Book Spotlight: The American Dream of Braven Young by Brooke Raybould

About the Book:

In this fun and wild ride, readers are introduced to Braven Young, a ten-year-old boy who just wants to play catch with his dad. But his dad is always busy working to ‘save America’ whatever that means.

While waiting up to see his dad, Braven dreams about being completely free in Washington D.C. Finally, he can do whatever he wants and the National Mall is now his playground. But soon things start getting out of hand and Braven realizes that with great freedom comes great responsibility. As Braven’s American Dream begins to spiral out of control, he starts looking for the one person that can help him...his dad.

Purchase at: Amazon.

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More About the Book:

(GASTONIA, N.C.) February 2022 – Good & True Media is honored to announce the February 2022 release of The American Dream of Braven Young, the first picture book written by Instagram sensation Brooke Raybould of @thesouthernishmama.

Motivated by a mission to celebrate and teach children American values, The American Dream of Braven Young (February 2022; ISBN 9781737079651) takes readers on a journey to discover the meaning of freedom through a thrilling fictional adventure story.

Since 2018, Raybould has been sharing her insights as a wife and mother of four boys with an audience that has grown to almost 240,000 people on Instagram.

Her experience of raising a family in Washington D.C. has provoked many questions and conversations about American values with her own children, giving Brooke the inspiration to write The American Dream of Braven Young.

The American Dream of Braven Young tells the story of a boy named Braven Young who begins to question what his dad, a U.S. Senator, does all day long. Braven asserts that if he were “free to do whatever he wanted”, like his dad, he would make different decisions. This leads Braven on an adventure to understand and define the meaning of “freedom.” Braven falls into a dream that lands him in Washington, DC. He, along with all children, are granted their wish: freedom to do anything they please! Along this journey, Braven discovers that freedom is much more than what he thought it was. Freedom is not about doing whatever you want; it is a responsibility to do what is right.

As Raybould explains, “My hope in writing The American Dream of Braven Young is that young children and families can learn about and celebrate American values. While America is not perfect, it is an extraordinary place and stands for ideals that can serve as building blocks to a meaningful life!”

The American Dream of Braven Young highlights the importance of American values in a story that will excite and captivate young minds.

Publication Date: February 2022
Author / Illustrator: Brooke Raybould / Juan Manuel Moreno
Imprint: Good & True Media
ISBN: 9781737079651
Price: $16.95
Format: Hardcover
Page Count: 56
Ages: 6-10

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About the Author: 

Brooke Raybould was born and raised in Orange County, California. She attended The University of Southern California, where she graduated with a degree in Business Administration. In 2016, Brooke went on to receive her MBA from Georgetown University in Washington D.C., where she currently resides with her husband Ryan and their four boys. Despite her many achievements, this chapter of her life as a “mama” is her favorite one yet! For nearly 5 years, Brooke has been documenting and sharing her joy-filled journey through marriage and motherhood with what has grown to be almost 240,000 followers on her Instagram page, @thesouthernishmama. The American Dream of Braven Young is her first book. Her hope is that it will inspire children to cherish and uphold American values, no matter their background. For more information, visit https://www.thesouthernishmama.com/

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About the Illustrator: 

Juan is originally from Buenos Aires. As a young boy, he was always drawn to creating images. His first “job” was to color his newborn brother’s head in bright felt pens. He spent most of his childhood years living in the countryside and cultivating his passion for painting. After studying graphic design, he lectured at the university and worked as an in-house illustrator for different studios with clients ranging from Warner, Disney, Conspiracy and Scholastic. In 2003, Juan and his wife, Patricia decided to travel the Americas and ended up living in different countries. In 2006, they finally crossed the pond and decided to stay in Barcelona, where he started a career as a freelance illustrator.

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About the Publisher:

Good & True Media is the children’s book imprint of Good Will Publishers, Inc. Good & True publishes a boutique list of books, all of which are told upon a Christian foundation and aim to inspire children's imaginations through works that promote classical virtues and wholesome examples of the moral life. For more information, visit www.goodandtruemedia.com or https://www.instagram.com/goodandtruemedia/.

Book Spotlight: Jack and the Fantastical Circus by Ariel and Michael Tyson

BOOK DETAILS:

Title: Jack and the Fantastical Circus
Release Date: November 23, 2021
Publisher: Good & True Media
ISBN: 9781737079668
Format: Hardcover
Page Count: 32
Price: $24.95

Website: https://goodandtruemedia.com/jack-and-the-fantastical-circus-ariel-michael-tyson

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

Virtue? What’s that? And where can I find it?

On a trip to see his granddad, ten year old Jack falls asleep while his dad explains virtue. Suddenly he wakes up on a Circus Train! Led through each fantastical train car by the Ringleader, Reno, Jack comes face to face with a huge lion, flying flame torches, a silly juggler, daring tightrope walker and other memorable circus performers who have spent years cultivating a particular virtue for their acts! Jack and the Fantastical Circus shows children that virtue takes practice and dedication to grow them for our different walks of life.

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MORE ABOUT THE BOOK:

In this dreamscape picture book, Jack and the Fantastical Circus centers around a young boy named Jack who finds himself on a Circus Train. As he makes his way through the train cars, he is introduced to new circus performers. Each performer shares with Jack their own lesson in virtue. Thus, showing children that virtue takes practice and dedication to grow.

Co-author Ariel explains, “Discovering virtue is so worth it and can be guided by mentors in our lives.” Author Michael shares, “It’s like a muscle. You have to keep practicing to help it grow strong. We want to teach kids this by showing them the distinct characters of the book and how they relate to areas where they may want to grow in their own lives.”

Jack and the Fantastical Circus will encourage children to explore their imaginations, learn critical lessons, and strive to grow in virtue. It will also hopefully inspire meaningful conversations between parents and children to discuss the importance of virtue.

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ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

Ariel and Michael Tyson have been married for 13 years. United by a shared passion for helping others, they have been serving their community since 2005. Along this journey, they have gained over 600,000 followers on their Instagram page @arielctyson, and 1 million followers on their TikTok @arielctyson and have a YouTube channel named The Tysons. Ariel has a B.S. degree from Liberty University with an M.A. degree from there as well. She is a social media content creator, college counseling professor, and homeschooler. Michael is a graduate of Liberty University, and has attended Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary. He has served as a pastor and entrepreneur for 15 years.

The role that Ariel and Michael are the most proud of; however, is their role as parents to their 7 children, who they are passionate about raising to be confident world changers! Michael and Ariel enjoy writing, exploring the outdoors with their family, and spending time in the gym. They currently live in Tennessee with their growing family. Jack and the Fantastical Circus is their first children’s book.

Instagram ｜ TikTok

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ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR:

Mary Manning is an illustrator with over 16 years of experience. She has a knack for bringing the imaginary world to life and a particular interest and talent in character development. Her talents have led her to work on many children’s books throughout her career as an illustrator, including Jack and the Fantastical Circus. Mary currently lives in Oklahoma with her beloved dog, Cowboy.

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ABOUT THE PUBLISHER:

Good & True Media is a children’s book imprint of Good Will Publishers, Inc. Good & True publishes a boutique list of books, all of which are told upon a Christian foundation and aim to inspire children's imaginations through works that promote classical virtues and wholesome examples of the moral life. For more information, visit www.goodandtruemedia.com.

Book Spotlight & Author Interview: I Grew With You by Sarah Molitor

BOOK DETAILS:

Publication Date: October 26, 2021
Author/Illustrator: Sarah Molitor/ Anastasia Sivura
Imprint: Good & True Media
ISBN: 9781737079620
Price: $12.95
Format: Hardcover
Page Count: 24

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

In this heart-felt poem, readers get a glimpse into the journey a mother takes during her pregnancy. Filled with humor and beautiful illustrations, I Grew With You shows that not only the baby grows during pregnancy but the mother also grows emotionally, spiritually, and of course, physically. But above all the bond between mother and child grows, month over month.

I Grew With You is a warm, heartful lullaby that reminds the mother and child of the precious road they traveled to meet each other.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR AND ILLUSTRATOR:

About Sarah Molitor

Sarah is most notably known as “mommy” to her six boys. Her role as wife and mother has shaped her more than any other title she has acquired. Along with raising her children, she also homeschools them full time. Prior to starting a family, Sarah earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Linfield University. As a registered nurse her passion was and still is helping others. Although no longer working as a nurse, Sarah has translated that passion into a different avenue – social media. She is the creative force behind @modernfarmhousefamily where she encourages, challenges and inspires her community of over 218K followers on a daily basis. For fun, Sarah considers herself a candy connoisseur, self-taught photographer, very amateur baker and if given spare time, usually chooses to read children’s books to her kids while keeping them entertained with her voice impressions. Sarah lives with her husband Tim and their growing family in Washington. I Grew With You is her first book.

About Anastasia Sivura

Anastasia is an illustrator who creates wonderful illustrations where fascinating stories are intertwined with lightness and innocence. The artist works with different materials because she thinks that developing one's skills and trying something new is absolutely important. Besides making beautiful illustrations she is a firm believer in interesting stories and ideas. Anastasia has a lot of projects which she would love to realize. She is based in California and married with two daughters. She has a dog as well. Nature and the ocean are her main sources of inspiration.

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AUTHOR INTERVIEW WITH SARAH MOLITOR:

What inspired you to write a book for children about the experience of pregnancy and childbirth?

The day I found out I was pregnant was also the day I had a meeting with the publisher to pitch ideas for my very first children’s book. I remember thinking to myself, “How cool would it be to write a book for children and mothers about the journey of pregnancy and how a baby grows?” And instantly the words I Grew With You came to mind. So it was truly inspired by finding out I was pregnant with our sixth child. 

I also knew I wanted it to be a sweet story that a mother could read to her child that would be endearing to both of them. I know my boys are so excited to watch my tummy grow and this book was a way to let them in on all the ways a mommy and baby inside her grows as they anticipate the birth of the child. 

Why did you decide to show the entire journey from conception to birth, instead of focusing on one aspect?

It’s so important to me that I acknowledge that life begins at conception. From the very beginning, your child was created specifically for you. And as each mother finds out that she is pregnant, the anticipation builds from those early moments no matter how long you carry your child. I believe the whole process of pregnancy all the way to delivery is important for seeing the miracle of life versus just focusing on one specific moment. 

I also believe it brings out the joy (and often humor) from the moments and changes that each month brings throughout pregnancy. People love to see something from start to finish and I Grew With You allows for that!

The book also highlights a diverse group of women. Why was that an important focus for you as well?

As I was imagining this book, I was also imagining all the different mothers that could be touched by reading it to their little ones. Or just having it as their own keepsake. And I’m keenly aware that no two mothers are alike whether in look or personality or how they carry their child (and so much more). So diversity in the book was a very important thing for me to highlight. I want children to know how each mother is beautifully different during pregnancy. And I also want them to turn the page and suddenly say “hey, that mommy looks like you!” which allows for a depth of connection to the book and the story. In this book you will see nine different mothers which speaks to the diversity of motherhood and all women!

As mothers read this book to their children, how do you think it will encourage them?

I’m imagining the moments when mother’s first read this to their children and how special it will be. I believe it will encourage the mother in how incredible she is for the pregnancy(s) she has experienced and all the highs and not so highs she may have experienced. I believe she will feel more empowered and proud of being a part of the miracle of bringing life into the world. And I also believe it will create a unique bond between the mother and her child(ren) because they will get a glimpse into what mommy (and daddy) went through to bring them into the world. Overall I Grew With You gives a unique, special, humorous and beautiful view into the beginning of motherhood and this ultimately fosters a deeper connection between mother and child.

How could this book change someone’s opinion about pregnancy and childbirth?

First of all, I believe it will show the beauty of how life begins at conception and how much that child, from the very beginning, means to a mother. The excitement, the anticipation, the sharing in the news- all of it. But I also believe it will challenge people in their views of pregnancy and childbirth. If you have given birth, you know all the aches and pains and stretching and growing that happens. It’s not all glowing skin and easy peasy. This book gives a simple and sweet look into how the process of pregnancy changes the mother physically and emotionally just as much as the baby inside her grows and develops as well. 

What advice do you have for parents as they start having discussions with their children about pregnancy, childbirth, starting a family, etc.?

I love having age-appropriate conversations about these topics with my children as well as an open line of communication that they can ask us whatever questions they will have and we will always give them an honest answer. My advice would be to always communicate in whatever way feels most comfortable for your family and allow children to be involved in knowing the process and how they are a unique part of that too. 

This answer may look different at different stages but it’s so important that we include them in the process. When they are included, it allows them to feel a part of everything that is going on whether that’s announcing the pregnancy to family and friends or learning how the baby grows inside the mother each month and all the new developments that happen. And this gives children their own special bond with mommy and the new baby to be. The more children are involved, the more involved they want to be which is exciting for them and ultimately builds up the family unit in the best way. 

Your publisher, Good & True, produces very family-friendly, faith-based content for children. Why was it important to you to partner with a publisher like that?

It is so important to me that we build a foundation for our children that’s filled with value! Value for the children and value for the parents as well. I always want to know that whatever I’m hearing, watching, seeing or reading is safe for the whole family and never brings up unexpected discomfort. 

Good and True is committed to these same values and I wanted my book to align with a publisher who would prioritize this. I’m so thankful they do and it’s been evident through the whole process. Consumers will always know that content coming from Good and True is content they can trust for their families, their homes and whoever they share it with. 

Ultimately, what do you hope parents and children take away from I Grew With You?

My ultimate hope is that families will read I Grew With You and walk away feeling a greater sense of family and love for each other. Also that parents and specifically mothers will feel a greater sense of pride in their families and the beauty of who each of them uniquely are. I hope this book will touch mothers of all ages and stages in a powerful way allowing them to remember the journey of pregnancy and all that they accomplished to have the family they do now. And that everyone would value the beauty and frailty of life and how much power and love one life can hold within them.

What other projects are you working on? 

There are a couple things I am working on actually. First off, I am working on a second children’s book with Good and True. YAY! This one will be vastly different from I Grew With You. It will be a very playful, bright and colorful book filled with animals! And will talk about how important each person is to the world and how important it is to share our joy with others. I know it will be such a fun book for parents and children alike. 

I am also working on a potential proposal for my first adult book. It’s still in the rough stages but my hope is that it will be an encouragement to women everywhere. I’m excited for both of these projects and looking forward to seeing them come to fruition. 

Where can readers purchase a copy of I Grew With You?

Pre-orders are set to launch on Wednesday, July 14 (which we are VERY excited about). I Grew With You will be available to pre-order at goodandtruemedia.com, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Christianbook.com and anywhere books are sold. I Grew With You is set to officially release on October 26.

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CONNECT WITH THE AUTHOR:

Author’s Website: http://modernfarmhousefamily.com/
Author’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/modernfarmhousefamily/