Fred & Fiona Flea: The Crown Jewels Caper is now on sale at the following independent retailers. Thank you to Linda and Ann at Women & Children First; Jeanette at Sprout;, Jennifer at The Red Balloon; Maria at I've Been to a Marvelous Party!; and Shirley at Kids Ink for selling the book in their fine establishments!
Women & Children First
5233 N. Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60640
Tel: 773 293 2665
Sprouts
4753 N. Lincoln Avenue
Chicago, IL 60625
Tel: 773 8167227
The Red Balloon
1940 N. Damen Avenue
Chicago, IL 60647
and 5407 N. Clark Streeet, Chicago 60640
Tel: 773 489 9800 and 773 989 8500
I've Been to a Marvelous Party!
2121 N.. Clybourn Avenue
Chicago, IL 60614
Tel: 773 404 9400
Kids Ink
5619 N. Illinois Street
Indianapolis, IN 46208
Tel: 317 255 2598
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Author Readings at St. Mary of the Angels School, Chicago
Author Alison Madden has begun her journey with both Kindergarten and 1st grade classes at St. Mary of the Angels Catholic school in the Bucktown neighborhood of Chicago.
For the past three weeks I have gone into class to read one chapter to the students. The adventure will last seven weeks because there are seven chapters in the book! I am having such fun bringing the story to life for the children. The protagonists are from Yorkshire, so it is fun to put on a Yorkshire accent when reading the parts of Fred, Fiona and Amos. For the snooty lady on the bus I put on a throaty, Queenly voice. And for the thieves a fun cockney accent - think of the two rats in Chicken Run!
I am amazed at the questions and comments the children have for me when I end the reading and come to the Q&A part. It is obvious that they engage with the story, and enjoy it. The teachers are engaged too, and have created special writing projects for the students to do alongside my readings. The first-grade students are creating their own Fred & Fiona books. After each reading they write and illustrate their own chapters, and by the end of the seven weeks will have their own Fred & Fiona books. It is so satisfying, as an author, to see the story in the hands of my readers and to see them recreate the book in their own styles, capturing the scenes that stand out for them. The teachers have also pulled from the Internet photographs of the Tower of London and such, to bring the story to life even more. Photos are projected onto the Promethean board during the reading, bringing Big Ben, and Beefeaters and the like into the classroom! This is all new and interesting information to six and seven year-old Chicagoans! The thing the Kindergartners liked the most this week, was the Beefeater in his frock-coat. The children thought it was hilarious that a soldier was wearing - and I quote - a girly dress!! So much for culture...!!
Thank you to St. Mary of the Angels Kindergarten and 1st-grade teachers and students for having me in class.
For the past three weeks I have gone into class to read one chapter to the students. The adventure will last seven weeks because there are seven chapters in the book! I am having such fun bringing the story to life for the children. The protagonists are from Yorkshire, so it is fun to put on a Yorkshire accent when reading the parts of Fred, Fiona and Amos. For the snooty lady on the bus I put on a throaty, Queenly voice. And for the thieves a fun cockney accent - think of the two rats in Chicken Run!
I am amazed at the questions and comments the children have for me when I end the reading and come to the Q&A part. It is obvious that they engage with the story, and enjoy it. The teachers are engaged too, and have created special writing projects for the students to do alongside my readings. The first-grade students are creating their own Fred & Fiona books. After each reading they write and illustrate their own chapters, and by the end of the seven weeks will have their own Fred & Fiona books. It is so satisfying, as an author, to see the story in the hands of my readers and to see them recreate the book in their own styles, capturing the scenes that stand out for them. The teachers have also pulled from the Internet photographs of the Tower of London and such, to bring the story to life even more. Photos are projected onto the Promethean board during the reading, bringing Big Ben, and Beefeaters and the like into the classroom! This is all new and interesting information to six and seven year-old Chicagoans! The thing the Kindergartners liked the most this week, was the Beefeater in his frock-coat. The children thought it was hilarious that a soldier was wearing - and I quote - a girly dress!! So much for culture...!!
Thank you to St. Mary of the Angels Kindergarten and 1st-grade teachers and students for having me in class.
Commercial/Trailer for Fred & Fiona Flea: The Crown Jewels Caper
Here is the trailer that will be aired on TV to promote the book. I hope you like it!
Monday, September 26, 2011
Fred & Fiona Flea Author at J. Burr Elementary School Chicago
On a sunny Thursday morning, I went to my local, neighborhood public school in Bucktown Chicago. My mission: to read excerpts from Fred & Fiona Flea: The Crown Jewels Caper, talk about the writing and publishing process, and to take questions. My first class was first grade - 36 first-graders, followed by 23 second-graders.
I wasn't sure what to expect from two larger groups of school children, and I was a little nervous. Would they like the story? Would they pay attention? Would they squirm around and talk amongst themselves?
Well, the students were fabulous!! Both groups listened so well, and seemed to really like the story. Their interest spurred me on with my reading and with the "cockney" accents I use at a certain point in the story, and the students helped me to relax immediately and have fun with it. The students asked intelligent , thoughtful questions after the reading, as well as after my talk about my own publishing experience. I was touched by some of the comments from students, such as "This is my favorite book in the world." Music to an author's ears!
I was delighted to receive an invitation to return to school to meet the 3rd and 4th grade students, to do the same reading and writing event. Also, one week after my visit to J. Burr School I received a package in the mail. The package contained thank you cards made by the students I had met the week before. How wonderful! I have read each of the cards five times over already. They are so delightful to look at. I love the drawings the students did, and the comments they made. I feel touched that the students appreciated the book, and were happy to express their thanks.
I would like to thank teachers Ms. Dasso and Ms. Hermosillo and all of the students for giving me such a warm welcome, and giving up a large chunk of their day to meet their local author. THANKS EVERYONE!! YOU ARE THE BEST!
I wasn't sure what to expect from two larger groups of school children, and I was a little nervous. Would they like the story? Would they pay attention? Would they squirm around and talk amongst themselves?
Well, the students were fabulous!! Both groups listened so well, and seemed to really like the story. Their interest spurred me on with my reading and with the "cockney" accents I use at a certain point in the story, and the students helped me to relax immediately and have fun with it. The students asked intelligent , thoughtful questions after the reading, as well as after my talk about my own publishing experience. I was touched by some of the comments from students, such as "This is my favorite book in the world." Music to an author's ears!
I was delighted to receive an invitation to return to school to meet the 3rd and 4th grade students, to do the same reading and writing event. Also, one week after my visit to J. Burr School I received a package in the mail. The package contained thank you cards made by the students I had met the week before. How wonderful! I have read each of the cards five times over already. They are so delightful to look at. I love the drawings the students did, and the comments they made. I feel touched that the students appreciated the book, and were happy to express their thanks.
I would like to thank teachers Ms. Dasso and Ms. Hermosillo and all of the students for giving me such a warm welcome, and giving up a large chunk of their day to meet their local author. THANKS EVERYONE!! YOU ARE THE BEST!
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Chicago Events!
December 4: Author Alison Madden will be holding a book signing event from12pm at the Angelorum Bookstore, inside St. Mary of the Angels Church, 1850 N. Hermitage Avenue, Chicago IL 60622.
December 3: Author Alison Madden will be at The Boring Store, 1331 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago for a fun Fred & Fiona Flea themed workshop with students from around Chicago's neighborhoods. For more information on this awesome not-for-profit writing and tutoring center visit: http://www.826chi.org/
December 3: Author Alison Madden will be at The Boring Store, 1331 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago for a fun Fred & Fiona Flea themed workshop with students from around Chicago's neighborhoods. For more information on this awesome not-for-profit writing and tutoring center visit: http://www.826chi.org/
November 23: Author Alison Madden will be the British School Chicago! The author will meet 125 3rd and 4th form students for a reading from Fred & Fiona Flea, questions, and a talk about the writing process. Alison, a British citizen, will feel at home at the British school - surrounded by British teachers and reading her book that is set in London. Rule Britannia!!
November 10: Author Alison Madden will be signing copies of Fred & Fiona Flea: the Crown Jewels Caper at St. Mary of the Angels book fair, 1810 N. Hermitage Avenue, Chicago, IL 60622 - from 4-7pm
September 17 : Meet author Alison Madden at Oktoberfest, St. Mary of the Angels, 1810 N. Hermitage Avenue, Chicago.
September 15 2011: Author Alison Madden will be at J. Burr Elementary School in Chicago for a literacy workshop with 1st and 2nd grade students. The author will also read excerpts from Fred & Fiona Flea: The Crown Jewels Caper, followed by Q&A.
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Bucktown Arts Fest 2011 - Fred & Fiona Books on Sale
Meet author Alison Madden at the Bucktown Arts Fest, 2011. Fred & Fiona books will be available for purchase. Drop your name into the hat for a free book give-away!
Sat., Aug. 27th & Sun, Aug 28th
11am to 7pm
Senior Citizens Memorial Park,
2300 N. Oakley/2300 W. Lyndale
Chicago
Sat., Aug. 27th & Sun, Aug 28th
11am to 7pm
Senior Citizens Memorial Park,
2300 N. Oakley/2300 W. Lyndale
Chicago
Friday, August 26, 2011
Website
Hello friends of Fred and Fiona Flea! Please check out our website: http://www.fredandfionaflea.com/
Thank you for your interest and support.
Thank you for your interest and support.
Friday, August 5, 2011
Travel, adventure, culture, history, geography - it's all here!!
Fred & Fiona Flea: The Crown Jewels Caper is a great new adventure book for independent young readers. It was released 2nd August 2011, and is available everywhere fine books are sold. Pick up a copy today for your child! Visit our website: http://www.fredandfionaflea.com/. Scroll to the bottom left of the page and click on the link to buy a copy.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Fred & Fiona Flea at Beech Grove Public Library
Thank you to Mr. Andrew Davis from the Beech Grove Public Library (IN) for hosting us on 18th July 2011 for a FRED & Fiona Event. Thank you to everyone who came - we had a great time!
Monday, August 1, 2011
Fred & Fiona Flea: The Crown Jewels Caper is out in paperback!
The book was released August 2, 2011, and will be available everywhere fine books are sold. Here is a link to the publisher's website. Order your copy today!!
Friday, July 29, 2011
Excerpt from Fred & Fiona Flea: The Crown Jewels Caper
"Amos, what are Beefeaters, exactly?", inquired Fiona.
"Well, their official name is the Yeoman Warders, and they have been Royal guards for over five hundred years!"
"Blimey," Fred whistled. "That's a long time."
"Such marvelous history," Fiona added.
"Yes," said Amos. "You see, the Beefeatrers began as bodyguards to King Henry VIII. Later they became the jailors when people were imprisoned in the Tower. And, of course, they guard the Tower today, along with the Crown Jewels."
"Ooh, tell us about the Crown Jewels, Amos," said Fred.
Amos smiled. he had learned a lot whilst galivanting around England and was happy to talk about his beloved country.
"As far as I know, the Jewel House within the Tower of London has housed the jewels since before Henry VIII's time. Over the years, many have tried to steal the treasure...but none have suceeded," Amos reported.
"Crikey!" Fiona squealed. "Imagine being daft enough to try to steal the Crown Jewels!" The three friends chuckled.
Amos continued. "There are many jewels on display in the Jewel House, including crowns, orbs and scepters. The most famous, though, is the Imperial State Crown. It has many fabulous jewels, including a massive diamond called the Second Star of Africa. The crown is worn at coronations, the ceremony where the first in line to the throne becomes the monarch. In fact, the Queen wore it at her own coronation. She wears it still at the State Opening of Parliament each year."
"I think it is wonderful that the jewels are worn today," marveled Fred. "They are not just collecting dust in some museum."
"Ooh, I wonder what I would look like in my own crown," Fiona laughed. "I would swap my old straw hat for a bejeweled crown any day of the week." Fiona took her mirror from her handbag and started to pat and primp her hair.
"Well I like your old hat, love," Fred remarked. And he gave his lovely wife a little kiss on her rosy cheek. Fiona blushed and popped the mirror back into her bag.
Amos's talked had piqued the Fleas' curiosity. Now they were itching to get inside the Tower but wondered how.
"Well, their official name is the Yeoman Warders, and they have been Royal guards for over five hundred years!"
"Blimey," Fred whistled. "That's a long time."
"Such marvelous history," Fiona added.
"Yes," said Amos. "You see, the Beefeatrers began as bodyguards to King Henry VIII. Later they became the jailors when people were imprisoned in the Tower. And, of course, they guard the Tower today, along with the Crown Jewels."
"Ooh, tell us about the Crown Jewels, Amos," said Fred.
Amos smiled. he had learned a lot whilst galivanting around England and was happy to talk about his beloved country.
"As far as I know, the Jewel House within the Tower of London has housed the jewels since before Henry VIII's time. Over the years, many have tried to steal the treasure...but none have suceeded," Amos reported.
"Crikey!" Fiona squealed. "Imagine being daft enough to try to steal the Crown Jewels!" The three friends chuckled.
Amos continued. "There are many jewels on display in the Jewel House, including crowns, orbs and scepters. The most famous, though, is the Imperial State Crown. It has many fabulous jewels, including a massive diamond called the Second Star of Africa. The crown is worn at coronations, the ceremony where the first in line to the throne becomes the monarch. In fact, the Queen wore it at her own coronation. She wears it still at the State Opening of Parliament each year."
"I think it is wonderful that the jewels are worn today," marveled Fred. "They are not just collecting dust in some museum."
"Ooh, I wonder what I would look like in my own crown," Fiona laughed. "I would swap my old straw hat for a bejeweled crown any day of the week." Fiona took her mirror from her handbag and started to pat and primp her hair.
"Well I like your old hat, love," Fred remarked. And he gave his lovely wife a little kiss on her rosy cheek. Fiona blushed and popped the mirror back into her bag.
Amos's talked had piqued the Fleas' curiosity. Now they were itching to get inside the Tower but wondered how.
Friday, July 22, 2011
The Tower of London & the Crown Jewels
Parents, buy Fred & Fiona Flea: The Crown Jewels Caper for your child and help them learn about the Tower of London & Crown Jewels in this exciting new children's adventure travel book.
Order the book here:
Love London and the British Royal Family??
Alison Madden, London native, tweeting from the children’s adventure book she co-authored with Joan Bunte - Fred & Fiona Flea: The Crown Jewels Caper. This cute new series of adventure books teaches (surreptitiously) geography, history, and world cultures, while readers are enjoying a good adventure story! Fred & Fiona Flea will follow, roughly, Alison's route around the world when she was 22 years of age!
Fred & Fiona Flea start their world trip in London. Fiona has always dreamed of meeting the Queen of England, and would love to see her collection of sparkling jewels and crowns. Will Fiona Flea's dream come true?
Fred & Fiona Flea start their world trip in London. Fiona has always dreamed of meeting the Queen of England, and would love to see her collection of sparkling jewels and crowns. Will Fiona Flea's dream come true?
Friday, July 15, 2011
Fred & Fiona Flea Event
Meet Fred & Fiona Flea authors Alison Madden & Joan Bunte at Beech Grove Public Library, 1102 Main St. Beech Grove, IN on Monday 18th July at 1.30pm ET.
The authors will be reading excerpts from their children's chapter book, followed by questions from the audience. Books will be available for purchase at the event, and will be signed by the authors.
We hope to see you there!
The authors will be reading excerpts from their children's chapter book, followed by questions from the audience. Books will be available for purchase at the event, and will be signed by the authors.
We hope to see you there!
Friday, June 24, 2011
Just Indulge Event
Thank you to Mia and Cap Delaney for hosting author Alison Madden for a reading and book signing event on 22nd June. Thank you also to everyone who attended the event. I truly appreciate your support.
Find out more about Just Indulge: http://www.justindulgechicago.com/
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Watch this space for more events coming soon. Best wishes, Alison Madden
Find out more about Just Indulge: http://www.justindulgechicago.com/
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Teaser!
Fred and Fiona Flea used to be circus performers, but now they're retired and can't wait to see the world and find adventure! They hop on their canine friend, Amos, and head off to London. After all, it's always been their dream to see The Queen's Crown Jewels. But after Fred and Fiona (and Amos too!) overhear a plot to steal the jewels, they hatch a plan of their own and soon become heroes!
Fred and Fiona Flea: The Crown Jewels Caper is the first in a series featuring two adventurous, brave fleas. Join authors Joan Bunte and Alison Madden in this exciting book that will introduce young readers to the joy of reading, and the thrill of adventure!
Fred and Fiona Flea: The Crown Jewels Caper is the first in a series featuring two adventurous, brave fleas. Join authors Joan Bunte and Alison Madden in this exciting book that will introduce young readers to the joy of reading, and the thrill of adventure!
Monday, June 13, 2011
Indianapolis Book Festival
See us at the first Annual Indianapolis Book Festival, Downtown Indianapolis August 20, 2011!!
http://www.indplsbookfest.com/
http://www.indplsbookfest.com/
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Chicago Events!
Join author Alison Madden at the following book signing events scheduled for June 2011:
Saturday 11th June at 10am: Little Beans Cafe, 1809 W. Webster, Chicago 60614 http://www.littlebeanscafe.com/
Sunday 12th June at 12pm: The Angelorum Bookstore in St. Mary of the Angels Church, 1850 N. Hermitage, Chicago, 60622
Wednesday 22nd June at 10am: Just Indulge, 1755 W. North Avenue, Chicago 60622 http://www.justindulgechicago.com/
Saturday 11th June at 10am: Little Beans Cafe, 1809 W. Webster, Chicago 60614 http://www.littlebeanscafe.com/
Sunday 12th June at 12pm: The Angelorum Bookstore in St. Mary of the Angels Church, 1850 N. Hermitage, Chicago, 60622
Wednesday 22nd June at 10am: Just Indulge, 1755 W. North Avenue, Chicago 60622 http://www.justindulgechicago.com/
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Thank you!
I'd like to thank the staff and families at St. Mary of the Angels for their interest in and support of Fred & Fiona Flea: The Crown Jewels Caper. We enjoyed a lovely event at school, and it was rewarding to see the children so excited about the book. Thank you to everyone at St. Mary's. You are the best! Alison Madden
Sunday, May 15, 2011
It is getting exciting!!
So, we have the release date - 2nd August 2011 - and our books are on the way to us!! Niche events in both Chicago and Indianapolis are being lined up.
The first event is a literacy night at Central Catholic Elementary School in Indianapolis on Friday 20th May. Co-author Joan Bunte will be selling and signing books.
Co-author Alison Madden will be hosting an event on Monday 23rd May at St. Mary of the Angels School, Chicago. Alison will be reading excerpts from Fred & Fiona Flea. Books will be on sale, and will be autographed for the students at the event.
Thank you to all of our supporters in both Indianapolis and Chicago!!
The first event is a literacy night at Central Catholic Elementary School in Indianapolis on Friday 20th May. Co-author Joan Bunte will be selling and signing books.
Co-author Alison Madden will be hosting an event on Monday 23rd May at St. Mary of the Angels School, Chicago. Alison will be reading excerpts from Fred & Fiona Flea. Books will be on sale, and will be autographed for the students at the event.
Thank you to all of our supporters in both Indianapolis and Chicago!!
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Contact us!
If you are interested in our children's book and would like further information, please email us at: fredandfionaflea@gmail.com
Friday, May 6, 2011
Check out our Facebook page! Type Fred and Fiona Flea into the search bar, and our page will pop up.
Release Date!
Good news!. Fred & Fiona Flea: The Crown Jewels Caper will be released on 2nd August 2011, and will be available where all fine books are sold.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Parents! Looking for a fun read for your 7-9 year old children?
Fred & Fiona Flea: The Crown Jewels Caper is the first in a series of fun adventure stories featuring two fleas who travel the world to seek adventure. Their first adventure takes place in London, where they foil a plot to steal the Crown Jewels. Fiona Flea's dream comes true when they meet the Queen of England in reward for their brave accomplishment. This fun and heartwarming adventure, about the little guys that win through, teaches young readers about a country's cultural heritage while taking the reader on a thrilling ride.
Co-authors Joan Bunte and Alison Madden - a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law team - had a goal: To bring some integrity back to children's literature. The Fred and Fiona Flea books have an old-fashioned flare, with charming language that helps broaden the readers' vocabulary. Inappropriate language and themes are avoided in this series, so parents can relax in the knowledge that their children are enjoying their reading experience, are learning something new, but are not handling coarse, frightening or otherwise inappropriate material.
Fred & Fiona Flea: The Crown Jewels Caper will be available in stores and on-line very soon. So, watch this space!
Co-authors Joan Bunte and Alison Madden - a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law team - had a goal: To bring some integrity back to children's literature. The Fred and Fiona Flea books have an old-fashioned flare, with charming language that helps broaden the readers' vocabulary. Inappropriate language and themes are avoided in this series, so parents can relax in the knowledge that their children are enjoying their reading experience, are learning something new, but are not handling coarse, frightening or otherwise inappropriate material.
Fred & Fiona Flea: The Crown Jewels Caper will be available in stores and on-line very soon. So, watch this space!
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