Choose kindness. Don’t bully. Be helpful. Enjoy reading and writing. Respect other cultures. These are just a few of the themes woven into a trio of children’s books by local, Encinitas mom and Author Phyllis Schwartz. The latest is “Laggie and Grillo: An Unlikely Friendship,” which launches March 7.
Lizards and crickets don’t get along in nature, but when a young girl is assigned to write a poem about something that makes her mad – in this case not being allowed to have a pet – she brings a lizard and cricket into her life with wonderful results. Her teacher says she must use words from other cultures to make her point:
Lizards like to nosh, or nibble on bugs, but if the bug had a name, maybe Lag’ would give
him a hug? So, I named that really cute cricket Grillo. And I told Laggie, “Grillo is not
un bocadillo.” “Grillo is now family, not a snack. So please make peace and maybe pat his
back.”
Schwartz has written stories and poetry since she was a youngster and her love of writing ultimately led her to writing and producing local television news and running the NBC-owned station in San Diego, KNSD-TV.
During that journalism career she continued to write her personal poetry and was active in many community groups. Among them, the Girl Scouts, American Heart Association and the American Cancer Society. The latter become one of the most important to her, as she is a survivor of three different types of cancer, over more than three decades. This experience played into her writing her first book, When Mom Feels Great, Then We Do Too!
Her concerns about bullying on the playground, the boardroom, and beyond, inspired her second book, Mom Wombat Says Make War No More!
All of Schwartz’s books have autobiographical elements. The three children’s rhyming picture books also bubble up themes of getting along, respect, and encourage families to talk about tough subjects, while also having a good time, like dance parties and cooking together. Each of her books has an easy to follow, healthy recipe and her latest, also has a fun poetry exercise for young readers. Laggie and Grillo: An Unlikely Friendship continues a third time with the beautiful illustrations of award-winning artist Siski Kalla, who is also now the publisher of this book through her imprint (publishing house), Catch a Leaf.
Schwartz will be signing her book at:
- The iconic Warwick’s bookstore in La Jolla (7812 Girard Avenue) on
Sunday, March 16 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. and…
- On Sunday, March 29, she will be reading “Laggie” in a story circle at the
Barnes and Noble in Encinitas (1040 N. El Camino Real) from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Laggie and Grillo is available in both hardcover ($18.95) and paperback ($12.95), as well as e-book (Kindle, $4.95) formats at Barnes & Noble, Warwick’s, and Amazon.
“This book is absolutely adorable!” said Tonya Francisco, mom and Host of “Daytime Chicago,” WGN-TV. “The artwork is beautiful and helps to bring Laggie and Grillo’s friendship to life. It’s a clever way to introduce young readers to different languages, making learning fun and engaging.”
For more information about the book and Phyllis Schwartz, visit www.phyllisfeelsgreat.com. Additional book signings and appearances will be shared via her social media channels – Instagram & FaceBook.
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