Jerome Becomes Newest Addition to Literacy Program
The Tortorella Foundation’s Literacy Program is proud to share a new book Jerome Finds a Home by author Kristin Wilson and illustrator Michael Bennett.
Jerome is an unusual giraffe with bucked teeth and unique colors who finds himself in a new place without any friends. Through a series of encounters, Jerome realizes that friends come in all shapes, sizes and colors and that fitting in doesn’t mean your friends have to be exactly the same.
Jerome Finds A Home addresses fitting in, friendships and acceptance of other people’s differences 
and is written for ages 5-9 (or early elementary education).
Wilson has already introduced Jerome Finds a Home to 2nd grade students in North Carolina and has two more readings scheduled. In addition, the Tortorella Family Foundation has purchased 50 books to distribute and share with reading and literacy programs.
You may purchase Jerome Finds A Home on Amazon. Click here to purchase.
Wilson is a brand new author with a background in print journalism. Bennett is an established artist and first-time illustrator.
Meet Bear’s Angels – Columbus!
A group of volunteers in the Columbus, Ohio area have created a “satellite chapter” of the Tortorella Family Foundation’s Bear’s Angels program, in an effort to educate the public, especially children, about the ways we all can make a difference in our own neighborhoods.
Bear’s Angel’s Columbus is the creation of Jennifer Harp, a local entrepreneur and animal welfare advocate who was inspired by John and Christine Tortorella’s work on behalf of homeless and abused animals , as well as the Foundation’s dedication to humane education. Along with her mom, Cathy Krumhotz, a retired children’s librarian, Jen designed workshops for young children that revolve around the importance of providing proper care for cats and dogs and raising awareness about the power of kindness to all living things.
At the workshops, children pretend to be “Detective Bear” by using magnifying glasses and stethoscopes to discover animal health concerns like heartworm, fleas and ticks. Using a microchip scanner and ID tags, they learn about the importance of properly identifying family pets in the event they become lost.
Fun activities inspire the next generation of animal advocates.
Age-appropriate books, book marks and coloring pages provide fun activities while teaching about animal care and responsibility, such as how to approach a dog or cat, and providing for a pet’s basic needs like nutrition, exercise and proper shelter.
The Bear’s Angels – Columbus group offers these workshops to local schools and appears at festivals in the area. In addition to the workshops, they will undertake several projects to assist Columbus-area shelters and rescues. If you would like to help with a project or workshop, or to learn more about their scheduled programs, please contact them at info@bearsangelscolumbus. To print out copies of some of the materials they use, or to find books online that teach children about kindness to animals, please visit Do Bugs Have Belly Buttons? a humane education and literacy website of the Tortorella Family Foundation.
A day with Bear’s Angels – Columbus brings together new ideas and new friends.
Books, stickers, book marks, and coloring pages are featured at the workshops.
Bess The Book Bus Gets A Boost
Learn about Bess the Book Bus and its incredible mission to put books in the hands of deserving children. Reading opens so many doors to the possibilities and wonders of the world. The Tortorella Family Foundation is delighted to help Bess on her journey across the country.
For more information on Bess The Book Bus or to help support it, visit bessthebookbus.org
COMING SUMMER 2018 – STUBBY & RUSTY!
Stubby and Rusty is a collaboration by Christine and Brittany Tortorella about a pelican who gets tangled in fishing line and needs the help of a fisherman named Rusty. It’s a lesson about responsibility and understanding that our behaviors, while seemingly benign, can adversely affect sea life and other animals. Stay tuned for the official launch of what some are saying is Tortorella’s best work!
Read Our Books Online for Free!
Visit our websites to read the books for free – click here to read Do Bugs Have Belly Buttons?, Annie & Little One, Tickets for Rocky and COMING SOON is Christine Tortorella’s new book Stubby & Rusty!
Download Bookmarks For Free!
Visit our literacy website to download free bookmarks! Click here to go directly to the download bookmark.
Benjamin Learns To Respect All Living Things – Even Bugs!
Benjamin is a funny little boy from “Do Bugs Have Belly Buttons?” by Christine Tortorella. Benjamin traps and meets a little bug because he wants to know if bugs have belly buttons. He quickly learns that bugs are living beings, and he needs to remember that before stomping them.
Hard Work Pays Off In Tickets For Rocky
Tickets For Rocky was written about Christine Tortorella’s twin sisters who worked hard to earn raffle tickets to win a pony.It was adapted from a true story. Having a dream is important, but working toward that dream is what builds character, whether children achieve those dreams or not!
Tickets for Rocky is about a little girl who works hard to earn raffle tickets. The winner gets a pony named Rocky.
Annie & Little One Go To Preschool In North Carolina!
The 5-year-old class at the preschool in Apex, North Carolina enjoyed Annie & Little One and loved sharing what they remembered about the story, including Little One’s Not-So Little Nose, that Little One said she should buy a wig – but remembered that those silly things about Little One were what made her special.
Christine Tortorella’s niece, Kristin, visited a preschool in Apex, North Carolina and read to each of the preschool classes (2s, 3s, 4s and 5s!). The 5s class were the first class to hear Annie & Little One and was excited to share what made each of them different and special.
Then, the kids stood up to get the wiggles out while hearing The Bug Beat, a song from the CD Book Do Bugs Have Belly Buttons?
You should have seen the wonderful, creative dance they came up with, VERY BUG-LIKE! The 2s class (which was primarily 3-year-olds) heard Annie & Little One and listened to the Bug Beat twice (the 2nd time by request). They had a lot of questions and wanted to share their special toys, like Little One was special to Annie.
We asked what the kids remembered about the story. Jordan, from the 2s class, said, ”It’s so fun when Annie & Little One went to fly up so high, and she lost a shoe!” This video below shows a small clip of the 2s class dancing to the Bug Beat.
Kristin pointing to her Not-So Little nose while reading to the 2s class at a local preschool.
Kristin read to the 2s, 3s, 4s, and 5s classes in two days and the teachers expressed their gratitude for sharing the books with the classes. A 4s teacher said, “I love it. And the journal is the perfect pairing!”
The 2s teachers invited Kristin back to read any time.
My True Story About Bullying
Kristin’s daughter reading Carl.
I am Kristin Wilson, mother of two girls (a toddler and a preschooler), and a children’s book author working through the publishing process. I was not what you would call popular in school. In elementary and middle school I suffered from acne and a number of other unfortunate issues. And I was terribly self conscious.
So when I arrived at my oldest daughter’s preschool recently, and the teacher told me she was removed from dance class for hitting other children not once, not twice but three times, I was horrified. I realize she’s 3, and it is a phase. But she is at least two inches taller than all the other kids in her class and is not petite.
Coincidentally, I received a book in the mail the night before from a close friend. The book is called Carl – A True Story About Bullying by Marjorie Everson. I read it to both of my girls the very next morning. It was a little wordy for my little ones at first, but the illustrations and concept was not lost on my 3-year-old! I was so excited. She asked me why that boy was crying, and it was the perfect opportunity to talk to her about her actions in class the day before. I told her that picking on people, either by hitting or by saying bad things, was not nice. Because she is the biggest, I said, she needed to look out for other people and verbally defend other people when kids are being bullies!
She got it! I’m far from the perfect mother, so any opportunity to open the lines of communication through reading or activities is fantastic for me.
“What do you do if someone is being picked on?” I asked.
“I tell Miss Mel and Miss Tracey,” she said, solemnly (those are her teachers). I am not sure, but I think she realized then that she was the bully in class the day before.
I do recommend reading this book, from a mother’s perspective, to open the lines of communication about bullying. Even my 1-year-old said, “Oh no!” when she saw the pictures of poor little Carl crying. If my little ones can pick it up that quickly, imagine how the older kids would respond!
– Kristin Wilson
Author & Mom
Stubby Gets a Boo Boo!
Stubby gets caught in fishing line in Christine & Brittany’s upcoming book Stubby & Rusty.
Book Sales Contribute to Foundation’s Literacy Program
Illustration from Stubby & Rusty, by Christine & Brittany Tortorella
Christine Tortorella is a children’s book author who has published several books with music and a dream journal. All of the proceeds from those book sales go back into the foundation’s literacy program. Dobugshavebellybuttons.com features Christine’s stories and other artists and musicians. Christine and her daughter, Brittany, are currently working to publish a new story about a pelican named Stubby who was injured by fishing line left in the water by fishermen in the Gulf of Mexico (near Merry Pier Bate Shop on Pass a grille). The story, Stubby & Rusty, was written by Brittany for a master’s level class project designed to teach children and their parents how these animals are affected by what humans do and how we can prevent these injuries!
The Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary, located along the gulf coast in Florida, takes in injured animals like Stubby, treats them, cares for them and releases them when they can. When they can’t, they keep the birds at the facility. The Seabird Sanctuary rescues between 30-50 birds every day and feeds all of its animals about 450 lbs of herring every day!! However, due to the gulf oil spill and recent storms stirring up the water, fishing has become less productive, increasing the price of the fish. The Seabird Sanctuary is fundraising, with a goal of $100,000, what they expect it will cost to feed the birds in 2013 and keep the Seabird Sanctuary afloat.
For more information on the Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary, please visit seabirdsanctuary.com.
Annie & Little One, featured above, is one of the books available at dobugshavebellybuttons.com
How Did Stubby Get His Name?
Illustrated by Brittany & Christine Tortorella
Stubby & Rusty is a story my daughter and I wrote about a Pelican that gets caught in a fishing line and hook that was simply left in the ocean! His poor little wing couldn’t get free, and his foot had to be partially amputated, and that’s why we call him Stubby! This is a real problem for Pelicans and much of the Gulf Coast wildlife, including dolphins and turtles. It’s important for you to know what you can do to help prevent this from happening to other Pelicans like Stubby.
When prevention efforts fail, places like Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary takes in these animals, treats them, cares for them and releases them when they can. When they can’t, they keep the birds at the facility. Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary rescues between 30-50 birds every day and feeds all of its animals about 450 lbs of herring every day!!
That’s a lot of fish, and it’s getting more and more expensive to feed all of these birds. This and other animal rescue organizations rely on the help and donations of other animal lovers to take care of these birds. The Seabird Sanctuary is trying to raise $100,000 to feed their birds in 2013.
For more information, visit seabirdsanctuary.com or visit our family foundation website at tortorellafoundation.org
Stubby Goes Fishing With His Friends
Pictured is one of the illustrations from Brittany & Christine Tortorella’s upcoming book, Stubby & Rusty. Currently, Christine is working on the music for the CD, and Brittany is working to add more sea life to the illustrations.
Come back soon to see more illustrations and features from their newest creation.
Stubby & Rusty: ArtWork in Progress
Even though our upcoming book, Stubby & Rusty, is about a pelican, I am working on drawing a pod of dolphins for the book. It has taken me a least two weeks to get the shape of their bodies just right. (Pictured to the right is one of my earlier drafts) When I draw animals, I like to look at real photographs of that animal to help me visualize and see the detail of the eyes, body shape, and colors.
I also hope to start drawing some other sea mammals such as sea turtles. Dolphins and sea turtles are both my favorite marine animals, and they are affected by how we take care of our environment. It is important to keep their home (the ocean) clean and pollutant-free so they can live a happy and healthy life.Children’s Village Fundraiser A Success!!
Christine Tortorella enjoyed the opportunity to work at Children’s Village in Dobbs Ferry, NY with 12 young boys and their mentors, as they prepared to perform at the annual fundraiser in May.
The dinner gala hosted over 400 people and featured the boys art work, as they sang “Choose Your Stone,” written by Christine for the event. Children’s Village’s mission is to work in partnership with families to help societies most vulnerable youth. The boys and their mentors, under the guidance of teachers and volunteers, worked together for several months at their after-school program, on “good words” poetry and graffiti art, which was displayed on the big screen as they sang the song.
The Tortorella Family Foundation provided new sneakers and ties, which the boys wore at the event and were thrilled they got to keep as their own. The night was a success for the Children’s Village, as the Board of Directors, staff and guests watched these young people stand bravely and perform the song and poetry they helped create. Each guest was invited to take a ‘good word stone’ painted by the boys, from their table center piece, to remind them “we all choose” what we do to help others. For more information on this event and on the services provided to NYC area youth at risk, please visit www.ChildrensVillage.org.
Brittany Tortorella Reads to the Children
Brittany Tortorella makes a special visit to read to the children. The children especially enjoyed listening to Annie and Little One, the musical story book about self esteem and friendship.
Miss Tortorella has a Masters in Childhood Education and is working in elementary education in New York state. She was a “reading guest” to Miss Sammi Arndt’s first grade classroom at Corr Elementary in Apollo Beach, Florida.
Brittany Tortorella was a “reading guest” to Miss Sammi Arndt’s first grade classroom at Corr Elementary in Apollo Beach, Florida.
Brittany is working toward establishing a career in education and is developing a reading and writing program for the Tortorella Family Foundation.All the children in the classroom received their own copy of “Annie and Little One” and a story book journal to use in writing and drawing their own stories. The children were overjoyed to use them during their writer’s work shop time.
Christine Tortorella has written several books, which can be found at www.dobugshavebellybuttons.com. All of the proceeds from the sales of her books go back into the Tortorella Foundation to benefit literacy programs throughout the country. Annie & Little One is now available in hardcover. Click here to order.
Brittany: Why we wrote “Stubby and Rusty”
My mom, Christine Tortorella, and I both love writing, children and hockey. We wrote “Stubby and Rusty” together. — Brittany Tortorella
It all started when I was going to school to be a teacher! I was taking a class at Dowling College in Long Island called Early Childhood Physical and Art Education. I was assigned a project to write an educational children’s book, and my mom and I started brainstorming.
We thought it would be fun to write a story from an animal’s perspective and educate readers on how they can help the environment. This particular story is from the perspective of Patty the pelican. I grew up in Florida, where there is a variety of wild life on land and in the beautiful ocean. My mom and I feel it is important for children to understand what they can do to preserve and protect nature.
We had wonderful time writing the story together, and I ended up getting an A+ in the class and on the rough draft of the book. Now we are trying to publish the story and put together the pieces of the book! Keep checking the website because every week you may see an update on what we are working on to get this book published.
– Brittany
Get Annie & Little One in Hardcover AND …
Get Annie & Little One in hardcover by visiting http://www.lulu.com/shop/christine-j-tortorella/annie-little-one-hardcover/hardcover/product-18963133.html#ratingsReview.
Visit our downloads section (or click here) to print coloring pages and hear the Bug Beat or Old Dogs for free!
Real Life Pictures From “Stubby & Rusty”
The story of Stubby & Rusty is true! It took place in a beautiful island in Florida called Pass-a-grille. Here are some real-life photos from Pass-a- grille, Merry Pier and the Sea Bird Sanctuary, where the real Stubby recovered from his injury.
COMING SOON: Mother & Daughter Collaborate On New Book
“Come gather around - I have a story for you! It’s my favorite kind of story - it’s absolutely true!”
Join Christine and her daughter, Brittany Tortorella, as they wade through the publishing process on their new children’s book about a pelican named Stubby.
“See how good thing can happen from the good things we do?”
Visit again soon to see how the Tortorella women turn their family story into a book!
Illustration by Brittany Tortorella, author Christine Tortorella’s daughter, for their new book Stubby & Rusty.
Alexandra and Kids
Good friend Alexandra Kasas reads Annie and Little One and Do Bugs have Belly Buttons to children, (who all get a copy of their favorite book) at a daycare center in Tampa.
Brittany Tortorella Reads to the Children
Brittany Tortorella makes a special visit to read to the children. The children especially enjoyed listening to Annie and Little One, the musical story book about self esteem and friendship.
- Brittany Tortorella was a “reading guest” to Miss Sammi Arndt’s first grade classroom at Corr Elementary in Apollo Beach, Florida.
Miss Tortorella has a Masters in Childhood Education and is working in elementary education in New York state. She was a “reading guest” to Miss Sammi Arndt’s first grade classroom at Corr Elementary in Apollo Beach, Florida.
Brittany is working toward establishing a career in education and is developing a reading and writing program for the Tortorella Family Foundation.
All the children in the classroom received their own copy of “Annie and Little One” and a story book journal to use in writing and drawing their own stories. The children were overjoyed to use them during their writer’s work shop time.
Author Feature: Marjorie Everson
One summer day, I went in to Lucky Days, a small town annual celebration held in Luck, WI. There right on the sidewalk of Main Street, I saw Marjorie Everson and her daughter Susan, who were sitting at a table they’d set up to display the book that Marjorie wrote, called “Carl.” I bought one of her books, and went home to our little lake cabin outside of Luck and sat down and read it. I love to read children books by other authors to see how they tell their stories and to enjoy the illustrations.
Marjorie, who was born in northwestern Wisconsin, in 1929, and raised at her farm home, did a very good job of telling the true story about what she did when she was young, to help stop a bullying situation at her school. I think the illustrator did such a good job depicting the scenes of the story and showing the emotion that goes along with bullying. I also felt this could be a good resource children book for teachers to read in the kindergarten to third grade age range, for the subject of bullying.
The very next day, I went into Luck and bought four more books to send to children as gifts. One of the books went to my niece, Kristin for her little girls, Jordon and Dani. Kristin wrote an article about how her children enjoyed the book that you can read on our website.
Marjorie Everson
Now we are working with Margorie to get as many of her books into schools (through our programs) as we can. The sale of her books, helps Marjorie, who is 82 years old, pay the bills for her house in the country outside of Luck, where she has lived for many years. We are very happy to buy them from her to share with others. Soon, they will be available for sale to others through a website set up by her daughter Susan, and we will let you know how you can buy a copy of your very own as soon as possible.
The story book that I wrote, “Annie and Little One”, is a lyrically written story about what to do if kids are behaving meanly, and how to think better thoughts and keep your spirits up. The two books together, make a good pair for elementary school children to read, to help deal with bullying issues in their lives.
- Christine Tortorella
TAFT school visit w/Ann Sather
Tickets for Rocky visit to TAFT school this year with Ann Sather
This is the pre school class that she reads to weekly, and the place we visit each year. All the children got the new book and cd of Tickets for Rocky. Ann and I were surprised with a gift from the teachers and the children, of flowers, which was wonderful of course. The children are precious and so well behaved, but we could also could see signs that they enjoyed the music with dancing and smiles. This is the best feedback for me as a writer of childrn’s music.
The message of the Tickets book, which is working toward a dream and how important it is to not only have a dream, but to work towards it coming true. That message is a part of what we share and discuss with the older children in reading and writing classes.
We featured budding artist Amanda Huber, who went to school for art technique and is hoping someday to teach that technique to others who are interested in art. I could use some of that teaching! As the ‘illustrator of the story’, I used some of her art to depict likenesses of family members, as the story is about Marti, my sister and her twin Mary (yes, also my sister).
Halle, Amanda ‘s daughter, contributed the little lady bug you see throughout the story. She was four when she drew the bug. Amanda, Marti (Halle’s grandmother) and Halle went recently to Halle’s nursery school to read the story to the children and they all got cd/books and bags, while meeting Amanda and Halle, two contributing artists in the book. I understand that Halle was very proud.
Book Reading: Washington Elementary School – Mankato MN
“My name is Amy Cain and I am a fourth grade teacher in Mankato, MN. On behalf of my classroom I wanted to say that you so very much for the bugs, bags, and CD’s that were provided to my students. Ann Simmons’ grandson, Dustin is my classroom and I know that she is working with the Foundation. Thanks for the generous gift to my students. They are buzzing about the bags and they loved the music and story on the CD. They really have a passion for books and reading so thanks again for sharing with us. It’s greatly appreciated!”
Many Thanks,
Amy
Amy Cain
1100 Anderson Drive
Washington Elementary School
Mankato, MN 56001
Bess The Book Bus
Enlightening Bug helps out Jennifer Frances, who drives the Bess The Book Bus with donated CDs, books, and journals, to go with her on her journey to New Orleans.
Little Blue is green too!
Hi! I’ve got a new jersey and it’s BLUE! I’m a green bug but I’m Little Blue now as I’m true blue to the Rangers now! So they call me Little Blue! I keep saying “but I’m green!” But I like it! A green bug called LB for little blue. What do you think?
I’ve always been GREEEN! I believe in going green! I turn off the water when I brush my teeth and save a gallon a day! That’s a lot of water a year!
(go check the downloads for a coloring page)
Dobugs CD
Its in! Its in! The bug CD book is done!
Do Bugs Have Belly Buttons?
A book and music CD by Christine Tortorella
Sample Audio
Do Bugs Have Belly Buttons is a story about a young boy who traps a bug to find out if he has a belly button. Instead, he finds out bugs have feelings and are living creatures to be preserved, too. Will the boy ever find out if bugs have belly buttons?
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Sample Pages
Annie & Little One
written by Christine J. Tortorella…
Illustrated by Sally Mohr…
designed by Jen Larcom…
In this musical story, Annie & Little One help each other cope through tough times, reminding each other of the “good things” around them, and especially, the good within themselves. Click Here to read this book now!
Sample Audio
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Sample Pages
Hey Coach!
written by Christine J. Tortorella…
This is a story about a Lightning Bug named Little Bolt who loves “bright ideas.” He travels high above the world looking for places to visit that shine with light. Little Bolt’s job is to gather “enlightening ideas” to share with others around the world.
Sample Audio
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Sample Pages
OUR MISSION
The John and Christine Tortorella Family Foundation for Giving Back, was created to enable our family to reach out to more children in disadvantaged situations, to help others who work to improve the lives of these children and their families, and to help those who protect children, animals and our environment from harm.
We believe that reading and writing skills are the cornerstones to a good education, and that exposure to music and art encourages the creative process in children. Our own literacy program,
Enlighten Your World … READ! is our personal commitment to reach out and encourage the interest of children in reading, writing, music and art.
You are invited to browse our website to see some of the activities that we are involved in and to consider sponsorship of the program. All proifits of book sales go into the foundation literacy program for disadvantaged children.
We pledge to be forthright and involved with each entity we designate a recipient of any dollars we give through the foundation. Our family will often respond to time sensitive critical situations, with our personal support, because the need is immediate. There are often crisis situations, and immediately help may save a life of an animal. This can leave no time to properly put it through the processes of our foundation’s polices of discretion and discernment.
And thank you for giving back to those in need in your community.
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