Blog Tour Encore

Just about 1 year ago, we packed our things in a virtual tour bus and hit the digital road to spread the word that book #2 in The Blob Series was about to hit the shelves! As we anticipate the celebration of the anniversary of A. Blob on Bus's release, we thought it would be the perfect time to crack open the photo album and revisit the blog tour fun that helped launch this picture book into the world. 

This picture book and its partner book in The Blob Series, This is A. Blob, by L.A. Kefalos, use vibrant illustrations and clever rhyme to help children learn about bullying, empathy, and standing up for what is right from an early age. If you haven't picked up a copy for yourself, visit our shop to round out your bookshelf. 
​​

Mom Read It- Book Review

Hi, all! Happy to be a stop on this fun book tour about a bully, a blob (one and the same), and a bus...The artwork reminds me of Nick Jr.-like characters; a realistic cartoony feel. Characters are diverse, with large, expressive eyes. Blob’s eyes are just as expressive, on eye stalks at the top of his head, letting readers know that there’s more than just what’s on the surface. The A. Blob books are a nice addition to your anti-bullying bookshelf, adding a thoughtful look at a bully’s internal motivation while encouraging kids to stand up for themselves and others. Display and read with Kathryn Otoshi’s books, particularly One.

                                                                                  ...Read More
​

---

Library Lady's Kid Lit- Author Interview

Thank you L. A. Kefalos for joining us today. It is always fun to get to know the author behind a book.
​
Where did the inspiration for this story come from? Well, A. Blob on a Bus is the second book of a three-part series.   It all started with This is A. Blob, which is about a playground bully.  Sadly, it was inspired by the news I was reading of children committing suicide as a result of being bullied at school.   I wanted to write a picture book because I thought it was important to start a discussion with kids at an early age.  A discussion about the effect their actions, both good and bad, have on others. Because it was a picture book, I knew that it needed to be a series to allow me to tell A. Blob’s story. I am hoping those who read the books will be less likely to pick on others and more likely to have their schoolmate’s back.  Obviously, I don’t think my book can accomplish this completely on its own.  It is just one line in an enormous conversation.  But I think my books are a great vehicle to start the conversation.

                                                                                                                                             ...Read More


​

---

Dream Reader Kids- Book Giveaway (deadline passed)

​​
​Going back to school can be a big transition, with lots of changes. Thanks to books like A. Blob on a Bus, there can be open communication between adults and children. This book uses a purple blob, to tackle the topic of bullying. There is also a huge bonus included with this book, especially for teachers. On the @laughing_leopard_press website, there are discussion guides, for different age levels and even a craft idea. In this story, Alexandra takes a stand against the bully. “It reaches for a long black strand when brave Alexandra takes a stand.” 

---

​More Kind Words for A. Blob on a Bus, ​by L.A. Kefalos

Talking About Books for Kids: Interview with L.A. Kefalos

Dream Gardens Podcast: Interview with L.A. Kefalos

Reading With Your Kids Podcast: Interview with L.A. Kefalos

Thumbnail That Blog: Book review

Language During Mealtime: Interview with L.A. Kefalos

***

Check in tomorrow for a sweet surprise in celebration of the 1 year anniversary of A. Blob on a Bus, by L.A. Kefalos!!
​

---

​​​A. Blob is back, and this time it's on a bus! As the slimy bully pokes and pesters the children of Lincoln Elementary School, it seems like they will never be able to ride the bus in peace. That is, until one brave girl takes stand. 

Can one act of bravery change everything--including A. Blob? Find out in this second installment of The Blob Series!

​Before it was on a bus, A. Blob was on the playground. This first installment of The Blob Series follows the antics of A. Blob, as it wreaks havoc on the elementary school playground with its bullying ways. As the story progresses, however, readers learn that A. Blob may have more than meets the eye.

Along with its powerful illustrations and rhymed verse for early readers, this story invites children to put themselves in the shoes of another and encourages readers to consider why bullies behave the way they do – and start to consider what can be done to help.