Mother's Surprise

by Donna L. Templeton, illustrated by Nancy A. Berlinger

Meet Nandy. She’s a good-hearted little girl who simply wants to make a special breakfast to surprise her mother. She gets up before the rest of the family and gets to work. But all the good intentions in the world don’t prevent the mess Nandy makes. The bacon burns. The juice spills. Oh, what a disaster! Written in rhyming verse and illustrated with luscious original watercolors, Mother’s Surprise is perfect for little ones just learning to read, as well as those who love being read to. Mother’s Surprise is a great gift for all the little ones in your life.

About the Author and Illustrator

The author and illustrator are former elementary school teachers, and they bring their own love of reading – and teaching reading – to this gentle story. Donna Templeton taught elementary school in Kansas and Nebraska, before settling in Monte Vista, Colorado, where she taught for 35 years before retiring in 2000. She says retiring was a difficult decision and she truly missed her daily interaction with the children. She fills her time today with volunteer and church activities. She loves to sing and she directs her church choir. Donna says, “My family – my husband, my son, daughter-in-law, daughter, four grandchildren and one great grandchild – have always supported my endeavors.”

Nancy Berlinger says, “Good literature has always been a passion of mine. I have collected children's books for many years and admire many illustrators. A published book of my illustrations has always been a dream – when Donna called with the offer to illustrate her first book, I jumped on it!” Nancy, also a teacher, values the lessons her students have taught her over the years. “I grew in compassion and knowledge as the kids taught me many things.”

©2008 MJS Publishing Group, LLC. PO Box 505, Monte Vista, CO 81144
Phone 719-852-2547 Fax 847-745-0219.