Rhymes and Doodles from a Wind-Up Toy

RHYMES and DOODLES from A WIND-UP TOY 978-0-9886784-0-8 by Martha Sears West (Cloth with Jacket) Also available in paperback 978-0-9886784-4-6 for $13.95.

Debut author West is called by ForeWord Review a "sister in rhymes" with Shel Silverstein, A.A. Milne, and Ogden Nash. Here she offers some 80 whimsical poems that delight children and grown-ups alike. Why a Wind-up Toy? Because long after bedtime for a sleepless year, the wide-ranging subjects danced in her head, refusing to leave and winding West into nightly, sprightly spree. 6.14 x 9.21. Fully illustrated. 90 pp. (Available now)

Reviews:

ForeWord Reviews ' Karen McCarthy writes that West "focuses on the joy and magic of childhood, and how adults can retain a childlike sense of wonder. All [West's poems] are composed with flawless rhythms and inspired rhymes...This book is an absolute delight."

The book is for children as well as adults, agrees West's grandson, age 12: "Wow, it's great! And it's not even stupid or anything."

Connie Bennion of Half Moon Bay, California, writes that "West has the gifts that I choose for our private library: Wisdom, Wit, Truth, Tenderness, Clever turns, Laugh-out-loud surprise lines, Gentle touches...and delicious art work. The world is going to wonder where Martha Sears West has been."

Biographical Note:

As a child in Bethesda, Maryland, West used to lie in a pile of leaves with pencil and paper, trying to compose poems of profound incomprehensibleness. She was so successful that she couldn't understand them herself. She now prefers crafting rhymes that she can understand, and that make others smile. She hopes the occasional reader will chortle, "Aha!"-possibly out loud, and in a library.

West is married to a man named Steve who has cheered her on in many endeavors, including being a full-time mother. When she was in her fifties, he made many a peanut butter sandwich while she was earning a B.A. in linguistics from the University of Maryland. Love and admiration for friends and family inspire many of the thoughts Martha Sears West shares. She writes under the motto "Clean, Kind World."

Genesis of book:

Rhymes and Doodles began primarily as a book of rhymes for grownups. But as the author-a mother of three and grandmother of 10-began playing with the words, she couldn't keep a lid on her childish glee, nor could she refrain from doodling in what once were empty margins. Packed with surprises for people of all ages, these fanciful rhymes entertain without being edgy. They will make you laugh and cry.

Warning: Expect to break out in rhyme yourself upon exposure! A properly placed bookmark can personalize Rhymes and Doodles for many interests, making it an ideal gift.

Publisher Marketing: Targeted national trade launch-date campaign to reviewers, award and festival entities, electronic/social media/direct-mail to vendors and public, author book signings, and other special event audiences.