Summary: Mother's Day is this weekend in the U.S., so here is a lovely story for all the new moms and expectant mothers-to-be out there. "Before You Were Here, Mi Amor", written by Samantha R. Vamos is a bilingual picture book about the preparations members of a family make in anticipation of the birth of a child. The story is read by Carrie Ferguson Weir of Los Pollitos Dicen and Bilingual in the Boonies. Samantha originally hails from the Midwest and currently lives in the Pacific Northwest with her family. "Before You Were Here, Mi Amor" is her first published children's book. Samantha says: "Writing has always been a passion (along with Peppermint Patties, dogs, movies, reading, traveling, Halloween, music, my family, shooting endless photos of my child, and much more). I've been writing stories for over twenty years and publishing my writing has been one of my greatest dreams. I was most influenced to write by my mother, but both my parents, as well as my paternal grandfather and maternal grandmother, are and were excellent writers. I love writing stories for children. My first book, "Before You Were Here, Mi Amor" was inspired by the birth of my sister's children. The idea for my second book, "The Cazuela That the Farm Maiden Stirred" popped into my head as I was cooking. I laughed, suddenly envisioning a cow contributing her milk and a hen offering her eggs. My plot began evolving and I started writing. I have also written a novel, which I am currently revising." Samantha has graciously agreed to autograph three copies of her beautifully-illustrated book for three lucky listeners of Cody's Cuentos. All I ask is that you donate $10, which will go towards paying for the postage and packaging since the book is a hardcover, oversized item. (U.S. addresses, only.) If you're interested, please send me a message with your complete name and mailing address via Cody's Mailbox. Only three copies available, so act quickly. Samantha is also holding a special drawing on her website to give away one copy of her book this summer. Also on Samantha's website are activity worksheets based on the words and illustrations in the book. You can download these worksheets for free and then print them out. Great material for elementary school teachers and parents teaching young children Spanish. Finally, a special "¡gracias!" to Carrie's friend Bob August who professionally recorded Carrie's reading at Fluid Studios in Nashville, TN.
