For Immediate Release
Media review copies available upon request. High resolution book covers and author photo jpegs available at http://upliftpress.com/epk.htm. Special feature story inquiries welcome. The author is also available for interview.
Contact: Louise Hart 510-625-0589 admin@upliftpress.com or hit reply to this email and provide us with your best street address for shipping.
Two long time children’s book favorites return
Over thirty years ago, Pat Palmer and Louise Hart met at their first graduate school class in Greeley, Colorado, sitting on the basement floor of their professor's home. At the time, Pat was the founder and director of the Assertiveness Training Institute of Denver; Louise was a “displaced homemaker” pursuing a career. When Pat spoke up and spoke out, some of the "nice girls" in the class and men felt surprised, even somewhat intimidated. Pat gave Louise a scholarship to her assertiveness class — and it changed her life.
Pat’s dissertation was published as two children’s books-Liking Myself, and The Mouse, the Monster and Me. These two heartfelt and powerfully written books were uniquely designed, charmingly illustrated and hand-lettered on traditional lined elementary school paper.
They became international bestsellers in six languages, selling over half a million copies around the globe. They went out of print in the U.S. in 2000.
Now ten years later, these two long time favorites are being revised and re-released.
The Mouse, the Monster and Me focuses on the importance of finding a balance between one's aggressive inner "monster", and one's passive inner "mouse". Children quickly grasp the metaphor and discover their assertive “me” self. Readers readily identify these behaviors in themselves and others. Other issues include: getting in touch with your own strengths; respect, rights, and responsibilities; how to say “no” to trouble; receiving criticism and compliments; and being yourself.
"Practice, with a friend or family member, assertive ways to ask for the things... Remember... to stand or sit up straight, to look at the other person, to talk in a normal (not whining or shouting) voice, and to be honest and direct. It's OK to ask for what you want. (But don't expect to always get it)."
The Mouse, the Monster, and Me (8-13)
ISBN: 978-1-4392-2446-5 82 pages.
Liking Myself offers advice on how to handle oneself when feeling depressed, upset, or overwhelmed. Topics include: liking yourself, feeling talk, allowing, letting go, and body talk.
“Feelings are good friends. Feelings can let us know what is happening, what we want, what is important to us…. They tell you when you need to take care of yourself, like finding a friend if you feel lonely, crying if you feel sad, singing and smiling if you feel happy, and acting frisky if you feel good.”
Liking Myself (5-9)
ISBN: 978-1-4392-2999-6 84 pages.
The official re-publication date is September 2009.
The books are available online or from the publisher http://www.upliftpress.com
You can also get more information at www.drlouisehart.com and at www.drpatpalmer.com
Both books teach healthy, non-violent conflict management skills that are more vital than ever in today's increasingly interdependent society. Although they are written for children, when parents also read and do the exercises, both learn new skills that improve family relationships.
About the Creators
Dr. Pat Palmer, now 81, is author of many books for children, tweens, and adults. A clinical psychologist and former Director of the Assertiveness Training Institute in Denver, Dr. Pat Palmer continues to write at her home on Maui.
Publisher Dr. Louise Hart, 71, is the author of two highly regarded books, The Winning Family Increasing Self-Esteem in Your Children and Yourself and On the Wings of Self Esteem. After presenting workshops as far as Heidelberg, Moscow, Tokyo, and Okinawa, she is still giving workshops for parents in the Bay Area of California.
Illustrator, Betty Shondeck, 71, a retired elementary school art teacher living in Denver, dusted off her pens and updating the hand-crafted books.
What People are Saying About Both Books
“These books are delightful in their innocence, healthy in their advice, empowering in their message. I wish I’d grown up with them and their message.”
Senator John Vasconcellos, Emeritus Dean of the California Legislature
“These books are fantastic. I really enjoyed reading them myself, and I intend to use them in my work with juvenile offenders. Many read at the 3rd and 4th grade levels, and, unfortunately many do not like themselves.”
David, Parole Agent, Department of Youth Authority, Los Angeles, CA
“Parents can confidently provide these books to their children with full assurance that they contain the values and prescriptions for positive behavior.”
The Behavior Therapist
About Liking Myself
“Liking Myself made me feel a million times better about myself. It helped me get rid of negativity and appreciate the little things in life!”
Amazon reviewer
“A great little book to read with kids. Very helpful when working with 5-9 year-olds.”
Child Psychologist, and Amazon reviewer
“Liking Myself helps children find and restore their dignity.”
Michelle Brenner, Conflict Resolution Consultant in Family, Community, Government and Workplace, Sydney, Australia
“I have learned a very important thing: to express your feelings, you must not blame others. I used to lie but now I don’t.”
Aikio, Hanamaki City, Japan
“There are no adequate words to tell you how fantastic and helpful this book is”
Lori B., Reading partner to second graders, New York City Public Schools
About The Monster, Mouse and Me
“A valuable and empowering book.”
Michele Borba, Ed.D., author of The Big Book of Parenting Solutions, and Building Moral Intelligence
“A must-have book for every parent and teacher! Children learn how to handle themselves in situations where they feel overwhelmed or enraged.”
Janet, Fort Wayne, IN
“This book is a tool for transforming the identities of children and parents from possibly monster-y and mouse-y—with the distress of pain, sorrow, guilt and anger— to a search for the “me” in them. Highly recommended!”
Michele Brenner, Conflict Resolution Consultant in Family, Community, Government and Workplace, Sydney, Australia
“One of my students’ favorite tools. They relate to the ‘mouse’ and ‘monster’ analogies, and learn to identify those behaviors in themselves and others. A great resource for parents and professionals to use with kids. The activities and discussions are perfect for families or guidance groups!”
Elementary School Psychologist, and Amazon reviewer
“This simple, clever, and inspiring book can also help adults who are working toward healing old childhood wounds. I highly recommend it for everyone—including teachers and therapists who help empower others!”
Trina Swerdlow, Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist, and author of Stress Reduction Journal
Media review copies and high resolution book cover and author photo jpegs available upon request. Special feature story inquiries welcome. The author and publisher are also available for interview by arrangement.
Contact: Louise Hart 510-625-0589 admin@upliftpress.com or hit reply to this email and provide us with your best street address.