about the moose project online.  The slides were prepared for the Spring 2017, RI Brain Injury Awareness Conference.  Now anyone who visits Max's page can read a slide or two at their convenience to get an idea of what the project is all about.  Barnabee balls have arrived and will be available for many ages.  The project continues to evolve and grow.  Time as always is a factor in development.  Hoping for more summer adventures to catch and post on Max's fb page.  Following  and sharing Max's page is the easiest way to track Max and Barnabee since blogging is not their strong suit.  Enjoy your adventures this summer! Until next time....

Thursday, May 11, 2017

Happy Spring!

Max and Barnabee have been busy since the last post.  They were introduced to the Epilepsy Foundation at RI State House for Epilepsy Awareness Day.  Photos of RI State House are on Max's facebook page. A book promotion in Northern Virginia gave these characters an opportunity to visit Washington D.C. and search for appropriate sights for wellness kit sales.  They were joined by Yo-Guides CD, created by Pam Rand of RI and amazing Schwartz Himmelfarb of VA, the award winning flower photographer.   Susan  creates amazing cards, photos, canvasses, personalized coffee table books and more all signed for an added bonus.

Max and Barnabee also met up with the Association of Rhode Island Authors at Warwick Public Library's event to meet local authors.  Barnabee balls just arrived for the next event. A number will be created and lots more provided for children to create there own Barnabee Ball.

Tonite these guys will attend a writer's association meeting in RI.  Swipe card adapter for iphone ordered to use at an upcoming June event.  More to follow!