BobbsAndCompany.com
Bobbs and Company @BobbsAndCompany
www.JKSCommunications.com . Marissa Curnutte . 347-574-3136 . marissa@jkscommunications.com
JKSCommunications A literary publicity firm
Author Website
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT:
Marissa Curnutte
347.574.3136
marissa@jkscommunications.com
EDUCATOR TURNED CHILDREN’S BOOK AUTHOR TEACHES
LIFE LESSONS THROUGH COLORFUL STORIES
Writer Diane Page teams up with illustrator Bruce Bigelow for three books
TUPELO, Miss. – Growing up is easier with a friend by your side.
As a children’s book author and educator, Diane Page has always known the value of friendships,
encouragement and everyday life lessons, so it’s no wonder that all three are found in her stories for children,
each exquisitely illustrated by Bruce Bigelow.
Bobbs and the Little Boy introduces young readers to a black-and-white
stuffed creature that develops a beautiful friendship with a boy, bringing him
smiles and helping him overcome fears. Page’s second book in the series,
Bobbs and the Little Boy Meet Agnes is full of fun and new life lessons
as the two friends make the acquaintance of a girl who moves to the
neighborhood.
Inspired by a day with her grandson, Page wrote Roy and Roo Take a
Trip to the Zoo. The third book of the Bobbs series uses poetry and
amusing illustrations to introduce children to a wild array of animals as
well as primary and secondary colors.
Zidderdeedee! The Bobbs series has been used by educators, clinical
psychologists and law enforcement to teach children about
tolerance, emotions and conquering anxiety. A plush toy has even been created so
children can have their very own Bobbs to cuddle and read to.
Page started working in the world of education in the ‘60s as an elementary school teacher, assistant principal
and principal. She is the author of The Paraeducator in the Elementary School Classroom, which has been
lauded as the first book of its kind written for assistant teachers. She retired in 2010 after serving nine years as
the education coordinator for the Lee County Juvenile Center in Mississippi.
for children plus Cat Hymns by Steve and Patty Thompson. Bigelow paired his art with poetry in a book titled
The Passing Scene.
## www.JKSCommunications.com . Marissa Curnutte . 347-574-3136 . marissa@jkscommunications.com
Meet author and educator Diane Page
Diane Page started her career in education in the late ‘60s as
an elementary school teacher, assistant principal and
principal. She later piloted a pre-kindergarten program with
the Tupelo Public School District and was on faculty with
the University of Mississippi.
Her debut publication, The Paraeducator in the Elementary
School Classroom, was the first work of its kind written
especially for assistant teachers. For nine years, before
retiring in 2010, she served as the education coordinator at
the Lee County Juvenile Center.
Page’s first children’s book, Bobbs and the Little Boy, sends a resoundingly clear
message of normalcy to all children who fear such things as clowns, scary animals and
thunderstorms. The Little Boy ever so lovingly explains as children grow and mature,
these fears, for the most part, will go away, especially with the friendship of a small,
stuffed creature.
Page is also the author of Bobbs and the Little Boy Meet Agnes and Roy and Roo Take a
Trip to the Zoo. All three books are masterfully illustrated by Bruce Bigelow.
Page is the proud parent of two grown children, Elizabeth and Leighton, and
grandmother of Alston, Avery and Eliza Tyer and Zachary and Natalie Page, whom she
calls the most amazing blessings of her life.
Meet illustrator Bruce Bigelow
Bruce Bigelow has been an artist for most of his life.
In addition to illustrating all three of Diane Page’s books for
children, he provided art for Cat Hymns by Steve and Patty
Thompson and a book of his own, The Passing Scene, where he
combined pictures of some of his paintings with poetry.
Bigelow earned a bachelor of fine arts degree from Kansas
University. He served in the U.S. Air Force for four years. He
lives with his wife just outside Tupelo, Miss. www.JKSCommunications.com . Marissa Curnutte . 347-574-3136 . marissa@jkscommunications.com
Praise for Diane Page’s Books
Bobbs and the Little Boy
“I purchased Bobbs books for my four grandchildren – one book for
their house and one for my house – but they each had to have a
Bobbs creature. They love him.” – Betty Bond, retired teacher
“The book and Bobbs are quality items for parents to purchase. It
was a joy to place the items in our students’ hands.” – Kathy
Clark, librarian at Saltillo Elementary School
“Anyone who has a fond remembrance of a beloved stuffed animal
that they cuddled with, talked to and treated as a friend when they
were young can certainly relate to this book. Mothers will remember
when their children grew up and those much-loved friends were put
aside. Bobbs and the Little Boy is one of those wonderful books
that both children and adults will enjoy and is sure to be a favorite that will be read over and
over.” – Kathy Latimer, DECA assistant
“Bobbs is the best friend a child could ask for. The story of Bobbs and the Little Boy truly celebrates
the spirit of a special bond between a boy and his favorite ‘friend.’ As a clinical therapist, Bobbs is a
creative resource to assist with any child who is anxious or might feel the need for a friend to be close
and provide calming during the counseling process. Whether you are a parent, a grandparent, a
therapist who works with children, a teacher or anyone with a special child in your life, this story
is sure to warm the hearts of all who embark on Bobbs’ journey.” – Becky Russell, LPC/MHSP,
clinical therapist
“Every little child needs a Bobbs, a best buddy to make them feel very, very safe and happy. If
you are the mother of a little boy, this little book will bring a tear to your eye, especially the last page.”
– Ann Springfield, mother, grandmother and retired kindergarten teacher
“Mothers and grandmothers are aware of a child’s fears and collect books to read to them. School
librarians are no exception and are also on the lookout for books to read to the children in the library
about big scary dogs or monsters under the bed or in the attic. Diane Page has given us another in her
book. Bobbs is the small stuffed creature who becomes the Little Boy’s best friend and helps him
understand and lose his fears as he grows. Bruce Bigelow’s pictures add to the story. He uses a splash
of color under the copy on each page. Bobbs is a good addition for all elementary school libraries
and public library children’s collections.” – Anne P. Radojcsics, retired school library media
specialist
“I am so fond of this book because it gives children hope that they can have a friend in Bobbs
even if nobody else cares. The imagination of a child is so amazing. Bobbs can give a child comfort
when they don’t feel safe. Bobbs can be a friend they can snuggle up with and talk to when no one else
listens to them. Bobbs can be the one that hears all the secrets that no else knows or cares about.” –
Cpl. Donna Franks, Lee County Sheriff’s Department criminal investigation division
• Read how Bobbs and the Little Boy and Bobbs the stuffed creature are being used by law
enforcement and child psychologists. www.JKSCommunications.com . Marissa Curnutte . 347-574-3136 . marissa@jkscommunications.com
More Praise for Diane Page’s Books
My Review:
This is a great story about meeting new people. I really liked the way that the author introduced how girls are different. I liked that Agnes has glasses and sometimes she has a bad day. My niece laughed when she kissed the little boy! I am giving this book a 5/5. I was given a copy to review, however all opinions are my own.
Bobbs and Company was a special guest at Shannon Middle School
where students reviewed Diane Page’s second book.
• Watch a video of their comments
“The strengths of the book are the way the book flowed from
beginning to end. The illustrations are drawn well, and the book
stayed on topic.” – Martavious Fells
“I thought it was funny the way they didn’t understand girls. It
was cute because how the boy was a gentleman and she kissed him.” – Trevor Sturgill
“The book, Bobbs and the Little Boy Meet Agnes, is a really good book. I have lots of little cousins,
and I strongly think they would all like it. I know I do. The drawings are great and go really good
with the script.” – Danielle McCord
“Mr. Bruce Bigelow did an exceptional job with the little details in the illustrations. All in all, I
thought the book was fabulous.” – Shelby Lindsey
Roy and Roo Take a Trip to the Zoo
“Roy and Roo Take a Trip to the Zoo is not just a book. It is a trip
that engages a child with a story told with color, poetry, love and
humor. As the father of a 3-year-old daughter, Lydia, I can tell
you that the first time we read this book, she was engaged in a
way that was different from the way she was engaged with other
books that we read together. Roy and Roo Take a Trip to the Zoo,
just like Bobbs and the Little Boy, involves the child reader into the
story. Thank you, Diane and Bruce. When your child points and
laughs at the pages, you know you’ve got a great book in your
hands.” – Wayne Averett, financial representative with Modern
Woodmen of America
“What a delightful little story. The illustrations make the characters come alive. What a great way to
introduce the primary and secondary colors to young, budding artists.” – Jane Sutton, Mississippi
Painters Society
“Roy and Roo Take a Trip to the Zoo is a delightful book. The rhyming words, descriptions and
names of very unique animals, and illustrations make this a fun book to read to young children.”
– Cindy Faucette, retired elementary school teacher
“Great story and very entertaining for young minds. My first one to read in this series, and I would
share it again with my grandchildren.” – Alice Rogers, owner of Flowerdale Antques www.JKSCommunications.com . Marissa Curnutte . 347-574-3136 . marissa@jkscommunications.com
Book Details for
Bobbs and the Little Boy
Every little child needs a Bobbs…a best
buddy to make them feel very, very safe and
happy!
My Review:
I loved this book. It was so cute. Bobbs was such a great name! It is different and special. The ending left a lot of room for discussion, and it was beautiful how the mom cried. I loved that Bobbs wanted to know different feelings and emotions, and it will help kids understand their own feelings. I am giving this book a 5/5. I was given a copy to review, however all opinions are my own.
As an educator and mother, Diane Page understands the fears of children. She had long
entertained the idea of a children’s book that would address those fears.
The question was how to write Bobbs and the Little Boy in a way that would resound
with her young readers. After many writings, rewritings and late nights, she knew she
had accomplished that goal.
She also knew her audience understood pictures as much as they understood words. She
then sought an illustrator who would match her goals for the book. Eventually she chose
illustrator Bruce Bigelow.
This unique partnership brought Bobbs and the Little Boy from imagination to reality.
Bobbs and the Little Boy is a book you and your family will enjoy for a lifetime. Its
timeless message and quality illustrations will make a great addition to any child’s
library.
Hardcover, $16.00
ISBN: 978-0615425412
Children’s Book, 32 pages
Bobbs and Company, May 1, 2011
www.JKSCommunications.com . Marissa Curnutte . 347-574-3136 . marissa@jkscommunications.com
Book Details for
Bobbs and the Little Boy Meet Agnes
A girl!
“Yuck,” thought the Little Boy.
“Yuck,” thought Bobbs.
In Dr. Page’s second book in this series, we explore the dynamics that occurs when new
neighbors move in to the house across the street. Young children encounter many
personalities and are often baffled by the behavior of new people. But like most
children, the Little Boy sees beyond the exterior and recognizes the fears and problems
and actually become friends with Agnes.
The story also hints that friendship is an ongoing process and there still will be things we
do not completely understand about one another.
Once again Bruce Bigelow captures the story with his rendition of Agnes and the other
characters. The soft style of the illustrations will be a delight to young children as they
are rendered not as a cartoon, and not as an illustration, but a talented mix of the two.
So, if you enjoyed Bobbs and the Little Boy, you will also enjoy Bobbs and the Little
Boy Meet Agnes.
Hardcover, $16.00
ISBN: 978-0615823188
Children’s Book
Bobbs and Company, Nov. 30, 2013
www.JKSCommunications.com . Marissa Curnutte . 347-574-3136 . marissa@jkscommunications.com
Book Details for
Roy and Roo Take a Trip to the Zoo
Rhyming words bounce off the pages of Diane Page's new book, Roy and Roo Take a
Trip to the Zoo. She watched her grandson, Zach, and his toy kangaroo, Roo, as they
darted to and fro, never walking, but scurrying wherever they went. Zach, with Roo by
his side, were always exploring the world around them and questioning, constantly
questioning. What would be more fitting than to explain the primary and secondary
colors in a fun way to children everywhere!
With the talent of illustrator, Bruce Bigelow, strange zoo creatures emerge to tell that
story in a most delightful way. Little ones are fascinated with the critters that live in the
zoo, but are not in cages.
This work captures the imagination of children. Adults find Roy and Roo Take a Trip to
the Zoo a starting point for many art activities for their children, who quickly memorize
the poetic lines.
Paperback, $9.58
ISBN: 978-0615657592
Children’s Book
Bobbs and Company, Jan. 1, 2013
www.JKSCommunications.com . Marissa Curnutte . 347-574-3136 . marissa@jkscommunications.com
Q&A with Diane Page
What do you think makes Bobbs and the Little Boy such relatable characters?
All children have fears, real or imagined. The Little Boy explains the fears in the book to Bobbs in a way
that has a calming effect on the little creature.
What lessons can kids learn from the relationship between Bobbs and the Little Boy?
Children learn that having a stuffed animal as a friend is perfectly normal. They also learn that
questioning things around us is perfectly normal, and even encouraged.
Did you have a favorite stuffed animal growing up?
Yes, I had a stuffed doll named Hooda. Hooda understood me! We would talk for hours and she knew all
of my childhood worries. She also rejoiced with me when I was happy.
Why did you decide to create an actual Bobbs stuffed animal?
Creating a Bobbs stuffed animal just seemed like the right thing to do. Bobbs and the Little Boy evolved
by the actual experiences my son had with his Bobbs when he was little. When Leighton misbehaved, his Bobbs
was always the partner in crime.
How did you meet illustrator Bruce Bigelow?
Years ago, a mutual friend introduced us. I approached Bruce when I decided to write The Paraeducator
in the Elementary School Classroom. We have worked together for more than twenty delightful years.
Was Roy and Roo Take a Trip to the Zoo really inspired by one of your grandchildren?
Yes, definitely! My grandson, Zach, is Roy to a “T”, although he was quite miffed with Nana when he
had to be Roy in the book. After reading the book, he told me he really liked being Roy.
Roy and Roo Take a Trip to the Zoo is a great introduction to primary and secondary colors. What are
some art activities parents and teachers can do with children to go along with the book’s lessons?
One of the best activities is to correlate the reading of the book with a mini-unit on healthy eating habits.
The children look through old magazines and cut out pictures of wholesome foods that match the primary and
secondary colors. They can make an individual collage or they can work in groups to make picture collages.
Next, there is a Tasting Party. Teachers ask parents to purchase healthy foods for the children to sample. Not
only is this educational for the children, but teachers and parents are challenged to select the appropriate foods.
Children also like to create their own zoo animals. Puppet making works well for this activity.
How does your past work as an elementary school teacher and principal translate to your career as a
children’s book author?
For me, writing children’s books is a natural progression. I have worked with children all of my
professional career, in addition to raising my own two children. I love children and I want to give them
meaningful and fun books to cherish.
You visit a lot of classrooms, libraries and bookstores. What kinds of things do you hear from children
about your books?
What do I hear from the children? I hear hysterical stories and comments! One lad suggested he buy a
stuffed Bobbs creature for his mother. I walked right into that one! When I asked why he wanted one for his
mother, he replied, “Cause my mama and my daddy don’t sleep together no more and she needs a Bobbs to keep
her warm at night!” Oops!
What’s next for you?
I am very excited about the fourth book, Mr. Zidderdeedee! The projected date for publication is July 2014.
No comments:
Post a Comment