Many books are written about children moving, but one book gets to the heart of how many children feel about it. In "Making New Friends", TJ expresses his true feelings and concerns about moving to his new home. The main character Browny Big Box appears while TJ is unpacking a box of toys. Browny befriends TJ and takes him on an imaginative adventure, during which he helps TJ gain self-confidence, make new friends, and allay his fears about his new surroundings. By the end of the story TJ has made new friends and realizes he will like living in his new home.

Since it's publication in May, 2005 "Making New Friends" has received a "Mom's Choice Award" from the "Just for Mom's Foundation" for Outstanding Achievement and is receiving excellent reviews. This book is highly recommended for children who are faced with moving to a new home and/or school.

"Making New Friends is brilliantly co-authored with gentle illustrations that are thoroughly age appropriate." Midwest Book Review

"'Making New Friends' beautifully addresses this challenge. I highly recommend it!" Cheryl McCann, Editor, Review Books

"I highly recommend this book." Betsy B. Lee, Learning Abilities Books

"This is a great book for any military child." Tara E Crooks, Host Army Wife Talk Radio

"I found this story touching and I could feel TJ's loneliness in his new home. I think this book could help children of any age." Linda Spiker, Community News Editor, Wytheville Enterprise - VA.

When the author's were asked why they selected this topic for their first book, they replied "We understand the issues children often face, as a result of moving to a new neighborhood or school. Having experienced it ourselves as children and in helping our own children work through this important issue, we hope our book will help alleviate children's concerns about making new friends".

5 Tips for Helping

* Role playing can help your child become comfortable with how to open a conversation.

* When possible, meet your new neighbors and their children prior to your move.

* Reassure your child that they aren't being disloyal to old friends by making new ones.

* Reassure them they can stay in touch with old friends by helping them write a letter, send an email, or arrange for a visit.

* Let your child know their friends, both old and new, are always welcome at your house.

Author's Jacqueline H. Blumenstock and David C. Pool have cleverly designed an entire book series around their box characters. The next two titles to be published in the series are "A Backyard Safari" and "A Christmas To Remember" both of which promise to deliver exciting adventures for "Browny" fans.

More information about the series, authors, and all their reviews can be found on their website www.thebigbrownbox.com.

"Making New Friends", written by Jacqueline H. Blumenstock and David C. Pool Illustrations throughout by Colleen M. Madden 32 pages * 8 x 10 * Maps with Fun Facts For children ages 4 - 10 * Third grade reading level ISBN:0-9764647-1-3 * $14.95 dust-jacketed hardcover Publication date: May 2005 *Note: This is the second edition of this title. The first edition was a small privately printed book with a different illustrator. The second edition is the first to be available nationally.

The books in the Browny Big Box Adventure Series are available from bookstores nationwide, from online booksellers including Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble.com, or by calling 800-431-1579 or at www.bookch.com

Authors are always available for interviews. Please contact Jackie Blumenstock at jblumenstock@thebigbrownbox.com. # # #
About the Author

Jacqueline H. Blumenstock is the co-author of the "Browny Big Box Adventure Series." She admits incorporating into her writing the experiences she has shared with her 9 year old daughter and 13 year old son, who continue to be an inspiration. She is dedicated to helping children unleash their imaginative and creative abilities through her book series.