Pinky and Peanut has won a Family Review Center Award for our series!

DESCRIPTION: Pinky and Peanut is a children's chapter book series that focuses on kids being kids in a fast paced world. Join Pinky and Peanut, a pesky brother, a scruffy dog and a group of friends as they learn to use their imagination and be a good person. Each story can stand alone but works well as a series. They play off of each other. Simple lessons such as learning to say I'm sorry is one of the many reasons Pinky and Peanut are becoming mainstreamed. As former teachers, we've seen how books can create life long learners and help to increase literary awareness. In a fast paced society, children learning to use their imagination is important. REVIEWER NOTES: My daughter is absolutely delighted with this set of books. She has been soaking them up and using them for her daily reading time both at home, and at school, so you KNOW they are good, when they can hold the attention of a seven year old that strongly. I am thrilled to see her enjoying them so much, because it means she will be inclined to read more, which strengthens her skills and gives her something positive to do in her quiet time. Each one is a short little chapter book (as they refer to them around here). You can choose from the print version, the Kindle version or the audio CD version. They are very well priced, very well written and very much recommended by this lady (and the kid... let's not forget her input!) Pinky and Peanut: The Adventure Begins Pinky and Peanut: Trouble Times Two Pinky and Peanut: No Boys Allowed (MY DAUGHTER'S FAVE!) This is just a fun series, that they will enjoy. Clean, humorous at times, and interesting enough to keep them glued for long periods of time. My daughter is fairly new to the 'chapter book' world. Having just come from the 'colorful, picture filled children's stories' ... it is sometimes hard to find books that really hold her attention, because they only have the print on the page. These books have not only interested her, they have entertained her for long periods of time and she is still going ... almost done with the last one. I LOVE IT that the loves them this much. Thank you Pinky and Peanut for being so much fun to read about! You have added a fun little nitch in to my daughter's days and life. Because of that, I too love you. Awards and Accolades Received

We will be signing books this Saturday, June 23rd!

Hi all! Cherie and I are excited to be returning to Creative Mom Toys at The Renton Landing this Saturday, June 23rd. We will be there from 11:30-2:30. Creative Mom Toys will have an art project that coincides with our books as well. Come meet the authors and enjoy a day out with your child reading and creating art.

Happy Reading.
Deena and Cherie

June 23rd , Cherie and Deena of Pinky and Peanut will be back at CMT for another great book signing event - Time will be announced soon, but plan on stopping by and meeting our local authors.. ..

We will also be Crafting this day for our Crafty Saturday. All those book lovers out there - come on down and make your own itty bitty book. Cost is free and available for the first 8 signups.
June 30th, we cannot seem to get enough of our local authors and we are proud to introduce; Rachel Morrow, who has authored a book with her mother and twin sister on parenting for newborns. Again, time will be announced, but plan on coming by for a visit. http://www.creativemomtoys.com/index.php?main_page=page&id=15 

Kindle, kindle, Kindle etc.

Wow! Cherie and I are blown away. In the last month alone our numbers for all three books and kindle editions have soared. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We just wanted to let you know that for a limited time, Pinky and Peanut; the Adventure Begins, Trouble Times Two and No Boys Allowed are selling on Kindle for a reduced rate. 99c and $1.99. Catch the series while you can!!! Thank you again for your support. As always it means the world.

Keep growing and keep dreaming!!!

Cherie and Deena

A shout out to some of our favorite Peeps!

Cherie and I want to give a big shout out to the students of OLG and their wonderful book club!

We also want to give a big shout out to Miss Bresnan's class in NYC. Especially to Tomi and Ellen for their fabulous letters.


Thank you to all the children out there who take the time to let us know you liked our series. It fills our hearts and puts a big smile on our faces.

May all of your dreams come true!!!
Deena and Cherie

Writer workshop and St. Louise School

Cherie, Trina and I had the privilege of speaking at St. Louise School in Bellevue, WA last week. In addition to our author talks with the children, we also were able to work the children in their rooms. Together we created stories; each child creating a different version. Trina taught the children how to correctly draw a cartoon to size. We absolutely loved this style that we hope to add writer/illustrator workshops to our speaking engagements from now on! Thank you St. Louise School!!!

Former St. Louise School Teachers are Visiting Authors

Former St. Louise School primary teachers and current school parents, Cherie McIntosh and Deena Cook, believe in childhood imagination. Deena and Cherie co-authored a children’s series titled Pinky and Peanut. The main characters are derived from nicknames that Deena and Cherie currently have for their own children.  But there’s even more history behind Pinky and Peanut.  The illustrator, Trina Scruggs Sullivan, attended St. Louise School and was actually a former student of Deena Cook’s.  When Cherie and Deena needed a good illustrator, who better to mentor than their former student who was, coincidently, more than ready for the challenge!  The threesome continues to collaborate and thus far have created three adventures in the series: Pinky and Peanut, Pinky and Peanut, Trouble Times Two, and Pinky and Peanut, No Boys Allowed. A portion of the book sales is donated to Ronald McDonald House in Seattle.

When visiting the students of St. Louise, the authors and illustrator explained the process of writing, editing, countless revisions, creating character art images, and the perseverance to keep at it.  What makes these books so unique and refreshing are the positive attributes portrayed by the characters. “Kindness” and “goodness” are the order of the day. The stories are clean, wholesome, and funny; good reads for children and adults alike. “This is a realistic, engaging, story written with humor and insight,” relates St. Louise School librarian, Mary Carson. The books touch on friendship, sibling rivalry, pets, and school experiences.  The multiple copies of each book we have in the library are constantly checked out.”

The Pinky and Peanut series is available on their website at  HYPERLINK "http://www.pinkyandpeanut.com" www.pinkyandpeanut.com, Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble, and at all other major book stores in the area. St. Louise School is a Catholic school with grades Pre-K-8 located in Bellevue near the Crossroads area.  For more information please visit wwwstlouiseschool,org .  

Sacred Heart was Fabulous!

What a wonderful time we had at Sacred Heart School in Bellevue, WA. The children, faculty and parents were so welcoming and delightful. Look what they made for us! We will treasure this day always.

Pinky and Peanut Calendar of Events

Friday, April 20: Sacred Heart Elementary School in Bellevue, WA














Wednesday, April 25: St. Louise Elementary School in Bellevue, WA

Pinky and Peanut meet a new friend named Sleepy Bear

      As you know, Cherie and I attended Bookfest this Fall with Pinky and Peanut. While we were there, we had the honor of meeting author and blogger Kathleen Hunter. ( www.kathleenhunterwrites.com ) Cherie and I would love for you to go to this site. Kathleen does a great job giving literacy tips to parents and educators.
      Not only is Kathleen an author and blogger, but Kathleen has two very special friends who love to review books for her. Both Moosey Moose (Travel stories) and Sleepy Bear (book reviews for ages 6-10 ) take the latest books and tell their readers and friends what they thought about these new stories.

GUESS WHAT???

     We were extremely honored when Kathleen asked us to meet Sleepy Bear and share our stories with him. According to Sleepy Bear as he began reading our adventures, "this is the best day to stay inside and stay warm with my puppy, hot cocoa with goo-gobs of whippy cream, and cookies to nibble on". How wonderful while reading our books. Thanks Sleepy Bear!

Sleepy Bear is a very smart bear.  He's a little shy but he has a very big heart.  And he loves to read!  Each month he hosts a book club for kids.  He likes to get ideas for books to read from kids who write to him.  So, send him your comments and suggestions atSleepyBearWrites.blogspot.com.

Happy Holidays from Pinky and Peanut

Cherie and I wanted to wish all of you a very happy holiday. Thank you for supporting us this past year. We have met so many wonderful readers, parents, publishers, authors as well as many countless others. We wanted to thank you for the support of The Seattle Ronald McDonald House. It was so special to drop off books and a check to them Friday morning. As always, we do this in your name.
     As we look forward to 2012, we easily count our blessings and you are one of them. We look forward to sharing new adventures with you in 2012.

 Stay warm, stay safe and always follow your dreams!

Deena Cook
&
Cherie McIntosh

Pinky and Peanut attending the Northwest Book Fest October 1st & 2nd

NORTHWEST BOOKFEST

October 1 & 2, 2011, 10am – 6pm.

Peter Kirk Park, 202 Third Street, Kirkland, WA.

Over fifty author panels, hundreds of authors, writing and publishing workshops, family programs and more! FREE!

We will be there selling and signing!

Click on the link below to download a schedule and map of this event!

http://www.northwestbookfest2011.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/NW-Bookfest-2011-Days.pdf

Pinky and Peanut will be attending Girlfest

Cherie and I will be at Girlfest this Saturday celebrating everything good about being a girl. Stop by and say hello.

Girlfest

Century Link Fieldhouse

http://www.girlscoutsww.org/girlfest

Book signing at JJ Books this Saturday, September 17th

We will be at JJ Books in Bothell from 11-2pm on Saturday signing Pinky and Peanut books. Please come by and say hello. So excited that the Fall book signings kick off in two days!

6530 31st Dr SE, Bothell, WA, 98012-6086

The owners of JJ books, Jason and June

A fabulous book for your children

Cherie and I recently met the author of What children Need to learn to Read at the Washington Homeschool convention in Puyallup in June. After taking this book home to read and review, Cherie and I were impressed with the activities and descriptions within this book. This book is full of wonderful ideas to encourage a love of reading in your child. The ideas and songs work hand-in-hand to create fun and interactive activities for children. We both have read this book and highly recommend any parent, family member or teacher to try this book out and see exactly what we see: a book that will help and propel your child into a life-long-love of learning.

Review

How different would your life be if you couldn't read or write? I bet the difference would be dramatic. For one thing, you wouldn't be looking at this page of seemingly meaningless characters. For another, you'd be way less connected to and informed about the world around you. And no matter what you were seeking in life, your options would be dramatically limited. But what about the other end of the spectrum? What if you could read and write and communicate with clarity and confidence? You would have the opportunity to connect at a deeper level with your community and the world around you. And in doing so, your ability to achieve the life of your dreams would be greatly enhanced. If you are interested in providing your child with these powerful tools that lead to a lifetime of success, then you are holding the right book in your hands. Michelle Vallene's book "What Children Need to Learn to Read" is the perfect way to start your child's journey to literacy. The fun and educational activities in this book are a great way to ignite your child's love for reading. Talk about quality time with your child! The activities in this book will enhance your relationship with your child, stimulate their self-confidence, and foster a life-long appreciation for reading and writing. Have fun! --Foreward by Derek Munson, Author of the award-winning children's book, Enemy Pie:

Product Description

Your Child's First Reading Teacher Is ... YOU! "What Children Need to Learn to READ" is the ultimate resource for parents and other adults who want to encourage literacy in young children. Packed with age-appropriate tips, techniques, fun activities, checklists, and common-sense suggestions, this one-of-a-kind book will answer your questions, boost your confidence, and prepare you for one of the most rewarding things you'll ever do!! You'll learn: What works best for babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and early elementary school students. How to make reading a FUN and familiar part of everyday life. Where to find the best children's books, magazines, games, websites, and more.

Pinky and Peanut will be attending the WHO convention

Please come and visit our booth next weekend!

Friday, June 17th - 9:00 - 6:00

Saturday, June 18th - 9:00 - 4:00

Puyallup Fair & Events Center

110 9th Ave SW

Puyallup, WA 98371

Thank you Juanita Elementary

Thank you for inviting Pinky and Peanut to your school to be a part of your Art Explosion evening. Although Deena was home with her new baby, Cherie and Trina raved about the wonderful time they had. We enjoyed meeting teachers,parents, students and friends at this event.

Pinky and Peanut; No Boys Allowed is a Pinnacle Book Achievement Award Winner!

Cherie and I are over the moon! No Boys Allowed has just been picked as a winner of the 2011 Pinnacle Book Achievement Awards. Thank you for all of your support and encouragement. We couldn't do this without all of you!!!!!!

Keep dreaming everyday!

Deena and Cherie

An exciting charity event March 6th

Book signing this Saturday, February 5th at Creative Mom Toys

Come and join Cherie and I this Saturday, February 5th, from 3-6pm at Creative Mom Toys in Renton, WA. We will be signing our books and helping celebrate the grand opening of a new fabulous store for the Eastside.

Creative Mom Toys Blog:

Local authors, Deena Cook and Cherie McIntosh, will be signing their children's chapter book series, Pinky and Peanut on Feb. 5th . This children's book series highlights characters that children can relate to. It emphasizes the delight and significance of childhood while teaching and entertaining young readers. The main characters, Pinky and Peanut, value the gift of this friendship. With a clubhouse, a journal , a scruffy dog and a bothersome brother, Pinky and Peanut learn that using imagination makes anything possible. Ages 5-9.

Creative Mom Toys

840 North 10th PL STE. A

Renton, WA 98057

Book Three is Here!!!

Hello to all of our readers. Thank you for being patient as you waited for the release of book three. Pinky and Peanut; No Boys Allowed is available today for purchase through our website; http://www.pinkyandpeanut.com/. With the holidays here, this is the time to get your copy ordered and signed for your young reader. In addition, we are continuing our tradition of donating money for every book sold to the RMH of Western Washington.

Thank you as always for your support. We look forward to hearing from you all.

Sincerely, Deena and Cherie

Introducing...

We would like to announce the upcoming release of Pinky and Peanut; No Boys Allowed, Fall , 2010! Thank you to all of our supporters from our families to our pen pals. Cherie and I have had a wonderful experience writing this new story. For those of you with boys who have enjoyed Scott and his antics, watch out! Scott is back and he has plans. Don't forget to spread the word this summer!
Dream Big!
Deena Cook

"Mom and Dad, I have something really important I would like to discuss with you..."
Oh no, Peanut thought. When Scott acted like this, it could only mean trouble for her.
"Great," said Dad," save it for dinner. It will be our family discussion tonight."
If there was one thing Peanut and Scott could agree on it was that this could NOT wait until dinner.
"Can't I just tell you Dad?" Scott whined.
"Scott," Mom said, "wait until dinner."

Don't miss out on this new journey as Pinky and Peanut continue on their awesome adventures! What will happen when Scott decides he has a new brilliant plan? Will the girls love this plan or will Pinky and Peanut have to work together to solve a new problem. Coming Fall, 2010