Christmas in November FREE

Christmas In November  FREE

A Christmas gift from M. C Arvanitis.  Please print it out and read it to your child -- Or let your older child read it. 

The Red Bird's Christmas Gift  

By 

M. C. Arvanitis

Reggie Cardinal watched the old man walk up the forest path from his house. The man had decorated his house with a green wreath on the door and lighted candles on his windowsills. A little fir tree with red ribbons and glittering pinecones stood by the man's door. He carried a bag in one hand and his cane in the other. He stopped at the mailbox. With a joyful smile, the man pulled a letter from the mailbox. He lived alone and had waited all year for this letter that told him when his family would arrive for their Christmas visit.

Reggie knew that even on the coldest days of winter the old man brought food to the birds of the forest. When the redbird heard the old man whistle for the birds to come for their treat, he joined the other birds on the ground.

Blue jays grabbed the larger seeds and flew to the near by branches to enjoy their tidbit. Tiny brown juncos and yellow finches bravely flew among the bigger birds to get their share.

After the old man fed the birds, he sat on the rock and read his letter. This time, however, instead of smiling at the news, tears came to his eyes. He folded it and placed it in his pocket. He spoke to the birds as he often did. “My family cannot come to spend Christmas with me this year,” he said sadly. “They have made other plans.”

Reggie watched him walk back toward the cabin, leaning heavily on his cane. The old man did not come to the mailbox bringing food for the birds after that. He took the wreath from his door and ornaments off the little fir tree. The candles in the windows went out.

Reggie called the other birds together. “The old man is sad,” he told them. “His family is not going to visit him for Christmas. We should try to cheer him.”

“We cannot. We must be on our way before it gets to cold for us here,” said the yellow finches. They flew away.

“We cannot,” said the juncos. We are too small to help a human person.” They flew away.

“We cannot,” said the jays. “If he is not gong to feed us we must find food somewhere else.” They flew away.

“We cannot,” said the woodpeckers. “We must spend our time looking for insects under the bark of the evergreen trees.” They also flew away.

Only the cardinals stayed. “How can we help?” they asked.

We can not bring the old man’s family to him.” answered Reggie, “But maybe we can cheer him up with our songs.”

The redbirds perched themselves upon the little fir tree by the cabin door. More cardinals appeared. Soon red birds covered the tree from top to bottom singing their sweet song.

When the old man heard them he came out of his house. He smiled for the first time since he had received the letter. “Well now, I have been feeling so sorry for myself that I neglected my forest friends. But even when I don’t feed you, you cheer me up with your songs. We’ll have Christmas after all. I see you have decorated my little tree nicely.”

He rehung the wreath on his door and placed the candles in the windows. Next he brought out his fiddle and played all the Christmas songs he knew.

A loud horn blast sounded above the music. The station wagon drove down the lane with waving children hanging out the window. When the car stopped his grandchildren tumbled out with all the fixings for the Christmas feast.

“The oldest child shouted as she rushed to hug him. “We could not spend our Christmas without our Gramps.”

      His daughter, helping the other children from the car, called to him. “We changed our plans, Dad,” We decided that it is not Christmas unless we can be together with you.” 

     Tears of joy came to the old man’s eyes. Reggie watched as the man led his family into the cabin. He knew there would be no feast at the mailbox until they left but he didn’t care. He was glad to see the old man happy again.

~~~~~

Get more free stories at:    http://mcarvanitiswriter.blogspot.com/ 

Ms Arvanitis is  happy to announce she has  finished her mid grade - to adult historical series, 'Hank of Twin Rivers',  a saga of a motherless boy braving the dangers and trials of living on the merging Platte River. A coming of age story, Hank' grows from a 12 yr old shy boy dominated by his stern father to age 18 when he learns to choose his own way of life. 

Now available at https://www.amazon.com/M.-C.-Arvanitis/e/B007UJWLC4/

New Release - Elephant Answers

Children Picture Book

New release

Spend a day at the circus with a little elephant who answers questions children ask, such as what do elephants do at a circus? What do they wear, what do they eat, do they have fun, and where do they sleep?

Purchase on this Link   Amazon

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Christmas In Febraury

Christmas In February   FREE

A belated Christmas gift from M. C Arvanitis.  Please print it out and read it to your child -- Or let your older child read it. 

The Red Bird's Christmas Gift 

By 

M. C. Arvanitis

Reggie Cardinal watched the old man walk up the forest path from his house. The man had decorated his house with a green wreath on the door and lighted candles on his windowsills. A little fir tree with red ribbons and glittering pinecones stood by the man's door. He carried a bag in one hand and his cane in the other. He stopped at the mailbox. With a joyful smile, the man pulled a letter from the mailbox. He lived alone and had waited all year for this letter that told him when his family would arrive for their Christmas visit.

Reggie knew that even on the coldest days of winter the old man brought food to the birds of the forest. When the redbird heard the old man whistle for the birds to come for their treat, he joined the other birds on the ground.

Blue jays grabbed the larger seeds and flew to the near by branches to enjoy their tidbit. Tiny brown juncos and yellow finches bravely flew among the bigger birds to get their share.

After the old man fed the birds, he sat on the rock and read his letter. This time, however, instead of smiling at the news, tears came to his eyes. He folded it and placed it in his pocket. He spoke to the birds as he often did. “My family cannot come to spend Christmas with me this year,” he said sadly. “They have made other plans.”

Reggie watched him walk back toward the cabin, leaning heavily on his cane. The old man did not come to the mailbox bringing food for the birds after that. He took the wreath from his door and ornaments off the little fir tree. The candles in the windows went out.

Reggie called the other birds together. “The old man is sad,” he told them. “His family is not going to visit him for Christmas. We should try to cheer him.”

“We cannot. We must be on our way before it gets to cold for us here,” said the yellow finches. They flew away.

“We cannot,” said the juncos. We are too small to help a human person.” They flew away.

“We cannot,” said the jays. “If he is not gong to feed us we must find food somewhere else.” They flew away.

“We cannot,” said the woodpeckers. “We must spend our time looking for insects under the bark of the evergreen trees.” They also flew away.

Only the cardinals stayed. “How can we help?” they asked.

We can not bring the old man’s family to him.” answered Reggie, “But maybe we can cheer him up with our songs.”

The redbirds perched themselves upon the little fir tree by the cabin door. More cardinals appeared. Soon red birds covered the tree from top to bottom singing their sweet song.

When the old man heard them he came out of his house. He smiled for the first time since he had received the letter. “Well now, I have been feeling so sorry for myself that I neglected my forest friends. But even when I don’t feed you, you cheer me up with your songs. We’ll have Christmas after all. I see you have decorated my little tree nicely.”

He rehung the wreath on his door and placed the candles in the windows. Next he brought out his fiddle and played all the Christmas songs he knew.

A loud horn blast sounded above the music. The station wagon drove down the lane with waving children hanging out the window. When the car stopped his grandchildren tumbled out with all the fixings for the Christmas feast.

“The oldest child shouted as she rushed to hug him. “We could not spend our Christmas without our Gramps.”

      His daughter, helping the other children from the car, called to him. “We changed our plans, Dad,” We decided that it is not Christmas unless we can be together with you.”

     Tears of joy came to the old man’s eyes. Reggie watched as the man led his family into the cabin. He knew there would be no feast at the mailbox until they left but he didn’t care. He was glad to see the old man happy again.

~~~~~

Get more free stories at:    http://mcarvanitiswriter.blogspot.com/ 

Ms Arvanitis is  happy to announce she has  finished her mid grade - to adult historical series, 'Hank of Twin Rivers',  a saga of a motherless boy braving the dangers and trials of living on the merging Platte River. A coming of age story, Hank' grows from a 12 yr old shy boy dominated by his stern father to age 18 when he learns to choose his own way of life. 

Now available at https://www.amazon.com/M.-C.-Arvanitis/e/B007UJWLC4/

FREE! Month to Month Preschool Curriculum

M. C. Arvanitis, teacher and writer offers you

 FREE

stories, coloring pictures, puppet dialogues, 

art activities and more

  for your preschool or Kindergarden. 

She taught preschool and early elementary 

for thirty years until her retirement and is a

published author of Mid Grade adventures and 

historical YA series.

http://www.ms-marge.com

Ms Marge preschool

Business Announcement

I AM A WRITER

My platform is the world -- my place of business is the internet 

My products are MADE IN AMERICA, one of a kind, and reasonably priced. You can find them at my home office at https://www.amazon.com/M.-C.-Arvanitis/e/B007UJWLC4/

My Products: Books for children of all ages.

Fables of magical happenings for Mid Grade readers 

 Hank of Twin Rivers; 

A series of the pioneer days and the boy who survived the midwestern Trails

And my first picture book for little ones and beginning readers, 'Chicken in the Oven'

The most important advertisement is your word of mouth,  spoken in reviews and is the most valuable way to help your favorite writer. So Please, IF YOU'VE READ ANY of my books go to the place you bought the book  and leave a line or two review. Easy to do - just pretend you are face to face with me and telling me what you think. )  I repeat, "You can find me at my home office at https://www.amazon.com/M.-C.-Arvanitis/e/B007UJWLC4/"

Give me a follow while there. 

(This add is sponsored by the M.C,. Arvanitis Writers Corp. And was approved by M. C. Arvanitis,)

Happy Reading

:) 

~~~~~~

The third book of the 'Hank of twin Rivers's series' now published.

Good News

Author M. C. Arvanitis is delighted to announce her third book of the series 'Hank of Twin Rivers: Riding With the Wranglers' is now available at Smashwords.com and Amazon.com. Historically correct, this third novel of the series takes readers into the exciting life of horse wranglers and battles of the Civil War.

When his father enrolls seventeen-year-old Hank Heaton in an eastern school where he can prepare to be a doctor, Hank instead joins up with Hoss Smith and his horse wranglers who are driving a herd of wild mustangs to Fort Worth, Texas, along the Chisholm Trail. Hank has another reason to get to Texas. Missouri is next to Texas and that is where his sweetheart, Becca Twiddle, now lives. Just after Hank left Twin Rivers, Becca's father had moved the Twiddle family from Twin Rivers to Wilson Creek. Hank plans to find Becca and take her back to Twin Rivers but life interferes. Dangers on the Chisholm Trail and a lone trip through the Ozarks infested with bear and desperadoes take more time than he thought it would. When he finally arrives in Wilson Creek the territory is engulfed in a battle between the Union and Confederate armies. Historically correct, this third novel of the series, “Hank of Twin Rivers," takes readers into the exciting life of horse wranglers and battles of the Civil War

Links

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/636052

https://www.amazon.com/Hank-Twin-Rivers-Book-Three-ebook/dp/B01FPJ0JB0

~~~~~~~

Links to Hank of Twin Rivers, book one, and Hank of Twin Rivers, book two 

The shame of being shorter than other boys his age, and his feeling that his Pa is disappointed in him, twelve-year-old Hank Heaton hides in daydreams and book reading. What else can he do? He can't make himself grow taller and, now that the cholera has weakened his leg and he finds himself limping, he feels even more inadequate. The disease took his mother so he doesn't have her to comfort him, to be "coddled" as Pa calls it. Hank’s only comforts are his pet cow, Clementine, and Ma's fun-loving, fiddle-playing brother, Uncle Mac. When Pa decides to homestead on land in western Nebraska, Hank rebels at leaving his school and friends. Pa’s discipline is quick and painful and Hank has to obey. Unpredictable mid-western weather, stampeding buffalo, and murdering claim jumpers make life miserable on the prairie trail. Hank finds friends in Rusty, a rich southern boy from Missouri; Nora, a teasing eight-year-old girl from Wisconsin; and Moses, an escaped slave. But life really get interesting when he meets another complication to his life, the feisty, red-haired preacher's daughter. Historically correct, this novel takes readers into the exciting and dangerous adventures of a pioneer boy.

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/336710

http://www.amazon.com/Hank-Twin-Rivers-Book-One-ebook/dp/B00E7NKYSY/

Hank, now sixteen, settles with his Pa and Uncle Mac in the Platte Valley where the North and South Platte merge. His father sets up a trading post where immigrants traveling the Mormon or Oregon Trails stop for supplies. In the past Pa and Hank does not get along, although they had settled their main differences two years ago, but conflict arises between them again when Pa remarries. Hank's Uncle Mac is always there to ease the tension.When life gets too tedious, Hank finds comfort in his "Eagle’s Nest, " a tall cottonwood tree that grows in the valley overlooking the merging North and South Platte Rivers. Here he watches the growth of the town. New people settle near Twin Rivers including Preacher Twiddle and his large family. Hank likes the daughter, Becca. Although Becca’s father forbids them to be together, they become good friends and only she knows about his eagle’s nest. The winter is hard and long. Food is scarce. When Hank goes hunting rabbits in the valley, he gets lost in a sudden blizzard and tangles with a mysterious wild creature.Later, encouraged by his new wife, Pa enrolls Hank in an Eastern school where he can prepare to be a doctor. Hank refuses to go. He runs away with horse wranglers who hunt for wild horses in Western Nebraska. When he comes home with his new horse, Lady, he finds that Becca’s father has taken her and her family back to Missouri.

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/539628

http://www.amazon.com/Hank-Twin-Rivers-Book-Two-ebook/dp/B00XLFTOJ4/

~~~~~~~

M. C. Arvanitis is a full time writer who creates books for children, mid-grade readers, and YA historical novels. Her time as a preK and early grades teacher gives her insight into the stories children like to read. She writes mid grade readers books she calls "fables." where she brings mythical creatures such as fairies, elves, mermaids, pixies, and other strange beings to her stories.

You can find her list of books at her  author's page on amazon.com

http://www.amazon.com/M.C.-Arvanitis/e/B007UJWLC4/

(All books including the Hank Series can be bought as print books)

Ms. Arvanitis would be so thankful if you would go to the link where you bought her book and leave a HUG (REVIEW) so other parents choose her books because of your reviews. 

~~~~~~~

Author M. C. Arvanitis at work.

About the Author

Ms. Arvanitis is a full time writer who creates9 books for mid-grade readers, and YA historical novels. Her time as a teacher gives her insight into the stories children like to read. She writes mid grade readers books she calls "fables." where she brings mythical creatures such as fairies, elves, mermaids, pixies, and other strange beings. Her Weston Series, 'Hank of Twin Rivers.' is featured here.

Books M. C. Arvanitis has written and published

When asked, "What is her favorite Book, she answers,

 "I have to admit that my history based series: ‘Hank of Twins Rivers; Journey of Change’ is my favorite. I took Hank's character from my son, who at Hank’s age, walked along the Platte River in Nebraska with me and we discussed what a journey across the country in a covered wagon would have been like back in the 1800’s. Many of his ideas of evil claim jumpers, raging river crossings, wild horse hunting; buffalo stampedes were incorporated into the manuscripts".

Book one and two are ready to read as an ebook, or print book. Book three is now in the production stage. 

                           

Paragraph from first book, 'Journey of Change' chapter nineteen, book one ‘Buffalo Stampede”  

“A low rumbling interrupted Hank’s thoughts. He noticed a dark cloud behind them. He ran toward the wagons. “Dust storm coming,” he hollered. Uncle Mac, shading his eyes looked back. A look of horror came to his face. “Saints preserve us! They be buffalo,” he shouted. “Square up the wagons, JB.” He galloped toward Hank, calling, “Laddie, run!” The ground shook under Hank’s feet. The roar of thousands of buffalo stampeding toward them deafened him. He glanced behind. The huge animals were about to run him down. He stretched his legs as far as they could possibly stretch and ran for the wagon."

Find Ms. Arvanitis books at: 

http://www.amazon.com/M.C.-Arvanitis/e/B007UJWLC4/

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

MID GRADE FANTASY FABLES

(ages from 8 to 12)  

M.C. Arvanitis

??????

"What is a Fantasy Fable?" you may asked.

A moral fable combines the left (logical) & right (creative) side of the brain, so it both entertains creatively and validates certain types of behaviour, morally.

The creative part is the fantasy tale which often involves animals rather than humans. It speaks to our hearts as it entertains us; the ending is the logical, moral conclusion that satisfies our logical brains and seems right.

"Kids don't like to be preached to." 

True, The best moral fables are ones that entertain the reader without preaching but still have a moral. 

My Fantasy Fabels fit this bill. They are entertaining, yet have a silent message. These books are parent approved, with less violence but still exciting and entertaining.

"Why fairy tales for mid grade readers?"

There are so many fantasy picture books for ages 2 - 5, and older fantasies novels for upper grade/YA readers, but few are for the lower/mid grade reader. My books are formatted in short chapter books just for them. 

"Where can I find these books?"

They are available at these links.

Pixies of the Ferns, Fernella's Magic  

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/507196

http://www.amazon.com/Pixies-Ferns-Fernellas-Magic-Arvanitis-ebook/dp/B00S378716/

Print book

http://www.amazon.com/Pixies-Ferns-Fernellas-M-Arvanitis/dp/1508639337/

Forbidden Wings, A Mermaid's Story  

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/247283

http://www.amazon.com/Forbidden-Wings-Mermaids-Story-Arvanitis-ebook/dp/B009UO7HAI/

Print book

http://www.amazon.com/Forbidden-Wings-M-C-Arvanitis/dp/0988982102/

The Legend of ELPanda Paws

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/120937

http://www.amazon.com/Legend-ELPanda-Paws-M-C-Arvanitis-ebook/dp/B007JEWTR2/

Print book

http://www.amazon.com/The-Legend-ELPanda-Paws-Arvanitis/dp/1480051497/

~~~~~~~~~~

Please check out the  exciting Western, Hank of Twin Rivers YA/Adult series from my Author's pages on Smashwords.com and Amazon.com. These e-books will fit nicely on your Kindle.  ---  Thank you.    M. C. Arvanitis

~~~~~~~~~~

M. C. Arvanitis to be Guest Author on Kidtales

Books by M. C. Arvanitis

http://www.amazon.com/M.-C.-Arvanitis/e/B007UJWLC4/

Author M. C. Arvanitis

I am proud to be Guest Presenter on Children's Author Spotlight

March 27 - April 2

Hosted by Wendy Nystrom

https://www.facebook.com/events/1087252577998878/

For one week I will be in the Author Spotlight and will post all my work past, present and future.

I encourage everyone (authors, parents, anyone looking for children books) to drop in and see how the life of a writer is. Ask me anything from how I got started to what my future goals are, why I chose my stories, my writing style, and so forth. Feel free to ask me any questions during the week. Or just stop in and say 'Hi." to Big Fat Chicken, ELPanda Paws, Nadeea, the Mermaid, Fernella, the Pixie, or my favorite pioneer boy, Hank of Twin Rivers.

See you next week at Kidtales Children's Author Spotlight.

https://www.facebook.com/events/1087252577998878/

Lost in the foothills of Mount Hood, Oregon

Let's go where the Pixies live!

Fantasy author, M. C. Arvanitis  offers her fable, 'PIXIES OF THE FERNS: FERNELLA'S MAGIC'. A fantasy for mid-grade readers

And for adults who still believe in Magic 

The tale takes place in the beautiful mountains of Oregon, and tells of the adventure of a young Pixie, Fernella, who is the seventh daughter. Seventh children are born with special magics. She must find her magic before her father will give his blessings to her marriage with the village inventor, Freddie. When the humans threaten to develop the Fern Pixie's home near Sandy Waters, Fernella and Freddy take off in his flyer to find a new place to live. When the flyer crashes leaving Freddie badly hurt, Fernella gets lost in the wilds of the Mt. Hood foot hills when she goes to find help. There she meets a Puk-Wud-Jie. But what good is he? He knows her magic but leads her to nowhere. Fernella is captured by moles. Who will help her escape? How can she find help for Freddy? And above all how will she find her magic?

WHAT IS A PUK-WUD-JIE?  

The Puk-Wud-Jies live in unspoilt forests, dwelling in small and well-hidden communities. They are shape changers and can become any creature. Despite their diminutive size, Puk-Wud-Jies move with great speed and agility.
Who's to say that these little people didn't migrate across the US to the Northwest .. where the mountains are plentiful and the last of the shape shifting pukwudgies can live in peace? 

Cover artist, Mariah Matthews 

Get your copy at these links.  

Smashwords version:

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/507196

Kindle Book: 

http://www.amazon.com/Pixies-Ferns-Fernellas-Magic-Arvanitis-ebook/dp/B00S378716/

Paper Back

http://www.amazon.com/Pixies-Ferns-Fernellas-M-Arvanitis/dp/1508639337/