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June 1, 2010
Tolya L. Thompson was featured as the Keynote Speaker at “Bridging the Gap, Understanding Asthma Culture to Culture” sponsored by Comfort Homesake in Contra Costa. The event’s success was shared with Contra Costa College and the English Action Center, both whom collaborated on this event. The audience consisted of English, Laotian, Mien, Hispanic, and Mandarin cultures. Translators for each culture were also present to ensure that the audience completely understood Thompson’s message on asthma. Every attendee received a free copy of Wheezing Winona Weatherbee. “What an awesome experience to provide asthma education to all of these cultures!” stated Thompson. “Hats off to Comfort Homesake for successfully bridging the gap!”
 
March 27, 2010
Tolya L. Thompson presented at Clark Atlanta University. The event was hosted by the Department of English and The English Club. Professor Willie L. Todd did a marvelous job coordinating the event. Fifty students gathered to hear Tolya speak about her life’s journey. Tolya spoke of her experience at Southern University, a historical black university and how that differed greatly from her ivy-league experience at Cornell. She spoke of her own unique process utilized to create the Smarties series and the obstacles she’s had to overcome to achieve success. Hats off to Professor Todd for being such an inspirational force within the lives of these young adults. May their flames continue to shine brightly!
 
March 26, 2010
Tolya L. Thompson partied all day with Atherton Elementary School in Decatur, Georgia. Principal, Dr. A Clifton Myles did a spectacular job coordinating a full day of events. The morning began with an interview session with 4th and 5th graders and an author reading for grades 3rd through 5th. The highlight of the afternoon was the Harambee Celebration with grades kindergarten through 2nd. Members of the school band gave solo performances and Tolya read Loud Lips Lucy. What was most impressive were the parents who attended the event. Dr. Myles went over and beyond to get parent participation and provide a positive experience for the community he serves. Hats off to Dr. Myles for a job well done.
 
March 25, 2010
Tolya L. Thompson traveled to Decatur, Georgia to party with Glen Haven Elementary School. The children were absolutely amazing. Wheezing Winona Weatherbee was the book of the month for March. Librarian Gornell did a fabulous job composing a letter to the parents regarding Winona and asthma. Within this letter she listed triggers of asthma and symptoms. She also provided online resources for parents who desired to learn more about asthma and how they can better treat their children. Hats off to Principal Beverly Jackson and Glen Haven Elementary for a job well done.
 
October 25, 2009
Tolya L. Thompson was featured
on the Stockton Record web site in an article
about her pajama party events. Read the full article here.
September 11, 2009
Tolya L. Thompson present Operation Cease the Wheeze
at the Jean & John Knox Performing Arts Center. The American Lung
Association provided Asthma Education 101. Chancellor came on stage a
couple of times to take control of the Mic. At the end he thanked the
crowd for coming and encouraged the families to read together every night.
 
August 28, 2009
Tolya L. Thompson speaks to the families of First
5 on health literacy and asthma. Chancellor personally assisted to make
sure everything ran smoothly.
 
June 18, 2009
On June 18, 2009, Tolya L. Thompson presented "Laugh, Learn, and Live!" at the Reach Out and Read
of Greater New York's Annual Meeting. She stressed the importance of
laughter and a sense of well being as we all work to increase literacy
and decrease poor health.
 
February 2009
Breathless Bethany Buttercup by author Tolya L. Thompson and illustrated by Curt Walstead was
created through an asthma awareness partnership between Asthma
and Allergy Network/ Mother's of Asthmatics, Inc (AANMA). and Schering
Plough. To learn more about AANMA and Bethany please visit www.aanma.org.
February 20, 2009
Tolya L. Thompson autographed copies of the Smarties series and presented A Picture Book a Day Keeps the Doctor Away at the South
Carolina International Reading Association in Myrtle Beach.
 
January 24, 2009
Happy Birthday to Captain Chancellor!
November 8, 2008
Tolya L Thompson partnered with the San
Joaquin Family Service and Referral Program to educate families in Stockton on the common cold and flu. Every family that attended received a free copy of Catchin’ Cooties
Consuelo thanks to sponsorship from Sanofi Aventis.
November 6, 2008
Tolya L. Thompson pj parties with River
Oaks Charter School in Stockton California. Somehow how Chancellor got a hold of the microphone and took over the show!
July 17,
2008
Tolya
L. Thompson has a pajama party at Nailor
Elementary School in Cleveland, Mississippi.
June 30,
2008
Tolya
L. Thompson presents A Picture Book a Day Keeps the Doctor Away at Hofstra
University in Long Island for the Union Free School District and the Roosevelt School District.
May 6, 2008
Tolya
L. Thompson presented A Prescription to Read
Helps the Nation Breathe at the International
Reading Association's Annual
Conference in Atlanta, GA. Thanks to sponsorship from Sanofi Aventis, each
attendee received influenza bags filled with influenza health material
and a Virus T-shirt. Chancellor, as normal, was the center of attention.
Those of you who fell victim to the PooPoo language, you have our deepest
apologies. His favorite topics are PooPoo BooBoo and Boogers. Those of
you with whom he shared that great smile and to whom he blew kisses, we
hope they made your day.
April 1, 2008
Tolya
L. Thompson presented "A Prescription to
Read Helps a Nation Breathe" at the National
Center for Family
Literacy Annual Conference. Although the weather was bad many attendees joined Tolya
to learn about respiratory illnesses and ways in which they could promote
life long health habits in the children and families they served.
February
28, 2008
Tolya
L. Thompson joined with Flushing
Hospital in
Queens to throw a fantastic Pajama
Health Literacy Event featuring
Busy Body
Bonita. Children, their
parents, physicians and city councilmen
were all present to learn about
and discuss ADHD as well as the
direct link between low literacy
skills and poor health. Hats off
to Flushing's Public Relations
Department who did a phenomenal
job promoting this event. It was
the first time Tolya was on a Chinese
news station and she was so excited.
January 25, 2008
Sanofi Aventis, Shriner's Hospital
for Children in LA, the Los Angeles Unified School
District and Savor Publishing House joined forces to
throw an outstanding Pajama Health Literacy Event in
LA. Families ventured out through the rain and cold
to learn about influenza and the importance of getting
vaccinated. Gift bags filled with copies of Catchin'
Cooties Consuelo, information on influenza and literacy
were donated by Sanofi Aventis. Every child received
a gift bag. The rain and cold did not come close to
putting a damper on such a fantastic party!
November 16, 2007
Sanofi Aventis, Laredo Medical
Center, the Laredo Independent School District, and
Savor Publishing House, joined forces to throw the
Pajama Health Literacy Event of the year in Laredo
Texas. Families gathered to learn about influenza and
the importance of getting vaccinated. Tolya L. Thompson
read Catchin' Cooties Consuelo and every family received
a FREE autographed copy of the book.
October 11-12, 2007
Tolya L. Thompson had the pleasure
of visiting the small yet dynamic town of Cuthbert,
Georgia and participating in the kick off of their
Million Word March. It was one her most favorite visits.
The excitement that beamed from the children’s
eyes of Randolph Elementary School was just the inspiration
she needed. These little souls filled with so much
potential are blessed to be guided by Principal Hubbard,
Assistant Principal Johnson, and literacy coaches Robbin
Temples and Becky McPherson. Tolya say’s she
can’t wait to go back for tea and she sends a
special thanks to Becky for making this possible.
 
September 30, 2007
Tolya L. Thompson read at Fairy Tale Town. As usual
she had a great time. But this year was even better because Chancellor
tagged along and had the time of his life. This was Tolya’s first
reading of Busy Body Bonita and she managed to capture the attention
of all the little busybodies in the park. We send a special thanks to
Kathy Fleming for the honorable invite.
 
May 17-24, 2007
05/19/07 - 5/24/07: Tolya L. Thompson promoted Busy
Body Bonita at the American Psychiatric Annual Conference. The feedback
was very positive. Physicians took hands full of literature to give to
their colleagues and patients. In addition there were many pre-publication
orders for Bonita. Thompson say’s it was great feeling seeing so
many people excited over her upcoming release. She was so busy signing
and conversing with the attendees she forgot to take picture thus, we
have no photos of this exciting event.
05/13/07 – 05/17/07: Tolya L. Thompson toured Toronto to promote
her upcoming release, Busy body Bonita. As usual, Tolya had a ball
with all of educators. From the pictures it seems that Chancellor,
Tolya’s son, had the most fun of all. He wooed the teachers with
his animal sounds and blew lots of kisses. He also fell in love this
huge lion. Enjoy the pictures!
 
April 30 , 2007
Tolya L. Thompson partied at Eugenia
Hamilton Elementary School and what a ball they had.
The event was coordinated by Ms. Belinda Hawthorne
and she did a fabulous job. All of the books in the
Smarties series were scanned, placed in power point
and featured on the big screen for children to see
as Tolya read. Hats off to Eugenia Hamilton Elementary
School.
 
March 29, 2007
Tolya L. Thompson was one of the
featured authors at the State of Maryland International
Reading Association’s Round Table Discussion. It
was a wonderful opportunity to share with her readers
the birth of Loud Lips Lucy and the wonderful life she
has with her husband, Mike and son, Chancellor.
March 28, 2007
Tolya L. Thompson is decked out in
Pjs again as she parties with the Carroll County Public
Schools Title 1 Program Wide Family Event. Carroll County,
MD.
February 16 , 2007
Tolya L. Thompson presents “A
Picture Book a Day Keeps the Doctor Away!” as one
of the keynote speakers at the Georgia Reading Association’s
Annual Conference.
May 11-12, 2006
Tolya L. Thompson had an eventful
visit with Thomasville Elementary in Atlanta, GA thanks
to Literacy Specialist, Makisha Boddie and Principal
Kelsey. Not only did the school have an evening PJ
party featuring their top readers, they did what no
other school has done, performed the play Loud Lips
Lucy. “What an honor;” stated Thompson. “The
play was phenomenal. The children created music and
danced in the play. This is what keeps me going.”
 
May 9-10
Tolya L. Thompson reads and signs
at Dawson Elementary School in Columbus, GA Thanks
to the hard work of Barbara Carol. “The kids
were incredible. It’s so inspiring to see how
the series moves the children,” said Thompson.
The signing was highlighted on Channel 3’s 5’oclock
news. Thompson was also featured in the Ledger.
May 1-3
Tolya L. Thompson and baby Chancellor
autographed hundreds of Smarties titles at the International
Reading Association’s Annual Conference in Chicago,
IL. Needless to say, Chancellor was the main attraction.
 
April 22
Tolya L. Thompson presents, “The
More You Know The Healthier They Grow!” at the
CAEYC Annual Conference in Anaheim, CA. Educators learned
simple techniques to incorporate health literacy into
the classroom.
December 9
Tolya L. Thompson presents "A
Picture Book A Day Keeps The Doctor Away!" at
the National Association for the Education
of Young Children's Annual Conference in
Washington, D.C. The session was interactive
and the audience was enlightened and inspired
to incorporate health literacy in their educational
facilities.
November 16
Tolya L. Thompson parties
it up with the families of Contra Costa Community
Colleges Even Start Program. Nothing is better
than an evening in Pjs with a good book
October 19
Tolya L. Thompson provided workshops
on health literacy for the parents and staff of Contra
Costa Colleges Even Start Program. Participants learned
how to incorporate health literacy at home and in
the classroom.
 
October 15
Tolya L. Thompson and students
from the Sacramento Unified School District had an
outstanding PJ Party at Sutter Medical Center Sacraqmento.
The event was sponsored by Roche and Sanofi Aventis
Pharmaceutical Companies. Mrs. Fields Cookies sweetened
the event with cookies for everyone!
September 24
Tolya Thompson joins in on fun at
Fairy Tale Town's Annual Book Celebration. As one of
the featured authors, Tolya read Loud Lips Lucy and Catchin'
Cooties Consuelo to park full of adorable children.
September 17
Tolya L. Thompson presents for the
first time "The More You Know, The Healthier You Grow!" at
the HAAEYC Annual Conference. The attendee's eyes were
opened to the devastating effects of low literacy on
health. They were then empowered to make a difference
by incorporating health lessons into the classroom.
June 30, 2005
Los Angeles Unified School District
topped them all when they purchased 800 Smarties titles
and invited Tolya Thompson to present to both parents
and educators on 6/30/05. This was the largest single
order for the series. Tolya presented, "A Picture
Book A day Keeps The Doctor Away!" to a spirited
crowd. Tolya gives a special thanks to Betty Glenn
who made this wonderful event possible. See photos
below.
 
May 3
The International Reading
Association's 50th Annual Conference in San Antonio,
Texas topped them all. For the first time
Thompson presented, "A Picture Book A Day
Keeps The Doctor Away!" at an IRA conference
and her session was a huge success. Attendees
lined up outside the Thompson's conference room
an hour before her session began in order to
secure a seat. Thompson's plea for educators
to implement health literacy into the classroom
was well received. By the end of the conference
Thompson had autographed 536 Smarties book for
her fans. Thanks for the Love!
 
April 25
Tolya L. Thompson spread her message "A
Picture Book A Day Keeps The Doctor Away!" to
the members of the National Center for Family Literacy
at their annual conference in Louisville Kentucky.
See below photos of her fully attended session and
of her posing with Smarties fans. Special thanks goes
to Monaghan Pharmaceutical Company for providing the
Peak Flow Meters for Thompson's session..
 
April 22
Tolya L. Thompson educated families
of the Life Community Service Center in Los Angeles
on the direct link between low literacy skills and
poor health. A big "Thanks" is given to Covena
G. Walker, the centers director for making the event
a success!
April 11-15
Hats off to Laredo, Texas for throwing the largest
Pajama Party ever in Smarties history! Thanks to the massive effort put
forth by the Laredo School District Librarians, Tolya L. Thompson signed
and read at 10 elementary schools (Honore Ligarde, Bruni, Farias, Macdonell,
Santos Nino, Buenos Aires, Kawas, J.C. Martin, Alma Pierce and Milton)
from April 11-15th. The students were outstanding and the librarians know
how to show an author a good time. The media was also there as Thompson
and the librarians celebrated National Librarians Week. Thompson preached
again the importance of slipping into your Pjs and reading a book every
night. She also spoke on the direct link between low literacy skills and
poor health. Check out the excitement below.
 
 
 
 
March 15
Tolya L. Thompson sat
with Jennifer Smith and Jonathan
Mumms on Midday News 10 and
informed viewers on the direct link between low literacy
skills and poor health. Tolya stressed to parents the
importance of reading to their children everyday to increase
literacy. Catchin' Cooties Consuelo and Loud Lips Lucy
were highlighted during the interview.
March 9
Tolya L. Thomspon read
and signed copies of the Smarties Series for the children
and staff at Sheridan School in Sheridan, California.
March 6
Tolya L. Thompson addressed
America's health crisis as she presented "A Picture Book
A Day Keeps The Doctor Away" at the California Association
for the Education of Young Children's Annual Conference.
Thompson educated attendees on the direct link between
low literacy skills and poor health. She then demonstrated
how daily shared reading activities increase literacy
skills and decrease poor health.
 
Feb. 12 , 2005
On February 12, 2005, Tolya L.
Thompson celebrates Black History Month at Carol's
Books in Sacramento.
Tolya L. Thompson Tours New York!
Tolya L. Thompson read and signed for
the Dr. Betty Shabazz Complex and the Medgar Evers Tenants Association
in Brooklyn. As a gift to their tenants, copies of Catchin' Cooties
Consuelo and Ingrown Tyrone were bought for every family
within the complex.
The students at P.S. 22 in Staten Island featured Tolya L. Thompson as
an Amazing American for Black History Month. The children
embraced Ingrown Tyrone making him the book of the month. Letters
were written Tyrone advising him to love himself and to never try
to change himself for anyone or anything. Photos of children embracing
themselves are featured below. "Celebrate your beauty!!" exclaimed
Thompson.
 
At P.S. 116, Catchin' Cooties Consuelo was featured as the Book
of the Month. See Thompson with some of P.S. 116's fantastic readers.
 
Tolya reads and signs for the Harlem Children's Zone
at P.S.197 and P.S.149
 
Tolya L. Thompson reads and signs at P.S.119
for Principal Lisa Fernandez. The students chose Ingrown
Tyrone as the book of the month.
 
January 15, 2004
Sutter Roseville Medical Center in Roseville
California hosted the largest Pajama Health Literacy Event ever featuring
author, Tolya L. Thompson. Over 400 people attended
the event. Due to the large crowd Thompson graciously read Catchin' Cooties
Consuelo twice to a conference room filled to capacity for both reads.
The event was covered by Channel 13 KVOR news who featured
the event on the 11 o'clock news. Thompson educated parents on the direct
link between low literacy skills and poor health and urged families to
slip into their Pjs and share a picture book every night. Thompson gave
a big thanks to Roche Laboratories and Sanofi
Aventis for sponsoring the books for the families. See photos
of the event below.
 
 
 
A Picture Book A Day Keeps The Doctor Away!
Jan. 11, 2005
Tolya L. Thompson reads at Valley
View Elementary School. Valley View is one of 14 schools in
Northern California registered to hear the author read in conjunction
with the Pajama Health Literacy Event to be held at Sutter
Roseville Medical Center on Jan 15, 2005. The event is being
sponsored by Roche Laboratories, Sanofi Aventis and Cold Stone Creamery.
 
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"Savor Publishing House, Inc. would like to give
a special thanks
to all of the corporations who have supported our Smarties
Book Health Literacy Initiative."
American Lung Association
Brooklyn Hospital
Cold Stone Creamery
Con Ed
Flushing Hospital Queens
Georgia International Reading Association
Interfaith Hospital
Jamaica Hospital Queens
Keyspan
Laredo Medical Center
Mrs. Fields Cookie Co.
New York Hospital Queens
Roche Pharmaceuticals
Sanofi Aventis
Schering Plough Corporation
Shriners Hospital for Children Los Angeles
State of Maryland International Reading Association Council
Sutter Roseville Medical Center
Sutter General Medical Center
Sylvan Learning Center
Washington Mutual
Read to Me
Harlem Children's Zone
Reach Out and Read Greater New York
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