International Award–Winning Book Offers Vibrant Summer Read

June 20, 2012 - PRLog -- Atlanta, Ga - No, her moustached parakeet did not go along when Atlanta author Lisa Kelley recently accepted her bronze medal in the 2012 New York IPPY awards competition. Although her bird JoJo didn’t fly north to shine in the spotlight, Kelly proudly displayed her colorfully illustrated book, depicting that lucky bird, at the event and says she will bring JoJo to some interviews and quieter Atlanta area events. With the help of JoJo, she’s able to share his story in her interesting book that gets children reading, and learning.

Recognized by the judges as outstanding in the Best Children’s Illustrated eBook category, The Lonely Parrot has what it takes to engage kids. It bursts with color and movingly true stories of JoJo, a moustached parakeet. The images grab the readers’ attention and the text captures the readers’ emotions to experience the tender story of rescuing and loving another living being. Sad in the beginning, the story has a happy ending of love and responsibility.

BQB Publishing, based in Cumming, GA, brought The Lonely Parrot to the world in both print and eBook versions. Publisher Terri Leidich says, “We are so proud of Lisa and her book. This is a prestigious award, and having hers highlighted as one of the best out of such a large submission pool is a huge honor.”

Lisa Kelley is an Atlanta area native. She has three loves: family, animals, and writing. She began writing at 12 years old. She always has an animal companion nearby. Right now, her menagerie includes an African grey parrot, JoJo, a Senegal parrot, a cockatiel, and two cats.

To book Lisa and JoJo for an interview or speaking engagement, email Julie@bqbpublishing.com


About The Lonely Parrot
The Lonely Parrot is an exquisitely illustrated children’s picture book inspired by the true story of JoJo. JoJo was a very happy parrot who lived with Sammy, his best friend. But after a while, Sammy grew up, and JoJo became very lonely and sometimes naughty. JoJo desperately wanted a new best friend. But, most of all, he just wanted to be loved.

Author Lisa Kelley, JoJo’s “Momma,” is thrilled to be sharing his story with young and old alike. And Charles Akins, an amazing artist from South Carolina, has created beautiful illustrations that children will love. You can learn more about JoJo, Lisa Kelley, and Charles Akins on http://www.thelonelyparrot.net/. You can purchase the book on BQB Publishing’s online store, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and through other book sellers. The eBook is available to download through iTunes and Kobo.

About the IPPY Awards
According to the awards website, “The Independent Publisher Book Awards were conceived in 1996 as a broad-based, unaffiliated awards program open to all members of the independent publishing industry. The awards are intended to bring increased recognition to the thousands of exemplary independent, university, and self-published titles produced each year, and reward those who exhibit the courage, innovation, and creativity to bring about change in the world of publishing.”

About the Moustached Parakeet
It is a medium bird about 13 to 16 inches tall and lives 20 to 25 years. If they are properly socialized and handled regularly, they will be very playful. They tend to be outgoing, social, and opinionated. The males like JoJo have green plumage, a grey head, red bill, and distinguishing markings the head and face.

About the Publisher
BQB Publishing Company, located in Cumming, GA, http://www.bqbpublishing.com/BQB_Home.html, was founded in August of 2010, to be “the writer’s publisher,” focusing on quality writing from new authors. An independent hybrid publisher, BQB combines the quality processes of traditional publishing with hands-on author involvement to bring today’s new writers and tomorrow’s best sellers into the hands of booksellers and the reading public. Startled by the statistics from the US Department of Health and Human Services that “it is estimated that more than $2 billion is spent each year on students who repeat a grade because they have reading problems,” BQB wanted to do something, and their Raising Kids Who Read™ program was created. To learn more about BQB, visit www.bqbpublishing.com.