Natasha Smith is a well known Fitness and Nutrition identity out of New Zealand and Australia. She is best known as co-founder of Aspiring Adventurers, an online fitness and nutrition platform offering services to clients internationally.
Weathering the Storm with Jon Sadler- Epilepsy Warrior and Advocate, Author
Jon Sadler out of Washington NC- a former engineer instrumental in the creation of the Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington DC, an avid sailor and epilepsy warrior and advocate turned author- has published inspirational books to help individuals struggling with their own battles by sharing his personal lifelong experiences, his faith and the power of hope. Listen to our inspirational conversation here on Hodge Podge!
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Paul Attaway- Author of Blood in the Low Country
Paul Attaway retired from a thirty-year business career in Arizona, and moved across the country to Charleston, South Carolina—back to his Southern roots where he published his debut novel, Blood in the Low Country.
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Acclaimed Novelist Bren McClain Talks Southern Fiction
Critically Acclaimed Southern Fiction Novelist Bren McClain joined me on Hodge Podge to talk about her fabulous award-winning debut novel, One Good Mama Bone. She talks about the inspiration behind her novel and offers wonderful advice for aspiring writers as well as her work in progress that has already earned the William Faulkner Novel-In-Progress Award.
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The Balanced B- Brittany Moore
Brittany Moore is a Certified Holistic Health Coach, iRest Meditation Teacher, 200 Hour Trauma Informed Yoga Teacher and Nationally Certified School Psychologist. She is the mastermind behind The Balanced B— a virtual studio that offers holistic health coaching- specializing in hormone balancing, stress reduction and self-discovery, as well as group and private yoga classes and more! Listen now!
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Chef Asata Reid Helps Parents Raise Healthy Eaters
Chef Asata Reid is teaching parents how to feed their kids through the pages of her debut book and as a health educator with Small Bites Adventure Club!
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Children’s Book Review- Designed to Shine! Volume Two
Joy Resor has published a second book in her award-winning Designed to Shine series. Her newest debut is a lovely rhyme-filled book perfect for little readers and the young at heart!
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Stacy Hawks- Dividing Ridge Author and The Writing Wall Podcast Host
Stacy Hawks hails from the gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina which inspires her writing. She is the author of Dividing Ridge: the Unsolved Murder of Elva Brannock, Inked in Blue & two poetry collections. Currently, she is working on her second novel due out later this year. In January, she was invited to be the host of Hooked on Books, an author Q&A series for Alleghany Writers.
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Shermaine Perry-Knights Publishes Book Series to Help a New Generation of Military Kids
Shermaine Perry-Knights has given military families a true gift through the pages of her awesome children’s book series, I Move A Lot and That’s Okay! The book series goes through all of the stages of a Permanent Change of Station (PCS)- a move between one duty station and another. For a child, this can be difficult as you have to pick up and move from your home to a whole new place. Sometimes within the United States and other times, across the world. In her book, she provides relatable, detailed descriptions of this process through sweet stories about military kids experiencing a PCS.
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Donetta Gray Wilson debuts “Big God! Big Dreams! Dreams of a Dancer”
Donetta Gray Wilson has created a beautiful book to inspire young readers to go after their dreams! BIG GOD! BIG Dreams! provides hope, encouragement, and inspiration to young readers to dream big. The precious main character and little ballerina, Anna along with her friends, explore their BIG DREAMS and use their faith to achieve each God-given dream.
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Punam V. Saxena- Parent Power: Navigate School and Beyond
Listen to my inspirational conversation with the author of Parent Power: Navigate School and Beyond, Punam V. Saxena, M.Ed. Parent Impact Coach on Hodge Podge Podcast HERE!
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Children’s Book Review- Captain Fantastic and the Chocolate Planet
In the newest release in the series by author Tommy Balaam, Captain Fantastic and his four-legged friend visit a planet made of CHOCOLATE and CONFECTIONS! What kiddo doesn’t dream of living in a world made of candies and treats!? The super duo think they have landed on the best planet in the universe. They explore from Cookie Dough Cove to Mount Honeycomb underneath marshmallow clouds. It seems to be a dream come true!
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Deanna Anderson- Mom’s Making It Together
On March 15, 2020, as COVID-19 quickly became a reality for parents, Deanna Anderson started a Facebook Group, Moms Making it Together, for moms to share, support and smile through the “new normal” caused by the worldwide pandemic. The group quickly picked up speed and has grown to 10,000 members across the United States. To reach more moms, Mom’s Making it Together spawned a successful blog and Instagram Page.
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Children’s Book Author, Julie Samra, Pulls from World Travel to Create Rich Stories for Young Readers
Julie Samra is the author of an adorable children’s chapter picture book, Kadoo and Ladoo: Mystery of the Missing Necklace. The book’s colorful pages are filled with sweet messages and Indian heritage. The book features two best friends, Kadoo and Ladoo who live in an Indian village and are always searching for excitement. The little detectives discover their aunt’s favorite necklace has gone missing and begin a journey that takes them seeking clues throughout their village.
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Empowering Reads for Kids- San Diego Living
Change in life can be unavoidable, but change can be difficult for little ones. From moving to a new home, a new school, welcoming a new sibling, children may need extra support coping with some of these big life transitions. Two new #EmpoweringReads can help your kids deal with change and learn to embrace new… Continue reading Empowering Reads for Kids- San Diego Living
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Claire Cain- Romance Novelist and Military Spouse
Looking for a perfect bookclub pick or beach read? Love feel good, romance novels? Claire Cain has your covered. The military spouse, former university professor turned novelist, has authored and published 12 Romance books since 2018. Her books are filled with life experience and joy.
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Marissa Ortiz- Founder of BeU Nonprofit Co and W.I.N.E. w/ MO
Marissa Ortiz is a force of light and hope for women and children. After growing up during her adolescent years in group homes and the foster care system, Marissa has achieved greatness and lends a helping hand to all in her path.
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Mommy’s Big, Red Monster Truck- Soft Cover Children’s Book – Spouse-ly.com | Military Family and Lifestyle Marketplace
https://spouse-ly.com/product/mommys-big-red-monster-truck-soft-cover-childrens-book/ Support an amazing #militaryspouse children's book author and #militarybusiness! Purchase a copy of Mommy's Big, Red Monster Truck- Soft Cover Children's Book - Spouse-ly.com | Military Family and Lifestyle Marketplace Buy Here: spouse-ly.com/product/mommys-big-red-monster-truck-soft-cover-childrens-book/
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Children’s Book Review- Chunck-A-Monk, The Big Black Skunk
According to research performed by author Michael Passafiume, one in five kids report they've been bullied in some fashion. For parents, this statistic can be a daily nightmare in assisting their child process their emotions. Passafiume wanted to create a book to help children accept and appreciate what makes them different from others which is the primary theme in his adorable, newly published children’s picture book: Chunck-A-Monk: The Big Black Skunk.
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Sharifa Johnson Spreads Joy with Books ‘n Bops
Recently on Hodge Podge Podcast, I had the pleasure of interviewing Sharifa Johnson, the brilliant mind behind Books N' Bops- an adorable children's literature program that incorporates dancing and books! Sharifa is a joy and masterfully creates a fun, inspirational environment for children to embrace the importance of learning in a super fun way.
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Children’s Book Review: Enough is Enough by Tools of the Heart
Enough is Enough Dare to be Yourself When life gets us down and does not go our way, it's not always easy to communicate our feelings in a respectful way. Sometimes, it's easy to allow our emotions to take over our hearts and mouths. In Enough is Enough, book seven of Tools of the Heart's… Continue reading Children’s Book Review: Enough is Enough by Tools of the Heart
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The River- Best Shop on HWY 33 East in Beaufort County, NC
The River- located at Cox’s Crossroads in Richland Township on HWY 33 East Beaufort County, NC- Recently, I was thrilled to visit The River- house and home Co. nearby my parent’s home on the Pamlico River in Core Point, North Carolina. The new store was a sight for sore eyes in an area that over… Continue reading The River- Best Shop on HWY 33 East in Beaufort County, NC
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Mommy’s Big, Red Monster Truck— Storytime w/Kayla
Check out this amazing storytime with storyteller Kayla Pearce!
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Children’s Book Review: The Choice by Tools of the Heart
We each have an inner voice that speaks to us. There is a hunch, a feeling in our gut-- upon every new situation or encounter. This inner feeling and voice helps us stay true to ourselves in every situation. Learning to listen to the voice inside of us is very important. In The Choice by Tools of the Heart, Colin the strong oak tree is approached by Grubber the raccoon. Grubber is not very nice nor is he a very good listener. Colin becomes a bit suspicious of the new forest acquaintance who has come to visit. Colin's inner voice questions Grubber's true intentions.
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Military Community
Checkout these amazing military- related organizations, topics and individuals! Porch Talk: Three Friends Discuss Coping During #Covid-19 #Pandemic Kellie Artis, Millie COO— Helping military families PCS during pandemic with help from Lowe’s Home Improvement #LetsPCSTogether Monica Fullerton- Founder of Spouse-ly, Air Force Spouse, Momprenuer, Connecting the Military Community Spouse-ly.com| Military Family and Lifestyle Marketplace Erika… Continue reading Military Community
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Foodie
I like to eat, y’all. All the foods. All the fun places to eat food. All the hidden away, country backroad spots. All the fancy cafes and tapas bistros. All the dives and diners. Just give me the food. Look here for some of my favorite spots and recipes— for a little food inspiration: Dandelions… Continue reading Foodie
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Interview with Tommy Balaam, Captain Fantastic— UK’s #1 Entertainment Company!
Tommy Balaam is the founder of Captain Fantastic, voted the UK's no. 1 children's entertainment company. Tommy is trained as an actor, graduating in 2009 from the East 15 acting school. He has loved his career within the arts, including a range of different roles. As well as acting, Tommy has always had a love of music and performs regularly with his band, Dirty Mitts. Tommy's wealth of performance experience, combined with his creativity and flair, is at the heart and soul of the Captain Fantastic brand. His passion is in putting every effort into creating truly unforgettable experiences.
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20 Santa Approved Children’s Book Author’s Works
Read my list of 20 Santa approved children’s book authors whose amazing works should be under your Christmas Tree for the young readers in your life! 🌲 📚 🎅🏻
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Book Launch Party- The Seasons of Campbell’s Creek
This Saturday, we will be celebrating the publication of “The Seasons of Campbell’s Creek”— a gorgeous historical anthology co-authored by my mom Julia Austin Paul, Kay Austin and Sue Hedrick Duclos.
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Landis Wade- Retired Trial Attorney Turned Novelist and Charlotte Readers Podcast Host
Landis Wade is a self-described recovering trial lawyer who followed in his late journalist grandfather's footsteps byway of writing to become an award-winning author as well as the creator and host of Charlotte Reader's Podcast. Charlotte Reader's Podcast encourages authors to read and talk about their award-winning, published and emerging works-- and was voted Charlotte's best podcast in 2019. His goal is to use the medium of podcasting to build a community of readers and writers where authors give voice to their written words.
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Memorial Day is a Tough Day for Many
As most people get to enjoy some much needed R&R today on Memorial Day, there are many who are directly impacted by its sentiment. These individuals have lost fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, sons, daughters, uncles, aunts, friends and teammates. Survivors have to move forward each year with the guilt, trauma, and sadness which consumes them knowing they are alive and their loved one is not.
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Get DETERMINED to drive toward your dreams!
I am so thrilled to be a part of Women's Business Center of Fayetteville at CEED’s Monday Motivation online webinar this coming Monday, April 27, 2020 @10:00am!
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Danica Thomas- Widowed Army Spouse, Service Member Suicide Awareness Advocate, Susan M. Tillis Foundation
“I want to make a difference and make sure that our Veterans know there are many reasons to fight through the pain. They owe it to themselves and to those who lost their lives on the battlefield and the ones who lost their battle at home.” – Danica Thomas
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Shane McCarthy, Sandboxx Chief Marketing Officer, Keeping the Military Community Informed and Engaged
Recently, I had the honor of speaking with Shane McCarthy, Chief Marketing Officer of Sandboxx an amazing veteran-owned platform that supports almost 2 million service members throughout their military journey. The organization assists recruits, active military, military families and their supporters to stay engaged and informed. Shane, a charismatic and intuitive Irish born and bred young professional, has lead a full array of enterprise marketing and business operation teams, building foundations that enable companies to scale for growth. A few years back when Sandboxx was in its start-up beginnings, Shane was eager to join the ranks of the company's industrious Marine Corps veteran founders and has embraced the organization's culture and mission. Over the past 5 years, Sandboxx has hired 50 team members, half of whom are veterans and military spouses. Due to the nature of military life, most of the Sandboxx military spouse team work remotely which is an extremely important current trend in assisting spouses with maintaining successful employment when considering the obstacles they face from PCS to deployments and beyond. Shane is passionate about this endeavor as well as spreading the message of the important services Sandboxx provides its consumers. He even provided tips to employers on hiring practices involving military spouses as well as advice for spouses seeking remote employment...
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Guiding Wellness to the Military Community
Kelsy Timas is guiding the military community to wellness— one soldier, one military spouse, one veteran at a time. Civilians are welcome to join the journey as well. With 20 years experience in the health and wellness field, she has developed an entirely holistic establishment dedicated to healing individuals from the inside out. I recently received the opportunity to visit Guiding Wellness Institute in Fayetteville, North Carolina to talk with Kelsy about her mission and passion which pours from every inch of her business. The center offers services ranging from yoga, therapeutic massage, facial treatments, acupuncture, holistic life coaching, wellness and nutrition consultations onto to educational courses to include yoga teacher trainings. In addition, Guiding Wellness Institute provides Warriors At Ease programs which supports health and healing of services members, veterans, military spouses and their families through yoga and meditation. The program was first developed in 2006 in partnership with Department of Defense-funded research at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Through the programs success, a teacher training curriculum was developed to meet the growing demand of specially-trained instructors to share the benefits of WAE to the military community. WAE has grown to a network of 750 plus teachers worldwide who serve warriors and their families in the United States and abroad. One of the most unique features offered at the institute are FREE (yes, you read that right... FREE) yoga classes provided weekly on Wednesday (6:30-7:30pm), Thursday (6:30-7:30pm) and Friday (9:15a-10:30am) for all active & retired military to include military spouses and their family members. Kelsy and I spoke in depth about the many beneficial services Guiding Wellness Institute provides. You can listen 👂 to our conversation here on Hodge Podge Podcast 👉: https://anchor.fm/jalisonpaulyahoocom/episodes/Kelsy-Timas--Guiding-Wellness-To-the-Military-Community-eamm03
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Jenny Bell- Go Fayetteville Blog, Fayetteville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau
It was only natural my first post of the new year would be an interview with a delightful and brilliant woman who shares a mutual love of Fayetteville, North Carolina. The same woman who welcomed me with open arms nearly a year ago to be a part of Fayetteville Bloggers Network, a highlight for me in 2019 as it has allowed me to embrace my community and grow in new contacts as well as friendships with creatives and business owners who share our vision and respect of this All-American City we call home. Jenny Bell , Communications & Social Media Specialist for the Fayetteville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (FACVB), prides herself as a displaced Texan who proudly calls Fayetteville, NC her “adopted hometown.” In her role with FACVB, she promotes Cumberland County as a tourism destination by leading the Fayetteville NC Blogger Network, managing the FACVB’s multiple social media outlets, and writing for the award-winning GoFayetteville.com blog (a fabulous resource for all individuals living in this area as well as potential visitors to our community).
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Katlin McFadden- Marketing Virtuoso, Women’s Business Coach, Brilliant Artist
Photo by @styletobits Fayetteville, NC- Recently, I had the pleasure of speaking with Katlin McFadden, Business Coach with the Women’s Business Center with NC CEED in downtown Fayetteville, North Carolina. https://instagram.com/nc_ceed?igshid=1lj1mzkr0j50c Katlin is a Social Media Marketing Expert, and talented Visual Artist. She is the owner of Katlin McFadden Studio where she is the creator… Continue reading Katlin McFadden- Marketing Virtuoso, Women’s Business Coach, Brilliant Artist
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Tiffany Haywood: MilSpouse 🇺🇸, Mother, Award-Winning Blogger, Writer, Radio/TV/YouTube Personality, Business Consultant
I was honored to speak with Tiffany Haywood— a military spouse, mom to six children, award-winning blogger (The Mrs. Tee Blog https://themrstee.com/), radio host (What's Going On Fayetteville), YouTuber (https://www.youtube.com/user/TeeLoveLifeLaughter/), technology and social media guru, and business consultant http://tiffanyhaywood.com/.
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Mommy’s Big, Red Monster Truck Celebrates First Birthday 🎂
One year ago today, Mommy's Big, Red Monster Truck hit the presses! What was a little dream, became a huge accomplishment. Over the past year, there have been many firsts... holding my published children's book in my hands for the first time, attending my first bookstore author events, first library events, visiting elementary schools as an official author for the first time, reading my book to children across North Carolina, and the list goes on. The opportunity to share my children's travel and adventure picture book has been a priceless gift to me.
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Award-Winning Author Donna Sager Cowan Debuts New Book
California-based children's book author, Donna Sager Cowan, debuts book two in her award-winning Superhero School Series. With the Curiosity of a Cat hits the presses next week and is sure to be a middle-grades juvenile fiction fan favorite mirroring the success of the first book in the series, With the Courage of a Mouse. Preorder With the Curiosity of a Cat on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08136QG26?ref_=pe_3052080_276849420
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Jami McLaughlin- Mom On The Go!, Community Advocate, and Spring Lake, NC Mayoral Candidate
Spring Lake, NC- Jami McLaughlin is a visionary, active community partner and volunteer, mom on the go, and advocate for her beloved community of Spring Lake, North Carolina. She is the creator of Mom on the Go! blog https://www.fayobserver.com/blogs/mom_on_the_go which was voted the #5 Best Blog by WRAL Reader’s Choice Awards 2018. She serves as… Continue reading Jami McLaughlin- Mom On The Go!, Community Advocate, and Spring Lake, NC Mayoral Candidate
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Zombie Walk— Fayetteville, NC
Fayetteville, North Carolina-
Zombie Walk— an amazing Halloween-inspired event which draws thousands of zombies 🧟♀️ and onlookers— occurs each year on Hay Street in the heart of Historic Downtown Fayetteville.
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Stephanie Starr: Multiple Sclerosis Warrior, Woman of Faith, Mompreneur
Today, I had the honor of interviewing one of my dearest friends in the world, Stephanie Starr. Stephanie is a superstar whose light shines so bright. She has overcome amazing odds and blossomed during a time of struggle. She is an amazing mother of two beautiful miracle children, a loving and devoted wife to her husband Adam, a successful and tenacious Mompreneur, a devout woman of faith and encourager, and a Multiple Sclerosis warrior and advocate. We talked about everything under the sun to include her battle with MS, infertility issues, Christian Faith, postpartum depression, and her recent entrepreneurial pursuits in the CBD industry with a local coastal North Carolina-based company, Green Compass Global. LISTEN TO OUR PODCAST INTERVIEW HERE: https://anchor.fm/jalisonpaulyahoocom/episodes/Stephanie-Starr-MS-Warrior--Woman-of-Faith--Mompreneur-e7tpdh
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Looking to feel Invigorated?
In this special FREE Recipe e-book you will receive amazing flexible simple, healthy recipes that will help you Invigorate your life! — Read on http://www.aspiringadventurers.com/free-recipeEbook
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Looking to feel Rejuvenated?
In this special FREE Rejuvenation Strategies e-book you will discover the top ten plant based ways to rejuvenate your lifestyle — Read on http://www.aspiringadventurers.com/Revitalization-optin
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Build an Iron Stomach
In this special FREE Recipe e-book you will receive amazing flexible simple, healthy recipes that will help you build an Iron Stomach — Read on http://www.aspiringadventurers.com/Core
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Looking to feel Firm and Toned
In this special FREE Recipe e-book you will receive amazing flexible simple, healthy recipes that will help you get Firm and Toned! — Read on http://www.aspiringadventurers.com/FirmandTone
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ON SALE NOW! Mommy’s Big, Red Monster Truck: Klakowicz, Alison Paul
Mommy's Big, Red Monster Truck [Klakowicz, Alison Paul] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. Mommy's Big, Red Monster Truck — Read on http://www.amazon.com/Mommys-Big-Red-Monster-Truck/dp/1525530178
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Author Alison Paul Klakowicz – YouTube
Author of Mommy's Big, Red Monster Truck. Watch Alison Paul Klakowicz as she talks about her books, what inspired her to write her books, and how she publis... — Read on m.youtube.com/watch
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