The Parkville Arts and Crafts Festival   

     Do not miss this annual festival Saturday, October 17th, 10-2, on site at Parkville Presbyterian Church.  35 artists and craftspeople will be showcasing their remarkable and unique creations.  I will be there with all 11 of my books, for a closer look.  This festival is perfect for early Christmas shopping!  

    Welcome to my blog/website for Bicycle Bell Books!  You'll find a synopsis with sample illustrations for each of my ten childrens books.  Click on the titles above for more of both.  There's a story for every season and feature the themes of friendship, love of people and nature.  

   Reading is always a lifesaver activity! I recommend all of my books before naptime, bedtime, or when quiet time is needed. Browse through the books by scrolling down and/or clicking on a title above for more illustrations and descriptions.  The books are found on Amazon and find hardcopies at the Parkville Coffee Company on Main Street.  The book room is in the back of the shop.   

THE FANTASTIC FIREFLY NIGHT

This summer the fireflies were glorious! It was truly a fantastic firefly summer and I am sad it's over.  However, while waiting for their return next June, you and your child can delight again and again in this wondrous story told by a Grandmother to her granddaughter one warm summer evening.  The luminous illustrations set the mood perfectly and are the next best thing to really seeing this magical flashing bug.

To order 'The Fantastic Firefly Night', click the Amazon link to the right.  The book is also carried by Parkville Coffee Company on Main Street, Parkville, Missouri.  (downstairs in the new Author's Room)

To listen to the story with illustrations on youtube, click on the Fantastic Firefly Night heading at the top of this page!  

  

      

 

The Ginger and Polly Coloring Book 

     There's a new book in town!  A Coloring Book with 30 illustrations from The Ginger and Polly stories all ready for crayons.  And...next to each illustration is a blank sheet to encourage imaginative pictures of your child's own making. (a nice addition to the coloring book are the Ginger and Polly story books, five in all)  The Parkville Coffee Shop on Main has the coloring books in stock, all ready for gift giving with a packet of crayons included.  All are encased in a sheer baggie.  Also, available for order on Amazon.  

 

CITY MARKET!

Autumn at City Market

Fall has arrived and the market is overflowing with orange pumpkins of all shapes and sizes!  Brightly colored fresh produce is abundant from the local growers.  The atmosphere is always harmonious and people watching is a common activity at the many outdoor seating areas. The wide variety of eateries are open every day. To name only a few: the Murmurration Cafe, Al Habashi Mediterranian Market and Cafe, and Carollo's Italian Deli. So, don't delay!  Come explore all the sights and smells and fun at the market this fall.  And...

Come along with good friends, Kendal and Sam, for their Saturday adventure in the book CITY MARKET!  The story is appropriate for ages 3-7 and celebrates the cultural diversity that makes discovering the world close to home so easy and fun.  It is available for purchase on Amazon and at the Coffee Shop on Main Street in Parkville. 

                                    

Singing Lessons

The cardinals sang their brilliant songs all spring and summer; singing good morning and good evening and making hearts happy.  In this sweet story Mama and Papa cardinal have much to teach their little ones before they depart the nest, as well as life lessons for us all.  Most important are the singing lessons, which don't come easy for one little cardinal. You won't think of cardinals in the same way ever again! And, you'll enjoy the lively and humorous illustrations of the cardinal family all year round! 

  

 

PINK

 

 Pink, the main character, must go on a journey to find her rainbow, which leads her into a spectacular world of color.  But when discouragment sets in, help comes to her in a small but powerful way.  In addition, she learns an unexpected valuable life lesson.  Youngsters will love the bold and richly colored illustrations, and of course, the rainbow!  Appropriate for kids ages 3-6.  

Available to order on Amazon and for purchase in the Parkville Coffee Shop on Main Street in Parkville. Walk to the the back of the shop to the local author's book room to find. 

  

 

Best Friends, The Story of Ginger and Polly

     BEST FRIENDS is the story that started it all; the first of five in the Ginger and Polly series.  Based on true events and real dogs, they provide a model of friendship for all.  Available at The Parkville Coffee Shop on Main Street and also from Amazon; click the link to the right.

Ginger's and Polly's No Ordinary Summer Day 

Best Friends, Ginger and Polly, come to the rescue of a lost toddler turning their usual summer afternoon upside down.  Together they entertain and keep the youngster safe until the frantic mother finds her child, making two new forever friends.  It's funny and touching. Think dogs can't babysit?  Think again! 

Available at Parkville Coffee on Main Street, in the new local Author's Room at the back of the shop.  Also available to order on Amazon; click the link on the right.    

Ginger and Polly Go To The Veterinarian

The time for updating vaccinations in time for school is here. But getting shots is scary, so it's not easy for kids to actually do. Ginger and Polly are afraid of getting their shots, too.  But, with encouragement and understanding, they do it!  Young children will be able to empathize with their anxiety, celebrate their success, and hopefully, be less scared of getting their covid or any vaccination. 

To order from Amazon, click the link to the right.  The complete Ginger and Polly series is available at Parkville Coffee, in the new local author's room in the back of the shop. Grab a coffee and treat and browse the book shelves.  A child will thank you!  

                  

  
 

 

GINGER AND POLLY LEAVE HOME

Ginger and Polly Leave Home

Legendary best friends, Ginger and Polly, sign on to Sam's offer of exploring the neighborhood on a glorious fall day.  Although their expedition begins splendidly, it unravels as the day progresses.  Faced with being hopelessly lost, the dogs have to decide what to do and the night time brings it's own fears and challenges.  Your child will experience the Fun, the Suspense, and the heartwarming Friendship that sees the dogs safely home.  Available in the Author's Room at the Parkville Coffee Roasting Company on Main Street in downtown Parkville, or click the link to the right for the Amazon page.  Preview all the Ginger and Polly stories right here!