I would like to start by thanking Tina Turbin for giving me the opportunity to review this dvd and for the interview following this review.
DANNY THE DRAGON "MEETS JIMMY" DVD
The book Danny the Dragon "Meets Jimmy" is a good book and easy for the children to understand and is very colorful
(my review of the book Danny the Dragon "Meets Jimmy" from Feb. 28th post). I watched this dvd and the first thing I thought about was my neice she is mostly deaf from a childhood illness although she is in High School now and has done very well for herself as she reads lips so well. I just think something like this would have been a wonderful thing for her when she was younger. I know that it can be hard to communicate with a child that has hearing problems and I for one fall into the catagory where the family members didn't all learn the sign language as we should have to communicate effectively because she could hear a little bit with a hearing aid but not well enough. I really enjoyed the fact that all children can enjoy having this story read to them not only for the children that can hear the story but for the children that are deaf.
Tina Turbin's dvd is this wonderful book put on dvd for children who are deaf. She is reading this story along with Carol Downing, who is the Associate Director of Blossom Montessori School for the deaf who is interpreting this book.
The beginning of the dvd has a message from Tina Turbin with some very interesting facts and some information about the Blossom Montessori School for the deaf and this school is 1 of only 2 in the United States.
I would definitely recommend this dvd because I think it is a wonderfully read and interpreted book and would be a joy for any child to see. My son loved it and he hears just fine and was intrigued by the sign language and was trying to sign along with Carol as she interpreted the book. I also love the fact that "Tina is generously donating half the profits of this DVD to increase awareness and support of literacy and education for the Blossom Montessori School for the Deaf, and half the profits to other causes which support literacy and education for the welfare of all children. Tina is honored to be able to help".
Nominee for Best Children's Picture Book 2009
MY INTERVIEW WITH TINA TURBIN SHE IS A PUBLISHED AUTHOR, RESEARCHER AND HUMANITARIAN.
1) What inspired you to write your first book?
Life around me inspires me all the time and of course people, music, other authors, movies- so many things inspired me to do this Danny the Dragon book.
2) When did you start going to the childrens hospitals, visiting and reading to them? It really looks like they just love the time you spend with them.
Soon after the book was published I wanted to meet with the kids, families and be more involved than just sell books. I love families and I TOTALLY love seeing the looks on the kids faces when I read the book or when I do an activity time with them. Fascinating and so incredibly satisfying.
3) What do you like about being a writer of childrens books?
I love having and creating these ideas, visions and imparting them to others through the written word. It is my dream come true to share lovely, creative and fun ideas and inspire others to look at life possibly in a new way, a pleasant way, a fun way about the world or magical things. I feel kids can and should have a pleasant childhood and take that into their adult life. I like knowing I can make these changes for anyone- even the moms and dads. I have so much to share.
4) What motivates and inspires you to write?
I was always very imaginative and into the Arts from as far back I can recall but I wrote my first children’s story at age 16.
I had made a decision when I saw on my first born child, that I wanted to set aside my personal goals like writing. I found being a mom so wonderful, satisfying and fun. I soon had three children, we loved to read and play games with books and ideas were rolling around in my little head. I always knew that as they got older I would someday get back into writing again.
5) How did you think up Danny the Dragon?
I have no idea, I have many ideas and characters to still write about.
6) What is your favorite thing about Danny the Dragon?
I love his charm and mannerisms, and of course those big red shoes!
7) When will you have another dvd or book coming out?
Absolutely, as this is the first in this particular Danny the Dragon series. I have a previous book, and am writing a cookbook for kids on a gluten-free diet.
8) What made you decide to add sign language to your books?
I visited a school to do a reading of my Danny the Dragon book and the school works with kids from very young all through High School and they had a number for deaf students. Carol Downing did the sign while I read to these lovely children. These kids amazed me, the staff inspired me and I walked away from that day with a new view on many aspects, and so did my photographer who came with me for the reading. I got in the car and my ideas starting rolling away on how I could help or do more. I first attended a fund raiser and donated to that and that was not enough. So now we have the DVD as well. The profits of this DVD all are donated by me to the school and areas of Literacy and education. Statistically, HS deaf styidents graduate with a 4th greade reading level. I coud not walk away knowing that, and not get involved. I love to help.
9) How do you find the time to write, do research and do all these wonderful things you do for these children and then also have time to educate people on allergies and gluten-free products plus you have a family on top of that? That's a lot on 1 persons plate.
Yes, it is. I have to admit it takes a lot of organization, planning and time. I also surround myself with people who are into what I am doing and believe in what I am doing. This helps a lot and I have an incredible small team that help me.
Again I would like to thank Tina Turbin for the valuable time she spent answering my questions and it has been a joy working with her throughout this interview and also Imagination Publishing Group for supplying me with this dvd.
I was provided products from Tina Turbin and Imagination Publishing Group. This review is of my own honest opinion on the product that I have recieved from this company free of charge to do this review and that in no way influences the way I do my reviews. I am under no obligation to give a positive or negativereview. All reviews are of my own thoughts and should not influence a non-purchase on any item soley based on my reviews as these are only my own opinions.
