Spotlight – A Friend to All: Charlie Hoessle, by Diane Key-Biggs

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a friend to all charlie hoessle

A Friend to All: Charlie Hoessle
by Diane Key-Biggs
Illustrated by Shelley Dieterichs
Children’s book, biography

You and your children will enjoy this delightful children’s book entitled A Friend to All: Charlie Hoessle. The book was written by Diane Key-Biggs who worked with Charlie at the Saint Louis Zoo. But the story is told through her son’s eyes.

He asks about the statue of Charlie Hoessle outside the Herpetarium at the zoo and why there is a giant snake around him. He then asks if Charlie grew up in the jungle, why did he like snakes so much, and more!

After hearing him give a talk at a local museum, Carol Perkins, wife of then Zoo Director Marlin Perkins, was impressed with how much he loved animals and talking to people about them. Charlie started working at the zoo part time. He started the education department and then moved up the ranks to become the zoo director. Charlie was the host of the Saint Louis Zoo Show, a weekly public television program that aired from 1968 – 1978.

You’ll want to add A Friend to All: Charlie Hoessle to your list of must have children’s books. With charming illustrations by artist Shelley Dieterichs, A Friend to All: Charlie Hoessle delights with this fun story about a wonderful man who is truly a friend to all!

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About the Author & Artist

shelley dieteriches penguinAuthor Diane Key-biggs is a mom, an animal lover, and a lifelong learner. She has a National Association of Interpreters certification, her Masters of Arts and Education in Multiple Discipline Studies from Webster University, her Missouri Elementary School Teaching Certificate and Washington University Graduate Certificate in Science Education. Diane has been a seasonal park guide at The Gateway Arch and a seasonal instructor at The Saint Louis Zoo and Library for over 11 years.

shelley dieteriches snakeArtist and children’s Illustrator Shelley Dieterichs has been a freelance designer and illustrator for 39 years. She has illustrated numerous children’s books and educational materials. Recent work includes Noodle & Nugget: A Tale of Two Kitties, the Dover Fabulous Fairies Coloring Book, and When Michelle Met the Queen, a new release that Shelley co-authored and illustrated. Shelley has created numerous illustrated alphabets that she uses to personalize products for children, pets, teachers and her Garden Alphabet was licensed for embroidery designs. Shelley’s products and books are available at her website: goodbuddynotes.com. Samples of her artwork may also be viewed online at artbyshelley.com.

Book Blitz: Tsalix Silverthorn and the Maelstrom of Tears, by Richard Siddoway

Tsalix Silverthorn and the Maelstrom of Tears by Richard Siddoway

Tsalix Silverthorn and the Maelstrom of Tears

Tsalix Silverthorn, #3
by Richard Siddoway
Cayelle Publishing/Dagger
Epic Fantasy, Science Fiction, Adventures

With two of the talismans recovered and returned to the King, Tsalix and his friends face a challenge that will take them to the brink of death. Mount Litso is completely surrounded by the Sea of Tabass, which has a whirlpool that travels across its surface. Not only is the water formidable, but the mountain itself is guarded by giants who have pledged themselves to Abadon.The successful completion of this task will bring them closer to the completion of the mission they were sent on by the King. They will have delivered to him the three talismans that lead the way to the Scepter of Destiny.

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Author Bio:
Having retrieved the first talisman from the top of Mount Jinee, Tsalix and his friends are faced with another daunting task.They must cross Shayeksten, the Desert of Desolation to reach Mount Tsood and find the second talisman. Shayeksten is formidable, dry, hot, and covered with drifting sand. Compounding their problem is their nemesis, Captain Nash Doitsoh and his band of soldiers, who are patrolling the desert and are determined to capture Tsalix and bring him to Prince Abadon. If they are successful in crossing Shayeksten and reaching Mount Tsood they must find where the talisman is hidden and then return to Mount Deschee to deliver it to the King.

Richard Siddoway

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Spotlight & Excerpt: The Accidental Psychic, by Carol-Anne Mason

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The Accidental Psychic
Annie Prior Series, #1
by Carol-Anne Mason
Genre: Paranormal Murder Mystery
Date of Publication: 20th August 2021
ISBN: 978-1-8384305-0-4
Number of pages: 424
Word Count: 89,560
Cover Artist: Miblart

 
A horrific train crash turns Annie Prior’s life upside down, by triggering an extraordinary psychic ability that had lain dormant since her childhood.
 
After being rescued in more ways than one by a dark haired stranger from the train, two fatalities from the accident return to haunt her; and as Annie’s new Clairvoyant and Mediumship abilities grow, she is immersed into a realm of both needy and malevolent souls.
 
Despite an ongoing battle with her narcissistic family, and a boss with a dark past which continues to plague her, she comes to realise her strange new powers are also there for reasons beyond the present.
 
She embarks on a life journey helping both the living and the spirit world to gain closure.
 
But, not all are happy with Annie’s new vocation.

Excerpt from chapter 19 The Open Platform

‘Would it be okay for me to continue with this message, Sam? I think I know who’s here for her.’ Sam was clearly relieved. ‘Oh, yes … thank you, my dear.’

Everyone in the hall was relieved too. Annie took the reins, and without faltering continued with the message.

‘I believe your husband is here for you; in fact, he’s standing behind you with his hands on your shoulders. He seems to be steering you in the right direction.’

The lady touched her shoulder, as if to feel her husband’s unseen hand.

Annie smiled whilst she listened to the spirit convey his message.
‘Okay, so this is slightly awkward, your husband has just told me something which I believe is personal to you. Are you okay for me to continue?’

The woman simply nodded, she had never received a message of any consequence before. ‘Well, according to your husband you’re wanting to get married again, but you’re feeling terribly guilty about it as it’s only been two years since his passing.’

The woman’s mouth dropped open. ‘Oh my God, you’re right. How on earth…?’

‘I think you mean he’s right,’ Annie said with a broad smile. The congregation laughed quietly. ‘Actually, he’s giving you his blessing, and really likes your future husband. Was he one of your husband’s friends?’

The lady nodded again in affirmation and put her hands over her face—her emotions erupted. It seemed that everyone in the congregation sighed and teared up too, including most of the men.

Annie began to feel an overwhelming surge of spirits pushing their way in, they had been patiently waiting for years to get their messages across and now finally had someone who truly understood them.


 
About the Author:
 
Carol-Anne Mason is an artist, writer and at the age of 64, author of the new award winning novel The Accidental Psychic.
 
She has lead a busy and full life with many professions under her belt including: dancing, writing songs and performing. Hair salons, tutoring at college, running a night club and antique shop. Although, has continued throughout the years with her painting and writing.
 
Her strong belief in spiritualism has grown since her early teens, after realising her premonitions and intuitiveness was a family trait going back many generations. And after immersing herself into the paranormal world and researching all aspects of spiritualism, she felt herself well equipped to write on the subject. Also her love for reading horror stories from the likes of Stephen King and James Herbert has also influenced her writing.
 
Carol-Anne works from her home in the rural Hampshire countryside of The New Forest UK. Where she lives with her eccentric husband and Maltese terriers, and spends much of her time with her two grown children and new grandson. Also, res- cuing any animal in need—large or small—often to the annoyance of her patient husband.
 
 
 
 
 
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