REMINDER/Local Author Debuts Third Book with Events for Children and Adults.

Business Editors, Feature Writers

REMINDER...for Nov. 4 (Saturday)

CLEVELAND--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 3, 2000

Cleveland author, Sandra Philipson, and illustrator, Robert Takatch, will celebrate the publication of their third book, The Artist: A Max and Annie Adventure in Imagination, on Saturday, November 4, at Valley Lutheran Church's Social Hall in her hometown of Chagrin Falls with separate events designed for children and adults.

The community-wide children's event will begin at 10:00 a.m. with a visit from the "real" Max and Annie, followed by an illustration demonstration by freelance artist and educator Robert Takatch. At 11:30 a.m., Ms. Philipson will read The Artist for the audience. An adult reception is scheduled at 6:30 p.m. A portion of the proceeds from all books sold at the event will be donated to The Gathering Place -- a family center for cancer support. Both events are being held in cooperation with Fireside Books.

Ms. Philipson's inspiration for her books began when her English Springer Spaniel named Annie needed a leg amputated due to cancer. Ms. Philipson saw her dog's full recovery as an opportunity to talk to children about compassion, love of friends and family, and optimism.

Annie Loses Her Leg but Finds Her Way and Max's Wild Goose Chase are the first two books authored by Ms. Philipson that teach children difficult lessons through the characters of Annie and her brother, Max. In addition, Ms. Philipson has initiated an educational outreach program that spans schools, libraries, hospitals, bookstores and dog shows.

"The essence of the books is encouragement, optimism and love," said author, Sandra Philipson. "Annie's story was written to help children understand that losing something important is indeed sad. However, one can deal with the loss, illness or any adversity by concentrating on the positive aspects of life and accepting the love and support of family and friends.

The Discovery Channel's "Animal Planet" will feature Ms. Philipson, Max and Annie, and their universal themes on the "Breed All About It" segment on December 11th.

Annie Loses Her Leg but Finds Her Way explores how Annie and her brother, Max, deal with her illness, the loss of her front leg and her recovery. Both experience the ordeal in very different ways -- Max through denial and Annie through acceptance, courage and optimism.

On the lighter side, Max's Wild Goose Chase is a humorous story about the adventures of Max, a rambunctious dog who constantly disturbs the wildlife along the Chagrin River.

Annie Loses Her Leg but Finds Her Way and Max's Wild Goose Chase are appropriate for children in grade levels K-5. Both books conclude with a question-and-answer writing section, to encourage children to think critically about the stories and to create their own Max and Annie tale.

The real Max & Annie often accompany Ms. Philipson in her travels to libraries, elementary schools and hospitals to bring her message and love of writing directly to children. The steps involved in developing a book and bringing it to print are explained, as well as the illustration process.

All of the children's books published by the Chagrin River Publishing Company have been test read to children at a variety of grade levels. The reviews and critiques of each child are taken into account in manuscript rewrites and illustration modifications.

Literacy advocate and former first lady, Barbara Bush, has described the books as "marvelous." Helga Sandburg Crile, author and daughter of poet, Carl Sandburg, has endorsed Annie's story as "great ... an epic" and has donated copies of the Annie book to the Cleveland Clinic Foundation's pediatric units to comfort children during times of serious illness.

Likewise, the Discovery Channel's "Animal Planet" will feature selected spots in Cleveland, Ms. Philipson and Max and Annie on the "Breed All About It" segment on December 4th between 3-4p.m.

Both books can be found at Fireside Book Shop, Borders Books & Music stores and through Amazon.com and www.maxandannie.com web sites. National distributors include Baker & Taylor, Ingram and Quality Books. Suggested retail price is $17.95 each.

Annie Loses Her Leg but Finds Her Way and Max's Wild Goose Chase were written by Sandra Philipson, reading specialist and consultant, and feature colorful and warm illustrations by freelance artist and educator, Robert Takatch. The publisher, the Chagrin River Publishing Company, Chagrin Falls, Ohio, is committed to producing books that incorporate appropriate vocabulary, detailed illustrations, and themes that emphasize positive aspects of childhood and life.