Does Mommy Love It? YES!
Princess Bubble
By Mommy Zabs on September 30th, 2008
We all know the main elements of a fairy tale. First, we have the beautiful damsel in distress, then a handsome prince charming who rescues her, and finally, the life happily ever after. Perhaps there was no beautiful princess in distress, then would there still be a fairy tale? What does “happily ever after” really mean?
In the book, Princess Bubble by Susan Johnston and Kimberly Webb, the fairy-tale is modernized. Not only is the princess not in distress, but also learns to find happiness within her own self. She no longer sits and waits for Prince Charming, but realizes that he’s not the only key to happily ever after. An article in the Tennessean writes, “Princess Bubble is not anti-Prince Charming, but if anything, Princess Bubble is anti-damsel in distress.”
Growing up, I was told by my parents that I was smart, and I could do anything. The confidence to live a happy life is in my own heart and volition. Heck, if my Prince Charming came along, it was icing on the cake! By the way, he didn’t come along until my late 20’s, but I had lived a wonderful life prior to that
Adding to the new message for girls, the illustrations in Princess Bubble are colorfully vibrant. They are vivacious and bring to life the beauty of a princess who finds fulfillment in loving God, being kind to others and being comfortable with who she is already.
http://doesmommyloveit.com/2008/09/30/princess-bubble/
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Monday, September 29, 2008
Books, seminar help girls build self-esteem
Monday, September 29, 2008
By Jennifer Ackerman-Haywood
The Grand Rapids Press
It's a great time to be an American woman, right?
Girls today can realistically consider every option as they map out their futures. They can run for president, be a professional athlete, CEO, mother or combination of these.
And little girls believe they can do anything. Just ask the nearest preschooler.
But then the world seems to chip away at the confidence of these girls when they hit middle school, that awkward time when many adolescents struggle to find their voice. Once confident girls are suddenly aware they can't measure up to the airbrushed definition of beauty celebrated in glossy ads featuring skinny and voluptuous models.
Cattiness and cliques compound the problem for many girls who find themselves sitting alone at lunch when they desperately want to belong.
Enter Lindsey Williams, a 19-year-old Western Michigan University student, who is doing her part to help young women help themselves and each other. This weekend, Williams will host the "I Am Woman" seminar for girls in grades six through 12 and their mothers.
The event will feature a presentation by Patti Criswell, a Kalamazoo-based social worker, WMU adjunct professor and author of six American Girl books.
"This is a way to teach girls: 'You're not alone,'" Williams said. "Because you do feel like you're alone."
Williams did.
Her family moved from Kalamazoo to Rockford when she was in eighth grade, and Williams struggled to find her groove at her new school. She was frustrated by the way girls would cut each other down and fight over boys.
"My mom was a huge part of getting me through that time," Williams said, recalling how great it felt to have a safe place to come home to.
Her mother repeatedly told her to "teach them, not tell them," and she took that message to heart.
Since 2006, when Williams was in her junior year of high school, she has hosted seminars for mothers and daughters in hopes that participants would bond and develop a support system for one another. This is the last year she'll organize the seminar, funded by a grant from the Nokomis Foundation, because of living in Kalamazoo, but she's hopeful someone might step forward to keep it going.
"I didn't really blossom until I found something that I was passionate about and inspired by," she said, explaining her commitment to social justice and feminist issues.
This is key, said Criswell, 43, who met Williams at a women's conference.
Turbulent teen years
While there are plenty of community resources to build girls' self-esteem through elementary school, many girls experience a drop in confidence when entering their teens.
"Body image is absolutely huge," Criswell said.
And Criswell observed young women today tend to be more passive than those from her generation.
"I think my generation was more likely to speak up," she said. "We were coming off the women's movement.
She said, "women need to speak up" when someone is calling a friend by a negative name.
Criswell said it's not enough to arm little girls with "girl power" messages. They also need to learn how to stand up for one another.
Tools for change
At Saturday's seminar, Criswell said she plans to help girls find their voice and build a bridge between girls and their moms.
She recommends moms bank their time with their children. Invest as much as possible throughout their childhood, so they know you'll be there when they need you as young adults.
She said parents of teenagers are kind of "on call" all the time. Teens are more independent and like space, but when they need you it is often right away.
"Build traditions into your daily life, not just Christmas," Criswell said, explaining this can be as simple as stopping for breakfast on the way to school once a week or joining a mother-daughter book club.
Building bonds
Parents can strengthen their relationship with their kids if they have fun with them, play cards, invite their friends over and make their home a welcoming and easy place to be, Criswell said.
With honest and open communication, moms can express their concerns about the peer pressure and social situations they worry about. Meanwhile, daughters can offer their moms reassurance they know how to handle those situations and ask for help when they can't.
"Letting go is an inherently difficult process," Criswell said, adding it is possible to do so while "staying close."
The mother of a 13-year-old daughter and 9-year-old son, Criswell has spent her career counseling girls and families.
She said it is a myth that mother-daughter relationships have to be awful, but "it's true that it will be uncomfortable," she said.
Criswell and her daughter have been in a book club together for nearly five years.
"I love these girls," Criswell said about the group that includes girls from different schools. "All those girls know they can come to me anytime, and my daughter knows she has all those other moms she can go to."
Shattering myths
Many books have been written in the past decade about girls and self-esteem
One of the newer ones was inspired by the young girls reading books about princesses being rescued by a prince.
Atlanta author Susan Johnston got tired of the little girls in her life reading books about girls waiting to be rescued so she co-wrote a book called "Princess Bubble" with her best friend, Kimberly Webb, to remind girls it's possible to be a happy, well-adjusted princess without being rescued.
"These girls were so worried about having the acceptance of a young boy, and that just broke my heart," Johnston said.
A single woman who has stood up in 17 weddings, Johnston said the book aims to get a positive message out to girls and give their moms a reminder that they don't need to wait for a prince to make them happy, either.
"You can read it at 6 or 36," Johnston said, adding she wants all girls to know, "sometimes, life isn't how you pictured.
"It can be even better."
Monday, September 29, 2008
By Jennifer Ackerman-Haywood
The Grand Rapids Press
It's a great time to be an American woman, right?
Girls today can realistically consider every option as they map out their futures. They can run for president, be a professional athlete, CEO, mother or combination of these.
And little girls believe they can do anything. Just ask the nearest preschooler.
But then the world seems to chip away at the confidence of these girls when they hit middle school, that awkward time when many adolescents struggle to find their voice. Once confident girls are suddenly aware they can't measure up to the airbrushed definition of beauty celebrated in glossy ads featuring skinny and voluptuous models.
Cattiness and cliques compound the problem for many girls who find themselves sitting alone at lunch when they desperately want to belong.
Enter Lindsey Williams, a 19-year-old Western Michigan University student, who is doing her part to help young women help themselves and each other. This weekend, Williams will host the "I Am Woman" seminar for girls in grades six through 12 and their mothers.
The event will feature a presentation by Patti Criswell, a Kalamazoo-based social worker, WMU adjunct professor and author of six American Girl books.
"This is a way to teach girls: 'You're not alone,'" Williams said. "Because you do feel like you're alone."
Williams did.
Her family moved from Kalamazoo to Rockford when she was in eighth grade, and Williams struggled to find her groove at her new school. She was frustrated by the way girls would cut each other down and fight over boys.
"My mom was a huge part of getting me through that time," Williams said, recalling how great it felt to have a safe place to come home to.
Her mother repeatedly told her to "teach them, not tell them," and she took that message to heart.
Since 2006, when Williams was in her junior year of high school, she has hosted seminars for mothers and daughters in hopes that participants would bond and develop a support system for one another. This is the last year she'll organize the seminar, funded by a grant from the Nokomis Foundation, because of living in Kalamazoo, but she's hopeful someone might step forward to keep it going.
"I didn't really blossom until I found something that I was passionate about and inspired by," she said, explaining her commitment to social justice and feminist issues.
This is key, said Criswell, 43, who met Williams at a women's conference.
Turbulent teen years
While there are plenty of community resources to build girls' self-esteem through elementary school, many girls experience a drop in confidence when entering their teens.
"Body image is absolutely huge," Criswell said.
And Criswell observed young women today tend to be more passive than those from her generation.
"I think my generation was more likely to speak up," she said. "We were coming off the women's movement.
She said, "women need to speak up" when someone is calling a friend by a negative name.
Criswell said it's not enough to arm little girls with "girl power" messages. They also need to learn how to stand up for one another.
Tools for change
At Saturday's seminar, Criswell said she plans to help girls find their voice and build a bridge between girls and their moms.
She recommends moms bank their time with their children. Invest as much as possible throughout their childhood, so they know you'll be there when they need you as young adults.
She said parents of teenagers are kind of "on call" all the time. Teens are more independent and like space, but when they need you it is often right away.
"Build traditions into your daily life, not just Christmas," Criswell said, explaining this can be as simple as stopping for breakfast on the way to school once a week or joining a mother-daughter book club.
Building bonds
Parents can strengthen their relationship with their kids if they have fun with them, play cards, invite their friends over and make their home a welcoming and easy place to be, Criswell said.
With honest and open communication, moms can express their concerns about the peer pressure and social situations they worry about. Meanwhile, daughters can offer their moms reassurance they know how to handle those situations and ask for help when they can't.
"Letting go is an inherently difficult process," Criswell said, adding it is possible to do so while "staying close."
The mother of a 13-year-old daughter and 9-year-old son, Criswell has spent her career counseling girls and families.
She said it is a myth that mother-daughter relationships have to be awful, but "it's true that it will be uncomfortable," she said.
Criswell and her daughter have been in a book club together for nearly five years.
"I love these girls," Criswell said about the group that includes girls from different schools. "All those girls know they can come to me anytime, and my daughter knows she has all those other moms she can go to."
Shattering myths
Many books have been written in the past decade about girls and self-esteem
One of the newer ones was inspired by the young girls reading books about princesses being rescued by a prince.
Atlanta author Susan Johnston got tired of the little girls in her life reading books about girls waiting to be rescued so she co-wrote a book called "Princess Bubble" with her best friend, Kimberly Webb, to remind girls it's possible to be a happy, well-adjusted princess without being rescued.
"These girls were so worried about having the acceptance of a young boy, and that just broke my heart," Johnston said.
A single woman who has stood up in 17 weddings, Johnston said the book aims to get a positive message out to girls and give their moms a reminder that they don't need to wait for a prince to make them happy, either.
"You can read it at 6 or 36," Johnston said, adding she wants all girls to know, "sometimes, life isn't how you pictured.
"It can be even better."
Princess teaches value of single life
Book shows that a prince is not necessary for happiness
By ALLISON SMITH
Staff Writer
Who needs a prince?
Princess Bubble is the fairy-tale story of one princess who discovers that finding her prince is not a prerequisite for "happily ever after."
"We want little girls to remember that even if they didn't have a prom date or are not married at 22 or even in their late 30s that they are special and princesses," co-author Kimberly Webb said.
The story of Princess Bubble has Middle Tennessee roots. Webb and Susan Johnston, co-authors of the book, have family here, and Webb graduated from the now-defunct Madison High School in Madison.
As a way to draw in a larger community, the authors asked girls from all over the country to draw what they thought Princess Bubble looked like. There are more drawings in the book from Middle Tennessee than anywhere else. Their illustrations are featured on the inside cover of the book.
The authors, who are single, paid to publish the book themselves because they believed the message was so relevant and they wanted to get it out as fast as they could.
"It exceeded her expectations, especially because she was not writing it to make money," said Shelley Fenton, Webb's sister who lives in Hendersonville. "All she knew was if only 200 or 300 friends and family bought the book, it would be a success."
Nearly 20,000 copies of Princess Bubble have been sold. Since the book was released in August 2007, it has gained national media coverage. Last month, Princess Bubble aired on CNN, and the Today Show featured it last year.
"CNN received our press release, and agreed this was an extremely relevant message for today, and loved that it was delivered in such a light, fun, fairy-tale way," Webb said.
Fenton, who attended the Today Show taping with her sister, said she was impressed with how well the book has done.
"A lot of cute books are out there, but this apparently stands out enough to be popular beyond the scope of the Southern area, which is neat," Fenton said.
Webb, who now lives in Atlanta, said the tale has "intrigued both moms and kids alike."
The authors say Princess Bubble is not anti-Prince Charming, but "if anything, Princess Bubble is anti-damsel in distress."
The message was not lost on Webb's 10-year-old niece, Katie Fenton.
"It's just a really happy book that says happiness is found by loving God and being happy with who you are already," Katie said.
Shelley Fenton says her children still enjoy other classics like Cinderella and Snow White, but love the modern-day references and message of Princess Bubble.
"This is just a happy princess story," she said of Princess Bubble.
Book shows that a prince is not necessary for happiness
By ALLISON SMITH
Staff Writer
Who needs a prince?
Princess Bubble is the fairy-tale story of one princess who discovers that finding her prince is not a prerequisite for "happily ever after."
"We want little girls to remember that even if they didn't have a prom date or are not married at 22 or even in their late 30s that they are special and princesses," co-author Kimberly Webb said.
The story of Princess Bubble has Middle Tennessee roots. Webb and Susan Johnston, co-authors of the book, have family here, and Webb graduated from the now-defunct Madison High School in Madison.
As a way to draw in a larger community, the authors asked girls from all over the country to draw what they thought Princess Bubble looked like. There are more drawings in the book from Middle Tennessee than anywhere else. Their illustrations are featured on the inside cover of the book.
The authors, who are single, paid to publish the book themselves because they believed the message was so relevant and they wanted to get it out as fast as they could.
"It exceeded her expectations, especially because she was not writing it to make money," said Shelley Fenton, Webb's sister who lives in Hendersonville. "All she knew was if only 200 or 300 friends and family bought the book, it would be a success."
Nearly 20,000 copies of Princess Bubble have been sold. Since the book was released in August 2007, it has gained national media coverage. Last month, Princess Bubble aired on CNN, and the Today Show featured it last year.
"CNN received our press release, and agreed this was an extremely relevant message for today, and loved that it was delivered in such a light, fun, fairy-tale way," Webb said.
Fenton, who attended the Today Show taping with her sister, said she was impressed with how well the book has done.
"A lot of cute books are out there, but this apparently stands out enough to be popular beyond the scope of the Southern area, which is neat," Fenton said.
Webb, who now lives in Atlanta, said the tale has "intrigued both moms and kids alike."
The authors say Princess Bubble is not anti-Prince Charming, but "if anything, Princess Bubble is anti-damsel in distress."
The message was not lost on Webb's 10-year-old niece, Katie Fenton.
"It's just a really happy book that says happiness is found by loving God and being happy with who you are already," Katie said.
Shelley Fenton says her children still enjoy other classics like Cinderella and Snow White, but love the modern-day references and message of Princess Bubble.
"This is just a happy princess story," she said of Princess Bubble.
Friday, September 26, 2008
You Don't Need A Prince to be Happy
Junior League of Atlanta Book Review of Princess Bubble
JLA Sustainer writes fairy tale book appropriate for people of all ages
By Katherine Dorsett, Peachtree Papers editor
Princess Bubble is a truly unique children's fairy tale book written by Susan Johnston and Kimberly Webb. The book stars a single princess named princess Bubble who is confused by the traditional fairy tale message that says she must find her prince and get married before she can live "happily ever after."
Princess Bubble uses her "thinking crown" in the book to research traditional fairy tales. She realizes she does not have a wicked step mother, does not live under the sea, not is she surrounded by dwarves like other fairy tale princesses. She also does not need a prince to save her. instead, Princess Bubble is a college graduate, a home owner and is working as a flight attendant to satisfy her desire to travel and meet people. Most importantly, she is happy the wayshe is now!
Princess Bubble is an independant modern girl who does not need a man to live "happily ever after." princess Bubble discovers she is happy with the way her life is...and although failing in love in a handsome prince can certainly enhance her happiness, it does not define it.
Book co-author Susan Johnston says "We are not anti-prince. We are anti-damsel in distress. I want to remind readrs young and old, that true happiness comes from within and is to be shared. We can't make someone responsible for our happiness. The League is a fantastic example of helping others and the joy we get from that experience."
Elizabeth Thomas blogged a message about Princess Bubble on the book review internet site buildingrainbows.com She writes, "After playing Barbie with my daughter and her friends, I was concerned that the girls truly believed the only way to be happy was to find a prince. Had I taught my daughter this? Then I heard about Princess Bubble and discovered its wonderful message."
"Some 51 percent of adult women in our country are single, so I thought the timing of our book was right," says Johnston.
Junior League of Atlanta Book Review of Princess Bubble
JLA Sustainer writes fairy tale book appropriate for people of all ages
By Katherine Dorsett, Peachtree Papers editor
Princess Bubble is a truly unique children's fairy tale book written by Susan Johnston and Kimberly Webb. The book stars a single princess named princess Bubble who is confused by the traditional fairy tale message that says she must find her prince and get married before she can live "happily ever after."
Princess Bubble uses her "thinking crown" in the book to research traditional fairy tales. She realizes she does not have a wicked step mother, does not live under the sea, not is she surrounded by dwarves like other fairy tale princesses. She also does not need a prince to save her. instead, Princess Bubble is a college graduate, a home owner and is working as a flight attendant to satisfy her desire to travel and meet people. Most importantly, she is happy the wayshe is now!
Princess Bubble is an independant modern girl who does not need a man to live "happily ever after." princess Bubble discovers she is happy with the way her life is...and although failing in love in a handsome prince can certainly enhance her happiness, it does not define it.
Book co-author Susan Johnston says "We are not anti-prince. We are anti-damsel in distress. I want to remind readrs young and old, that true happiness comes from within and is to be shared. We can't make someone responsible for our happiness. The League is a fantastic example of helping others and the joy we get from that experience."
Elizabeth Thomas blogged a message about Princess Bubble on the book review internet site buildingrainbows.com She writes, "After playing Barbie with my daughter and her friends, I was concerned that the girls truly believed the only way to be happy was to find a prince. Had I taught my daughter this? Then I heard about Princess Bubble and discovered its wonderful message."
"Some 51 percent of adult women in our country are single, so I thought the timing of our book was right," says Johnston.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Young Girls & Self Esteem
Life is funny! Us older girls are told if we look younger we will feel better about ourselves but the youngest girls these days feel the worst about themselves.
In 2003, breast implants tripled from 3,872 to 11,326 in girls under age 18
Girls ages 12 to 19 spent over $8 million on cosmetics in 2005 (Source: Report of the APA Task Force on the Sexualization of Girls,2007)
CNN recently did a story about the staggering number of teen girls in abusive relationships.
We at Princess Bubble believe that young girls today are bombarded with so much inaccurate advice on how to build their self-esteem—messages that focus on the outside rather than what’s within. We want to change that message.
Three most common disorders in girls: low self-esteem, depression, and eating disorders.
At a very young age we teach girls that they will live “Happily Ever After” if they find a prince. Is this the ONLY option today’s moms want to share with their young daughters? Princess Bubble was written to reduce the overwhelming sense of failure, self-doubt, and despair that many youth face.
Susan Johnston and Kimberly Webb, seek to find an alternate ending to “happily ever after” and change the notion that life begins and ends with finding your Prince Charming. Looking to bolster the poor self-esteem of female youth and the stigma that many single adult women carry, Johnston and Webb believe“this is a book for women of all ages, a story they can believe in and share with their children.” In upcoming adventures, Princess Bubble will travel to distant lands where the knowledge of every new culture will enrich her flourishing life.
The real fairy tale is when our girls realize their value and power to make a difference in the world!
To learn more about Princess Bubble visit www.PrincessBubble.com
Life is funny! Us older girls are told if we look younger we will feel better about ourselves but the youngest girls these days feel the worst about themselves.
In 2003, breast implants tripled from 3,872 to 11,326 in girls under age 18
Girls ages 12 to 19 spent over $8 million on cosmetics in 2005 (Source: Report of the APA Task Force on the Sexualization of Girls,2007)
CNN recently did a story about the staggering number of teen girls in abusive relationships.
We at Princess Bubble believe that young girls today are bombarded with so much inaccurate advice on how to build their self-esteem—messages that focus on the outside rather than what’s within. We want to change that message.
Three most common disorders in girls: low self-esteem, depression, and eating disorders.
At a very young age we teach girls that they will live “Happily Ever After” if they find a prince. Is this the ONLY option today’s moms want to share with their young daughters? Princess Bubble was written to reduce the overwhelming sense of failure, self-doubt, and despair that many youth face.
Susan Johnston and Kimberly Webb, seek to find an alternate ending to “happily ever after” and change the notion that life begins and ends with finding your Prince Charming. Looking to bolster the poor self-esteem of female youth and the stigma that many single adult women carry, Johnston and Webb believe“this is a book for women of all ages, a story they can believe in and share with their children.” In upcoming adventures, Princess Bubble will travel to distant lands where the knowledge of every new culture will enrich her flourishing life.
The real fairy tale is when our girls realize their value and power to make a difference in the world!
To learn more about Princess Bubble visit www.PrincessBubble.com
Monday, September 15, 2008
You may have seen Kacy Stuart, the 14 year old amazing kicker, on The Ellen Show. If you did not you may view her at http://ellen.warnerbros.com/2008/09/fridays_show_closes_out_premie.php
Well, I just received a sweet email from Kacy's dad thanking me for a comment I made about Kacy and our support for her and her talent. Having had an amazing supportive father myself, I was thrilled to learn Kacy also has the gift of a fantastic father.
I believe it is so much easier to for girls to feel great about themselves and choose wisely the boys/men they spend time with if these girls have had a good role model of a supportive loving father/uncle/grandfather. Of course millions of women turn out fantastic without this male support system, but- I believe it is a bonus if you have these men in your life.
We at Princess Bubble wish Kacy Stuart the best and will get "a kick" (had to throw that in) out of watching what amazing things she will do in the future.
Go Kacy!
www.princessbubble.com
Well, I just received a sweet email from Kacy's dad thanking me for a comment I made about Kacy and our support for her and her talent. Having had an amazing supportive father myself, I was thrilled to learn Kacy also has the gift of a fantastic father.
I believe it is so much easier to for girls to feel great about themselves and choose wisely the boys/men they spend time with if these girls have had a good role model of a supportive loving father/uncle/grandfather. Of course millions of women turn out fantastic without this male support system, but- I believe it is a bonus if you have these men in your life.
We at Princess Bubble wish Kacy Stuart the best and will get "a kick" (had to throw that in) out of watching what amazing things she will do in the future.
Go Kacy!
www.princessbubble.com
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Elevated Existence Review of Princess Bubble
www.elevatedexistence.com
A New Twist on “Happily Ever After”
EVERY YOUNG GIRL DREAMS OF BEING A PRINCESS. SHE PUTS ON HER
crown and princess gown, waves her magic wand and hopes to one
day marry a handsome prince so she can live “happily ever after.”
And why shouldn’t she think that? Isn’t that the status quo in most
fairy tales? It was until now thanks to two women in Atlanta who
decided to update these traditional tales. Enter Princess Bubble, a
modern princess who travels the world, helps other people and
finds happiness — all beforefinding a prince.
“You must not make someone else responsible for
your happiness,” is the overall lesson, co-author Susan
Johnston, who wrote the book with her friend Kimberly
Webb, told Elevated Existence. “We both believe
true happiness comes from loving God,
helping others and liking who you are.” This is
the message they hope to instill in today’s young girls.
“Princess Bubble” was written to reduce the over-
whelming sense of failure, self-doubt and despair many
young women face, said Johnston. After becoming
confused by fairy tales claiming she needs to find her prince in order
to be happy, Princess Bubble begins to talk to others, including
married women and even her mom, who encourages her to take the
modernroute and try match-making Web site, FindYourPrince.com.
“Wearedefinitely not anti-prince,” Webb said. “Wejust believe
young girls today arebombarded with so much inaccurateadvice
onhowtobuild their self-esteem — messages that focus on the
outside rather than what’swithin. Wewant to change that message.”
Thanks Susan and Kim. So do we!
www.elevatedexistence.com
A New Twist on “Happily Ever After”
EVERY YOUNG GIRL DREAMS OF BEING A PRINCESS. SHE PUTS ON HER
crown and princess gown, waves her magic wand and hopes to one
day marry a handsome prince so she can live “happily ever after.”
And why shouldn’t she think that? Isn’t that the status quo in most
fairy tales? It was until now thanks to two women in Atlanta who
decided to update these traditional tales. Enter Princess Bubble, a
modern princess who travels the world, helps other people and
finds happiness — all beforefinding a prince.
“You must not make someone else responsible for
your happiness,” is the overall lesson, co-author Susan
Johnston, who wrote the book with her friend Kimberly
Webb, told Elevated Existence. “We both believe
true happiness comes from loving God,
helping others and liking who you are.” This is
the message they hope to instill in today’s young girls.
“Princess Bubble” was written to reduce the over-
whelming sense of failure, self-doubt and despair many
young women face, said Johnston. After becoming
confused by fairy tales claiming she needs to find her prince in order
to be happy, Princess Bubble begins to talk to others, including
married women and even her mom, who encourages her to take the
modernroute and try match-making Web site, FindYourPrince.com.
“Wearedefinitely not anti-prince,” Webb said. “Wejust believe
young girls today arebombarded with so much inaccurateadvice
onhowtobuild their self-esteem — messages that focus on the
outside rather than what’swithin. Wewant to change that message.”
Thanks Susan and Kim. So do we!
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Is Happily Ever After Possible Without the Prince?
by Stacie Haight Connerty
Add Vote
“True happiness,” the book Princess Bubble reveals, “is found by being kind to others and being comfortable with who you are already!” The star of the book, Princess Bubble, is confused by traditional social messages that tell her that she has to find a prince to be happy. Princess Bubble enjoys traveling and helping others, recently graduated from college and is happy, so she seeks understanding as to why she needs to find a prince.
Princess Bubble dons her “thinking crown” to research traditional fairy tales, interviews married girlfriends, and even takes counsel from her mother, who advises her to sign up at FindYourPrince.com. She has princess things, princess friends, basically lives the princess life. But, while all her princess friends are finding their princes and having royal weddings, Princess Bubble is playing the bridesmaid, never the bride. After a fun little adventure, she discovers what the really meaning of true happiness is. With a little help from her fairy godmother (this is still a fairy tale after all), Ms. Bubble discovers that “living happily ever after” is not about finding a prince but finding happiness within yourself. Isn’t this a great message for us all anyway?
I had the pleasure of interviewing Susan Johnston, one of the authors of the book. A small town girl, Susan has always had an entrepreneurial spirit. She has traveled around the world with co-author Kimberly Webb as they were both Delta Flight attendants. Their main message is that “happily ever after” truly is attainable for everyone and especially in the case of Princess Bubble, which is sans the Prince.
“Countless women of all demographics have not only loved the message of Princess Bubble, but have gone out of their way to help us get the word out,” Johnston said. “Many women have told us that their marriage actually improved once they were reminded that their husband is not responsible for their entire happiness, but a gift to share their happiness with.”
Advertiser
We’ve had women all over the nation tell us they wish there had been a book like this when they were young,” said Johnston. “This is a story women can truly believe in and feel comfortable sharing with their children.”
Princess Bubble IS your every day princess…even with her own traditional “once upon a time” tale but an exciting new twist. A more realistic twist. I loved the humor and the nod to modern culture they add in, and this makes the story relatable to young girls and all women today! Princess Bubble really appeals to all ages and you find yourself rooting for her at the end, even without her Prince. Pick up your copy today.
What critics and readers are saying about Princess Bubble:
“A fairy tale for all ages…”
“… a lovely story with an important message for girls (and for their parents) who can read it to help be prepared whatever may happen.”
“Princess Bubble is a ‘thinking girl’s’ princess, one that really thinks about who she is and what is really important in life.”
“… contains cute illustrations and a fun message to counterbalance the ubiquitous princesses.”
“No longer a “Damsel in Distress,” this princess travels the world, helps others, and finds “happily ever after” even before she finds her Prince!”
“This isn’t a man-hating book at all, just a kid-friendly rewrite of the usual fairytale.”
“…an intelligent and freeing response to the classic fairytale story told to young girls through the ages.”
“Finally, a story about a princess that does not need a prince.”
“… a realistic portrayal of the struggle many women still face today; the pressure to meet the man of their dreams, get married and like fairy tales, live “happily ever after.”
“Princess Bubble is such an optimistic character and a wonderful role model for any young girl.”
“3 Tiaras up!”
“This is a story I can truly believe in and feel comfortable sharing with my children.”
by Stacie Haight Connerty
Add Vote
“True happiness,” the book Princess Bubble reveals, “is found by being kind to others and being comfortable with who you are already!” The star of the book, Princess Bubble, is confused by traditional social messages that tell her that she has to find a prince to be happy. Princess Bubble enjoys traveling and helping others, recently graduated from college and is happy, so she seeks understanding as to why she needs to find a prince.
Princess Bubble dons her “thinking crown” to research traditional fairy tales, interviews married girlfriends, and even takes counsel from her mother, who advises her to sign up at FindYourPrince.com. She has princess things, princess friends, basically lives the princess life. But, while all her princess friends are finding their princes and having royal weddings, Princess Bubble is playing the bridesmaid, never the bride. After a fun little adventure, she discovers what the really meaning of true happiness is. With a little help from her fairy godmother (this is still a fairy tale after all), Ms. Bubble discovers that “living happily ever after” is not about finding a prince but finding happiness within yourself. Isn’t this a great message for us all anyway?
I had the pleasure of interviewing Susan Johnston, one of the authors of the book. A small town girl, Susan has always had an entrepreneurial spirit. She has traveled around the world with co-author Kimberly Webb as they were both Delta Flight attendants. Their main message is that “happily ever after” truly is attainable for everyone and especially in the case of Princess Bubble, which is sans the Prince.
“Countless women of all demographics have not only loved the message of Princess Bubble, but have gone out of their way to help us get the word out,” Johnston said. “Many women have told us that their marriage actually improved once they were reminded that their husband is not responsible for their entire happiness, but a gift to share their happiness with.”
Advertiser
We’ve had women all over the nation tell us they wish there had been a book like this when they were young,” said Johnston. “This is a story women can truly believe in and feel comfortable sharing with their children.”
Princess Bubble IS your every day princess…even with her own traditional “once upon a time” tale but an exciting new twist. A more realistic twist. I loved the humor and the nod to modern culture they add in, and this makes the story relatable to young girls and all women today! Princess Bubble really appeals to all ages and you find yourself rooting for her at the end, even without her Prince. Pick up your copy today.
What critics and readers are saying about Princess Bubble:
“A fairy tale for all ages…”
“… a lovely story with an important message for girls (and for their parents) who can read it to help be prepared whatever may happen.”
“Princess Bubble is a ‘thinking girl’s’ princess, one that really thinks about who she is and what is really important in life.”
“… contains cute illustrations and a fun message to counterbalance the ubiquitous princesses.”
“No longer a “Damsel in Distress,” this princess travels the world, helps others, and finds “happily ever after” even before she finds her Prince!”
“This isn’t a man-hating book at all, just a kid-friendly rewrite of the usual fairytale.”
“…an intelligent and freeing response to the classic fairytale story told to young girls through the ages.”
“Finally, a story about a princess that does not need a prince.”
“… a realistic portrayal of the struggle many women still face today; the pressure to meet the man of their dreams, get married and like fairy tales, live “happily ever after.”
“Princess Bubble is such an optimistic character and a wonderful role model for any young girl.”
“3 Tiaras up!”
“This is a story I can truly believe in and feel comfortable sharing with my children.”
Real Answers to Tough Questions Tweens and Teens Face Growing Up
Our friend, Sissy Goff, co-wrote this new book. We wish her much success and wanted to help her spread the word about this important topic.
Contact: Karen Campbell
(616) 698-3246 [P]
karen.campbell@zondervan.com
NEWS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Real Answers to Tough Questions Tweens and Teens Face Growing Up
Authors Melissa Trevathan and Sissy Goff encourage girls as they grow into the woman
God created them to be.
Grand Rapids, Mich., August 18, 2008 – Counselors and Authors Melissa Trevathan and Sissy Goff help
girls navigate their teenage years and grow in Christ in their newest books. Mirrors and Maps: a Girls
Guide to Becoming a Teen and Growing Up Without Getting Lost: Discovering your Identity in Christ
(August 2008) are a compilation of everything Trevathan and Goff wish they knew growing up.
Mirrors and Maps is geared toward middle school girls, and Growing Up Without
Getting Lost is aimed at high schoolers. Both books honestly answer the questions
girls ask while their lives are changing.
• Who am I?
• What do I want?
• What should I do?
• Who do I want to be?
Trevathan and Goff are experts on helping girls struggling with the changes of
growing up. Trevathan founded the Daystar Counseling Ministries in Nashville, and
Goff joined the staff shortly after. They have devoted their careers to helping young
women in crisis, and Growing Up Without Getting Lost and Mirrors and Maps are a
combination of their experiences and insights on girls growing into teens and maturing
into woman.
“What a valuable resource for high school girls! We have known Melissa over the
years as a youth leader, mentor and friend and Sissy as a gifted counselor and
mentor to many teens in our community. Now they are authors who have produced a
work that will help girls all over the country discover who God is calling them to be.â€
-Michael W. and Debbie Smith, Author, Songwriter and Recording Artist, Parents of 5
(About Growing Up)
Trevathan and Goff co-wrote Raising Girls (Zondervan 2007) to help parents understand their daughters
and how to effectively love and parent them.
About Melissa Trevathan
Melissa Trevathan has been a youth director, a teacher, a retreat leader and is now the founder and
executive director of Daystar Counseling Ministries in Nashville. She's worked with kids, teenagers and
adults for over 40 years. She's been a guest on TV and radio programs in the US and Canada and cowrote
two other books with Sissy Goff. When she isn't counseling, writing or teaching seminars, she hangs out
with her old English sheepdog, Molasses.
-moreContact:
Karen Campbell
(616) 698-3246 [P]
karen.campbell@zondervan.com
NEWS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
About Sissy Goff
Sissy Goff has been the director of child and adolescent counseling at Daystar since 1993. She's been a
guest on TV and radio programs across the US and Canada and speaks at churches, schools, youth
conventions and parenting seminars. She's written for CCM magazine and cowrote Raising Girls with
Melissa Trevathan. Sissy lives in Nashville with her little Maltese, Noel.
Author Websites
http://www.melissatrevathandsissygoff.com
http://www.daystarcounselingministries.org
About Mirrors & Maps
Mirrors & Maps: A Girl’s Guide to Becoming a Teen
By Melissa Trevathan & Sissy Goff
Youth Specialties/Zondervan
9780310279181
176 Pages
$16.99
Softcover
PUB DATE: August 2008
About Growing Up Without Getting Lost
Growing Up Without Getting Lost: Discovering Your Identity in Christ
By Melissa Trevathan & Sissy Goff
Youth Specialties/Zondervan
9780310279174
176 Pages
$16.99
Softcover
PUB DATE: August 2008
About Zondervan
Zondervan is the world's leading Christian publisher of books whose authors are noted for their excellence in the craft
of writing as well as their worthy contribution to the ongoing global evangelical conversation. The works published by
Zondervan not only confirm readers' faith and understanding, they also challenge and stretch readers' thinking. For
more than 75 years, Zondervan has delivered transformational Christian experiences through general, ministry, and
academic resources by influential leaders and emerging voices, and been honored with more Christian Book Awards
than any other publisher. Headquartered in Grand Rapids, Mich., Zondervan publishes bestselling books, audio, video,
curriculum, software, and digital products in such categories as biblical languages and studies, biography, business,
contemporary issues, counseling, cultural, devotional, evangelism, family, fiction, history, inspiration, leadership,
ministry, pastoral, personal development, prayer, philosophy, reference, relationships, textbooks, theology, youth and
more. Zondervan resources are sold worldwide through retail stores, online, and by Zondervan ChurchSource, and are
translated into nearly 200 languages in more than 60 countries. Visit Zondervan Books on the Internet at
www.zondervan.com/books.
-moreContact:
Karen Campbell
(616) 698-3246 [P]
karen.campbell@zondervan.com
NEWS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
About Youth Specialties
For nearly 40 years, Youth Specialties has worked alongside Christian youth workers of nearly every denomination
and youth-serving organization. Each year, Youth Specialties serves more than 100,000 youth workers worldwide
through training seminars and conventions, resources and the Internet. Youth Specialties produces the YS National
Youth Workers Convention for more than 15,000 youth workers each fall; and in the spring hosts the a one-day
training event for 20,000 youth workers. It also hosts DCLA, a triennial event for students and Planet Wisdom student
events which happen in more than a dozen cities during the school year. For more information, visit
www.youthspecialties.com.
###
Our friend, Sissy Goff, co-wrote this new book. We wish her much success and wanted to help her spread the word about this important topic.
Contact: Karen Campbell
(616) 698-3246 [P]
karen.campbell@zondervan.com
NEWS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Real Answers to Tough Questions Tweens and Teens Face Growing Up
Authors Melissa Trevathan and Sissy Goff encourage girls as they grow into the woman
God created them to be.
Grand Rapids, Mich., August 18, 2008 – Counselors and Authors Melissa Trevathan and Sissy Goff help
girls navigate their teenage years and grow in Christ in their newest books. Mirrors and Maps: a Girls
Guide to Becoming a Teen and Growing Up Without Getting Lost: Discovering your Identity in Christ
(August 2008) are a compilation of everything Trevathan and Goff wish they knew growing up.
Mirrors and Maps is geared toward middle school girls, and Growing Up Without
Getting Lost is aimed at high schoolers. Both books honestly answer the questions
girls ask while their lives are changing.
• Who am I?
• What do I want?
• What should I do?
• Who do I want to be?
Trevathan and Goff are experts on helping girls struggling with the changes of
growing up. Trevathan founded the Daystar Counseling Ministries in Nashville, and
Goff joined the staff shortly after. They have devoted their careers to helping young
women in crisis, and Growing Up Without Getting Lost and Mirrors and Maps are a
combination of their experiences and insights on girls growing into teens and maturing
into woman.
“What a valuable resource for high school girls! We have known Melissa over the
years as a youth leader, mentor and friend and Sissy as a gifted counselor and
mentor to many teens in our community. Now they are authors who have produced a
work that will help girls all over the country discover who God is calling them to be.â€
-Michael W. and Debbie Smith, Author, Songwriter and Recording Artist, Parents of 5
(About Growing Up)
Trevathan and Goff co-wrote Raising Girls (Zondervan 2007) to help parents understand their daughters
and how to effectively love and parent them.
About Melissa Trevathan
Melissa Trevathan has been a youth director, a teacher, a retreat leader and is now the founder and
executive director of Daystar Counseling Ministries in Nashville. She's worked with kids, teenagers and
adults for over 40 years. She's been a guest on TV and radio programs in the US and Canada and cowrote
two other books with Sissy Goff. When she isn't counseling, writing or teaching seminars, she hangs out
with her old English sheepdog, Molasses.
-moreContact:
Karen Campbell
(616) 698-3246 [P]
karen.campbell@zondervan.com
NEWS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
About Sissy Goff
Sissy Goff has been the director of child and adolescent counseling at Daystar since 1993. She's been a
guest on TV and radio programs across the US and Canada and speaks at churches, schools, youth
conventions and parenting seminars. She's written for CCM magazine and cowrote Raising Girls with
Melissa Trevathan. Sissy lives in Nashville with her little Maltese, Noel.
Author Websites
http://www.melissatrevathandsissygoff.com
http://www.daystarcounselingministries.org
About Mirrors & Maps
Mirrors & Maps: A Girl’s Guide to Becoming a Teen
By Melissa Trevathan & Sissy Goff
Youth Specialties/Zondervan
9780310279181
176 Pages
$16.99
Softcover
PUB DATE: August 2008
About Growing Up Without Getting Lost
Growing Up Without Getting Lost: Discovering Your Identity in Christ
By Melissa Trevathan & Sissy Goff
Youth Specialties/Zondervan
9780310279174
176 Pages
$16.99
Softcover
PUB DATE: August 2008
About Zondervan
Zondervan is the world's leading Christian publisher of books whose authors are noted for their excellence in the craft
of writing as well as their worthy contribution to the ongoing global evangelical conversation. The works published by
Zondervan not only confirm readers' faith and understanding, they also challenge and stretch readers' thinking. For
more than 75 years, Zondervan has delivered transformational Christian experiences through general, ministry, and
academic resources by influential leaders and emerging voices, and been honored with more Christian Book Awards
than any other publisher. Headquartered in Grand Rapids, Mich., Zondervan publishes bestselling books, audio, video,
curriculum, software, and digital products in such categories as biblical languages and studies, biography, business,
contemporary issues, counseling, cultural, devotional, evangelism, family, fiction, history, inspiration, leadership,
ministry, pastoral, personal development, prayer, philosophy, reference, relationships, textbooks, theology, youth and
more. Zondervan resources are sold worldwide through retail stores, online, and by Zondervan ChurchSource, and are
translated into nearly 200 languages in more than 60 countries. Visit Zondervan Books on the Internet at
www.zondervan.com/books.
-moreContact:
Karen Campbell
(616) 698-3246 [P]
karen.campbell@zondervan.com
NEWS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
About Youth Specialties
For nearly 40 years, Youth Specialties has worked alongside Christian youth workers of nearly every denomination
and youth-serving organization. Each year, Youth Specialties serves more than 100,000 youth workers worldwide
through training seminars and conventions, resources and the Internet. Youth Specialties produces the YS National
Youth Workers Convention for more than 15,000 youth workers each fall; and in the spring hosts the a one-day
training event for 20,000 youth workers. It also hosts DCLA, a triennial event for students and Planet Wisdom student
events which happen in more than a dozen cities during the school year. For more information, visit
www.youthspecialties.com.
###
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
What Makes You Happy?
If you know anything about our book, Princess Bubble, then you know that we want to share the message of true “Happily Ever After” with the world! We believe that true happiness is found loving God, helping others and liking who you are already.
The honor of being involved with Princess Bubble is that almost daily we hear, “Thank you for writing this book.” Or, “If I had only known this message when I was younger…”
Oprah is doing a segment on What Makes You Happy?
I email Oprah all the time because I know if she ever heard about Princess Bubble she would totally embrace our message and agree that this is the true meaning of happily ever after!
If you are in agreement with us please click on the below link and tell Oprah and the Harpo staff about the new way the fairy tale ends!
Thank you so much for your help and Happily Ever After!https://www.oprah.com/ord/plugform.jsp;jsessionid=ac1106eb30d930fd707b22e3411a9afa90e3f76855f7.e3qNc3aRbx4Ne3uLb3uRbN4Rai0?_k=_c4co1rd_ky2
If you know anything about our book, Princess Bubble, then you know that we want to share the message of true “Happily Ever After” with the world! We believe that true happiness is found loving God, helping others and liking who you are already.
The honor of being involved with Princess Bubble is that almost daily we hear, “Thank you for writing this book.” Or, “If I had only known this message when I was younger…”
Oprah is doing a segment on What Makes You Happy?
I email Oprah all the time because I know if she ever heard about Princess Bubble she would totally embrace our message and agree that this is the true meaning of happily ever after!
If you are in agreement with us please click on the below link and tell Oprah and the Harpo staff about the new way the fairy tale ends!
Thank you so much for your help and Happily Ever After!https://www.oprah.com/ord/plugform.jsp;jsessionid=ac1106eb30d930fd707b22e3411a9afa90e3f76855f7.e3qNc3aRbx4Ne3uLb3uRbN4Rai0?_k=_c4co1rd_ky2
Thursday, September 04, 2008
This prince-less princess is fine
By Helena Oliviero
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Thursday, September 04, 2008
Girls adore a good princess tale. The bouffant gowns. The prince. The happily-ever-after.
It’s all make-believe, of course, but the pressure to meet a real-life prince —- even for grown, fiercely independent women, can be too much, says Susan Johnston, a former Delta Air Lines flight attendant who worked for the airline for almost 20 years.
Johnston, who is 42 and single, has traveled the globe and has enjoyed her life with friends and volunteering at her church.
Still, she can’t keep a nagging question at bay.
“People often ask, ‘why are you still single’ like something’s wrong with me,” she said.
So Johnston, who lives in Atlanta, decided to write her own modern-day princess story, “Princess Bubble” (Bubble Gum Press, $12) featuring a princess/flight attendant who doesn’t meet a prince.
It’s a semi-autobiographical story for girls, so let’s take a look at where Johnston and Princess Bubble connect.
Princess Bubble
Graduates from the Royal University and takes a job with the Royal Heir Line.
A bridesmaid many times. Told she could wear dresses and satin shoes again.
Asked, “Why hasn’t a beautiful princess like you found a prince?”
Joins www.findyourprince.com. Kissses a frog, but there’s no prince.
Fairy Godmother tells her that true happiness is not about finding a prince. “True happiness,” says the fairy Godmother “is found by loving God, being kind to others, and being comfortable with who you are already.”
On the last page of the book, Princess Bubble is single, smiling and looking forward to the future.
Susan Johnston
Graduates from Auburn University in 1988 and two days after graduation begins working as a flight attendant for Delta Air Lines.
Flies with Delta for 18 years. Now works in the real estate business.
A bridesmaid 17 times. Also told she could wear the dresses again, but never has.
Frequently asked “Why aren’t you married yet?”
Joins Yahoo singles in 2007 and goes on a disastrous date. It was just a few weeks after losing her father and the date tells her she “should be over it.” She weeps on the date and has never tried online dating since.
Her inner voice tells her she shouldn’t miss out on where she’s at by focusing on where she wants to end up.
In the latest page of her own story, Johnston is single, but would love to meet The One someday. “But if I don’t, I will still be very content.”
By Helena Oliviero
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Thursday, September 04, 2008
Girls adore a good princess tale. The bouffant gowns. The prince. The happily-ever-after.
It’s all make-believe, of course, but the pressure to meet a real-life prince —- even for grown, fiercely independent women, can be too much, says Susan Johnston, a former Delta Air Lines flight attendant who worked for the airline for almost 20 years.
Johnston, who is 42 and single, has traveled the globe and has enjoyed her life with friends and volunteering at her church.
Still, she can’t keep a nagging question at bay.
“People often ask, ‘why are you still single’ like something’s wrong with me,” she said.
So Johnston, who lives in Atlanta, decided to write her own modern-day princess story, “Princess Bubble” (Bubble Gum Press, $12) featuring a princess/flight attendant who doesn’t meet a prince.
It’s a semi-autobiographical story for girls, so let’s take a look at where Johnston and Princess Bubble connect.
Princess Bubble
Graduates from the Royal University and takes a job with the Royal Heir Line.
A bridesmaid many times. Told she could wear dresses and satin shoes again.
Asked, “Why hasn’t a beautiful princess like you found a prince?”
Joins www.findyourprince.com. Kissses a frog, but there’s no prince.
Fairy Godmother tells her that true happiness is not about finding a prince. “True happiness,” says the fairy Godmother “is found by loving God, being kind to others, and being comfortable with who you are already.”
On the last page of the book, Princess Bubble is single, smiling and looking forward to the future.
Susan Johnston
Graduates from Auburn University in 1988 and two days after graduation begins working as a flight attendant for Delta Air Lines.
Flies with Delta for 18 years. Now works in the real estate business.
A bridesmaid 17 times. Also told she could wear the dresses again, but never has.
Frequently asked “Why aren’t you married yet?”
Joins Yahoo singles in 2007 and goes on a disastrous date. It was just a few weeks after losing her father and the date tells her she “should be over it.” She weeps on the date and has never tried online dating since.
Her inner voice tells her she shouldn’t miss out on where she’s at by focusing on where she wants to end up.
In the latest page of her own story, Johnston is single, but would love to meet The One someday. “But if I don’t, I will still be very content.”
Monday, September 01, 2008
We at Princess Bubble have been overwhelmed with the reactions we have received from women, mothers, girls-all thanking us for the message of Princess Bubble!
Oprah is asking, "What makes you happy?" If you agree with the message of Princess Bubble (That true happily ever after is not found in a prince;but is found loving God, helping others and liking who you are already!) then please join us and tell Oprah our message!
https://www.oprah.com/ord/plugform.jsp;jsessionid=ac1106ea30d9d54a7ec2b7214b31b49e9ddbc9b4d0c2.e3qNah8Kc34Ne3uLb3uRbN4ObO0?_k=_cqot570q_k8xb
Thank you and Happy Labor Day and Happily Ever After!!
Oprah is asking, "What makes you happy?" If you agree with the message of Princess Bubble (That true happily ever after is not found in a prince;but is found loving God, helping others and liking who you are already!) then please join us and tell Oprah our message!
https://www.oprah.com/ord/plugform.jsp;jsessionid=ac1106ea30d9d54a7ec2b7214b31b49e9ddbc9b4d0c2.e3qNah8Kc34Ne3uLb3uRbN4ObO0?_k=_cqot570q_k8xb
Thank you and Happy Labor Day and Happily Ever After!!
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