Product Details:

A joyous day in which a mother learns the true wisdom of a child.

An enchanting story, "According to Abbey" was inspired by the author's 4 year old daughter and her own unique perception of everyday life. "According to Abbey" introduces children to the use of opposites, initiates parent-child interaction through a Hide and Seek game within each illustration, and maybe most importantly, the moral of the story which suggests that each day spent with your child is a gift that shouldn’t be taken for granted.

The story, told with a poetic voice, is both entertaining and educational for children because they follow Abbey in everyday life. They watch her as she strives to get her Mom to put down the dish towel and pick up the Barbies. Mom struggles for a while trying to find the balance between housework and playing with her energetic four year old.

Children are captivated by the illustrations and find themselves quickly turning the page to see what Abbey will do next.

Like Nathan's Wish (Cyndi's first children's book published in 2004) this story teaches us that life is much easier when seen through the eyes of a child...

About The Author:

Having studied with the Institute of Children's Literature, Cyndi is thrilled to see her second children's book, "According to Abbey" come to print.

From a very young age, Cyndi loved to write...a gift, no doubt, from her Nemom. Like her Nemom she kept books of her poetry and wrote for school newspapers, year books, graduations, and baccalaureate ceremonies. At the young age of 11 she had her first poem published in a National Magazine. The poem was called, "My Mom" and was a gift to her Mom for Mother's Day.

Cyndi's first children's book, Nathan's Wish, launched into publication on an episode of TLC's A Makeover Story in April of 2004.

Nathan's Wish opened the door for Cyndi to pursue her second love, talking to children about writing and how a story can become a book. In 2004 she did a dozen school visits and was a featured presenter at The Reading Museum at an event hosted by the Berks County Intermediate Unit. Cyndi and Comcast Corporation teamed up and spent the day at the A.S. Jenks school in Philadelphia this year as part of the "Comcast Reads" program. Each and every child left with an autographed copy of Nathan's Wish.

According to Abbey, like Nathan's Wish, was also published as a Thank You to the doctors and staff at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Abington Memorial Hospital. According to Abbey is now among the many books available to children who are patients regardless of how long they are hospitalized. Both of these hospitals have wonderful programs where the children can go to the playroom to read or play. The children are taught that the playroom is a "safe room" and no procedures are ever done there. This gives the child a place to get away for a while to read or do crafts or just sit with Mom and Dad. If you can’t make it to the playroom then the staff brings the playroom to you. This is a wonderful example of how the nurses go the extra mile when it comes to the well being of our children. Sometimes it's the smallest gestures that make the biggest difference. Copies of Nathan's Wish and According to Abbey have been donated to each of the hospitals listed above as well as the pediatric wards at both St. Joe's and Reading Hospital.

Formerly of Hatboro, Cyndi now resides in Douglassville with her husband, Ted and her two children Jacob (7) and Abbey (4).

About The Illustrator:

After what seemed like a lifetime, Linda is ecstatic to finally have her illustrations featured in a children’s book. In “According to Abbey”, the illustrator wanted to capture the true spirit of 4 year-old Abbey and her own perception of the world. The vibrant colors, facial expressions and everyday situations emphasize the innocence of a pre-school child’s day- to- day life.
Although it’s been a dream come true to have her work in the book, Linda also wanted to incorporate a fun challenge by hiding the letter “A” for Abbey, in each drawing. By initiating child-parent interaction, reading a story together can become even more remarkable.
As well as illustrations, Linda also creates enchanting wall murals, logos for businesses, paintings in both oil and acrylic, works in various mediums, pottery, and portraits of both people and cherished pets.

Linda graduated from Arcadia University with a BA in Fine Arts (Painting) and Education in 1992. Her pottery has been featured in the “Gallery On High” art gallery in Pottstown PA. Born and raised in Hatfield PA, Linda also lived in Hatboro PA after marrying her husband, Greg, in 1996. In 2001, Linda and Greg moved to Douglassville PA where they currently reside with their two sons, Brandon (7) and Jason (5).
With all my love for Brandon, Jason and Greg~ my biggest fans. You are my life.

Love and Kisses to Cyndi and “Little Fish Abbey”~ Thank you for the chance. Thank you for your faith.

Love you Mom and Dad!! It’s about time, huh?

~ L.E.K.