BAD SHEEP PRESS KIT
Everything you need to know about “bad sheep”!
RETAIL SHOPS, download press kit for more information!
CONTACT INFORMATION
ABOUT THE BOOK
When a little sheep gets a clever idea for a joke, everyone has a good laugh!
Welcome to the world of a friendly flock of sheep as they play a game of rhymes.
BOOK DESCRIPTION
“Bad Sheep” is a children’s book designed to help children learn to name their emotions. Naming emotions is the first big step in the process of learning to control them.
David Hayward , the illustrator, did a beautiful job conveying the emotions of each character!
This book will be an asset to any parent, teacher, or loved one. All children deserve the gift of learning to control their emotions. This book will give them a leg up by helping them learn to name them!
Help your child name their feelings with the friendly flock of sheep!
The book is funny, colorful, and easy to read.
PRODUCT SPECS
- TITLE : Bad Sheep
- AUTHOR : Autumn Mott Calvert
- ILLUSTRATOR : David Hayward
- ISBN Boardbook : 978-0-9996205-0-2
- ISBN Paperback : 978-0-9996205-2-6
- RETAIL PRICE : Board Book – $14.95 : Paperback – $7.95
- PAGE COUNT : 20
- GENRE : Children’s Literature – Pre-K
TAGLINES
“Bad Sheep” : A fun children’s book about feelings!
Help your child name their feelings with “Bad Sheep”!
Giggle your way to understanding with “Bad Sheep”!
LINKS
Asher Calvert with “Bad Sheep Book”
VIDEO DESCRIPTION
Excerpts from Book
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Autumn Mott Calvert
Autumn is a writer, photographer, and musician. She lives in Huntsville, Alabama, with her husband, son, and 2 dogs.
You can find her work at
www.autumncalvert.com
Autumn is a graduate from The University of Alabama with a degree in Human Development/Family Studies.
As an artist, Autumn spent much of her 20’s focusing on songwriting. This led to 2 albums. She also spent many years as a photographer.
However, her love of writing won the day.
“Writing is my outlet. It is my place of comfort.”
Autumn is the wife to a wonderful husband, Steve Calvert, and the mother to a fantastic little boy, Asher.
Asher was diagnosed autistic many years ago. Since then, Autumn has worked to learn as much about autism, therapy, and her son as she can.
“Asher is in every children’s book I write. He teaches me ,and I teach him. What he needs to know to grow up to be a great member of this world, every child needs to know. I work to convey deep concepts in simple ways. Besides, life is simple. We are the ones who make it complicated.”
ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR
David Hayward
David Hayward, aka “nakedpastor”, is a cartoonist, artist, writer, and online community facilitator. He lives New Brunswick, Canada.
You can find his work at
www.nakedpastor.com
David Hayward has a Masters in Theological Studies from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, as well as a Diploma in Religious Studies and Ministry from McGill University in Montreal.
In 2010, David left the professional paid clergy after almost 30 years of ministry.
Since then, he has been a prolific cartoonist, artist, and writer, publishing 7 books and numerous paintings and cartoons. David is also an online facilitator for those struggling with spirituality.
David started a blog called “nakedpastor” in 2006, and initiated his public undressing of religion, religious community and spirituality through his writings, art and cartoons.
David’s art, cartoons, writings, and books have found their way all around the world.
David lives with his wife, Lisa (an Alabama native), on the beautiful Kennebecasis River near Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada. They have 3 grown children, and a dog, Sophie
INTERVIEW Q&A WITH AUTHOR
- How did you get started writing children’s literature?
Since I was little, I enjoyed writing. Even the process of holding the pencil and creating letters was appealing.
In a college English course, we were tasked with writing a children’s book. The project gave me great joy.
After college, I became the nanny to twin boys. They preferred my stories to those on the shelves. Each day, I created new stories and told old ones.
Many years later, after the birth of my son, my mind began working on stories for him, igniting an old passion.
- How do you get your ideas?
I get my ideas by paying attention. I watch my son and husband play. I sit on the floor and make up stories with my son. I watch my dogs interact. Mostly, though, I focus on those things that make my son laugh. I pick them apart and create a story.
My husband and son are a deep well of inspiration and tomfoolery.
- And “Bad Sheep”? How was it Inspired?
I awoke with the idea from a dream. My little boy is a prankster. I suppose witnessing the tricky trickster in action caused the dream.
I’ve also spent years working with my son, who is diagnosed autistic, to name his emotions and learn methods of helping him deal with them in healthy ways. This book is a tool I wish I had years ago.
- How did you meet David Hayward?
Before asking David to illustrate the book, I was a huge fan of his work. The morning I awoke with the idea, David was my first choice to illustrate it. By the end of the day, he and I had an agreement, the storyboards were sent, and the process began.
To date, we have yet to meet in person. Gotta love the internet!
- Do you write longhand or on the computer?
Both. The ideas are sketched out with pencil and paper. Once I have my head around the concepts, I move to the computer for fine touches. My husband often wonders why I sit and stare into space. This is how my mind lays out a book. It looks like I am lazy, but I am actually hard at work.
- Where do you work?
I work from home or a coffee shop. An interesting side note: I spend much of my time sitting on the floor to work. I suppose it grounds me. Or, it could be I just like sitting on the floor.
- Do you have a writing ritual?
I have a morning ritual, but, when the inspiration hits, I work through the ideas in my head immediately. Once I’ve had an “AH HA!” moment, I begin the prep work with pencil and paper.
I work when my brain figures it out.
- Why did you choose to self-publish?
Today, self-publishing is a wonderful avenue for writers! It takes time for publishers to notice your books. Until then, the world is your oyster. Self-Publish!
- What are you working on now? Another book?
I have the next 2 books in the “bad sheep” series sketched out.
I also have 2 books with another illustrator, Julie McCullough:
“The Chubby Fairy”, and “Eat! I HUMMY!”
“Bad Sheep, Too,” will be released in 2018.
- Do you have advice for kids who love to write and for those who do not?
For those who love to write, I must give the advice I was given by Stephen King in his book, “On Writing”.
Read and write and do it a lot.
For those who do not enjoy writing, sit down and daydream. Zone out on an idea. Let it go wherever you want. Make notes as you go. Though putting it all together may not be your thing, allowing your mind to wander is fun for all!
MEDIA
Article: THE THOMASVILLE TIMES – February, 2018
PRESS RELEASE
Press Release
Alabama mother of special needs son writes book to help children name their emotions
Huntsville, Alabama, March, 2018
“I just wanted to understand my son.”
Alabama native, Autumn Mott Calvert, learned of her son’s developmental delay when he was 18 months old. At 5 years old, he was diagnosed with autism.
“I have learned much about autism and my son. He is a bright light. Yes. The challenges are steep, but the joy he brings to all of those around him astounds me.”
Autumn awoke one morning with the idea of “Bad Sheep”. She quickly contacted David Hayward, illustrator, and began work on her first published work.
“A large obsticle for Asher was his inability to communicate. By sitting through years of speech therapy with him, I’ve picked up on a few tricks. This book is a culmination of learning from the experts and the desire to help other parents. I wish I had this book years ago.”
Born in Thomasville, Alabama, Autumn graduated from The University of Alabama with a degree in Human Development/Family Studies. She spent most of her 20’s in music, releasing 2 albums, one of which was recorded in the legendary FAME studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama.
After moving to Huntsville, Autumn met and married Steve Calvert. In 2009, they welcomed their son, Asher into the world.
Autumn is a writer, photographer and musician. She spends her time with her husband, son, and 2 dogs.
“Bad Sheep” is a story about 4 sheep who play a game of rhymes until one little sheep gets a tricky idea, and they all have a good laugh.
The book is simple, colorful, and offers a “How do you feel?” visual aid on the inside back cover.
For more information about Autumn, or to schedule an interview or book signing, contact:
autumn@autumncalvert.com
256-651-3292
RETAIL INFORMATION
If you are interested in carrying “bad sheep” in your store, want to host a book signing, please download the .pdf Press kit for more information!
DOWNLOADS
Autumn Mott Calvert – Color
Autumn Mott Calvert-Black & White
