Blog – Page 2 – Nice Dog Books

Marlon was stumped. How can he cross this busy street?

“Just sit and wait until you hear ‘heel.’ Then you can go.” Kukka smiled. “People teach us that.”

“Cats don’t do heel. That’s a dog thing.” Marlon stretched. “Cats do what they want when they want. And what I want is to cross to the other side.”

“That’s why the chicken crossed!” said Kukka, wagging her tail.

“What? Why?” Marlon asked.

“To get to the other side,” Kukka laughed. “It’s the old chicken joke, Marlon. Get it?”

Marlon groaned. “Yeah. It was pretty fowl.”

All jokes aside, you can read what happens next in my cozy cat adventure, “Marlon and the Wide World,” coming May 15.

Welcome to book #3 of the award-winning series Marlon’s Marvelous Adventures. Find Book #1 here: Marlon Finds A Way Find Book #2 here: Marlon and the Scary Something. And thanks for reading!

A new cozy cat adventure, “Marlon and the Wide World” Coming May 15!

Leave a Comment / Marlon, Uncategorized / By DanBailes

It was a lovely morning until Marlon found his favorite puffy toy, shredded…

My beautiful toy is in sad tiny pieces. He gave a low growl. Who would do such a mean thing? Momma Cat? No way. It must be Albert!

Marlon hopped to the window sill. His tail started to twitch. Albert was outside! Hiding outside! Marlon leaped down and rammed through the cat door like an army tank. He moved as fast as a cannon shot to the bushes where Albert’s tail was peeking out.

Uh-oh, Marlon’s about to pounce on his baby brother. You can find out what happens next in “Marlon and the Wide World,” coming soon.

Coming May 15

Leave a Comment / Marlon / By DanBailes

My new cozy cat adventure, “Marlon and the Wide World” —

Is it true? Did Marlon run away from home? Well, I can’t tell you everything that happened. But for the next few weeks I’d like to share some highlights from the story. And I can say this: “Marlon and the Wide World” explores friendship, jealousy and courage with a light touch. It’s a heartwarming story for kids ages 6 – 10. And you’ll see – Marlon and his friends make lots of marvelous mischief.

Welcome to book #3 of the award-winning series Marlon’s Marvelous Adventures. Find Book #1 here: Marlon Finds A Way Find Book #2 here: Marlon and the Scary Something. And thanks for reading!

We’re a Wishing Shelf Book Awards Finalist!

Leave a Comment / Marlon, Reviews / By DanBailes

I’m thrilled to announce that “Marlon and the Scary Something” is a Finalist in the Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is the third award for the book and the fourth for the series! Previously, the book won the BRAG Medallion and was a winner in the Purple Dragonfly Book Awards.

The Wishing Shelf Book Awards is based in the UK. Children chosen from six primary and secondary schools, mostly in London, do the initial judging. With the help of their teachers, they assess the books and decide on the finalists.

“Marlon and the Scary Something” is a cozy cat adventure about friendship, courage and landing back on your paws when misfortune knocks you down. It is the second book in the series, Marlon’s Marvelous Adventures.

I’m collaborating again with gifted illustrator Melissa Gardner on the next book in the series, “Marlon and the Wide World,” which will be available late spring 2023.

You can find out more about the series and the books at nicedogbooks.com

Publishers Weekly features “Marlon and the Scary Something!”

Leave a Comment / Marlon, Reviews / By DanBailes

*Publisher’s Weekly Indie Spotlight* “*Marlon and the Scary Something* is a cozy cat adventure full of surprises, silly songs, and lots of furry fun. Plus, it offers key social skills for building self-reliance and managing anxiety.” *— Sept 23, 2022*

We’re featured in Booklife’s Indie Spotlight!

Leave a Comment / Marlon / By DanBailes

Marlon and the Scary Something is featured in Booklife’s Indie Spotlight on Illustrated Books!

And they quoted me: “Anxiety is a thief. It steals your joy and plunges you into a sea of worry. Without skills to help you stay afloat, your days can be a constant struggle. I grew up with anxiety and it runs in my family. I hope this book can tell a fun story and offer kids a few strategies to help them cope with scary feelings.”

Marlon and the Scary Something is a cozy cat adventure full of surprises, silly songs and lots of furry fun. Plus, it offers key social skills for building self-reliance and managing anxiety. Out for a morning romp, Marlon stumbles onto a strange creature and is caught in a full-on fear freeze. What should he do? Stay and face the unknown? Follow his fear and run?

You’ll love this delightful, illustrated chapter book, filled with wit and wisdom about finding courage, conquering fear and getting back on your feet. Perfect for kids 6-9 and cat lovers everywhere. Dog lovers too!

Storytelling Begins with Listening

Leave a Comment / Marlon / By DanBailes

I think listening is a big part of storytelling. Listening to yourself and your thoughts, listening to others around you, observing the world as you encounter it and letting one moment inform the next until a story is born.

Last year, I saw a cat and my dog in a standoff, each eyeing the other, neither moving or giving ground, yet each energized, at high alert.

They stood like that for what seemed like a lifetime until, finally, the cat scampered off and, in that moment, a story was born.

I call it Marlon and the Scary Something and it was self-published just a few months ago. So stories await us, if we give ourselves time and a chance to imagine the possibilities.

A New Review

Leave a Comment / Reviews / By DanBailes

We just got a new ★★★★ review on the Crowvus Book Blog

Excerpts: “It is a charming book, and one which deals with issues of anxiety and fear in childhood… Marlon is a charming little guy, and his newfound fear (or friend?!) is written brilliantly too. I’m looking forward to taking this book into school – I can already think of one or two pupils who will really enjoy and benefit from this book.

This is a personal book for the author, who explains in the afterword that he experienced anxiety as a child. This really shows – I would highly recommend this book to anyone who would like to discuss fear and anxiety with their child.”

Thank you Crowvus Book Blog for reviewing Marlon and the Scary Something

Describing Marlon and the Scary Something

Leave a Comment / Marlon / By DanBailes

I wrote a new description of Marlon and the Scary Something for the September Publisher’s Weekly Indie Spotlight. I don’t know if they’ll publish it or not, but I thought I’d share what I wrote. I’ve written and rewritten this description more times than I can remember. But I think this is my best effort. Let me know what you think. dan@nicedogbooks.com.

With over 90% five-star reviews, Marlon and the Scary Something is a cozy cat adventure full of surprises, silly songs and lots of furry fun. Plus, it offers key social skills for building self-reliance and managing anxiety.

Out for a morning romp, Marlon stumbles onto a strange creature and is caught in a full-on fear freeze. What should he do? Stay and face the unknown? Follow his fear and run?

Marlon scampers home to safety but soon wraps himself in a web of worry. All day he stares out the window and frets about the Scary Something. Can Marlon learn to believe in himself and quiet his anxieties?