My Book

I wrote, illustrated, published, successfully marketed and distributed my own book.

The process of taking an idea and developing it into a short story has taught me every aspect of book publishing, including writing, editing, illustrating, and printing. Publishing this book took initiative, commitment, and countless hours of revisions. I appreciate all the guidance provided from my family, friends, mentors, and teachers.

My marketing plan for this project included an organic outreach to local bookstores, community groups, schools, fairs, local hospitals and more. During this process, I made more than 20 public appearances, print and live interviews and engaged with hundreds of people to promote book sales successfully.

For more information visit rosebudpublishing.com

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ABOUT THE BOOK

Reviews

Readers’ Favorite

Readers’ Favorite - Book Review by Stacie Haas 5/21/18:
4 out of 5 stars!

Fortune Cookie Surprise! by Jacqueline Prata is the story of a young girl named Emily who is on her way to one of her favorite activities: eating Chinese food with her family. The addition of Chinese food at their favorite restaurant makes everyday life extra special, especially when there’s something to celebrate. Read full review.

OnlineBookClub

Online Book Club Review – 6/9/18: 3 out of 4 stars!

What’s with kids these days? Aren’t they busy enough with Algebra, Chemistry, and Physics, varsity sports, and proms?

Of course, I am jealous! In my youth, my father would brag to his friends, “My daughter has been reading books since she was this tall!” Now, a typical SMS message from one teen to another would be, “Hey, fam! Wats d l8tst book u wrote?” Read full review.

Foreward Reviews

Online Book Club Review – 6/9/18: 3 out of 4 stars!

What’s with kids these days? Aren’t they busy enough with Algebra, Chemistry, and Physics, varsity sports, and proms?

Kirkus

Kirkus Book Review - 8/31/18

Jacqueline Prata based this heartwarming story on an essay she wrote about fortune cookies, and while the tale is plot light and message heavy, the moral is simply stated and not overdone. The author’s illustrations combine pencil drawings and watercolor backgrounds. Prata’s text reads as genuine and heartfelt.

A sweet story by a teenager about the importance of children—which may inspire other young writers. Read full review.

“I always tell students to save whatever they write because you never know what you might want to use in the future, and Jackie's experience bears this out. And it also shows just how powerful an insightful metaphor can be in communicating complex, abstract ideas like love and family relationships. Fortune Cookie Surprise! is a great message for young children, presented in a way they can easily grasp.”

— Marc Maier, 7th Grade English Teacher

“A delightful read, filled with great lessons and loving reminders for children and families everywhere. Kids will enjoy sharing Emily’s adventure as she embarks on her Fortune Cookie Surprise and reminds us that every child serves a unique and special role in their family.”

— Abigail Abrams, Artist

“Fortune Cookie Surprise! by debut author and illustrator Jacqueline Prata is a joy to read. The story begins by sharing one child’s traditions within her own family. The child realizes that the love she experiences in her family is a gift that she can share with others. Readers are reminded that they themselves are special and that they add so much to their own families. Everyone can also make the world a better place through organizations like the ones listed. Prata’s illustrations are authentic, bright and bold, and bring the story to life. Fortune Cookie Surprise! is a reminder of the importance of family and the ways in which small actions can make a big difference.”

— Louisa Polos-Condon

“I read the book to my 5 year old son. I didn’t give him any details about getting the book from work. Two days later at bedtime he says “I want to read this book again, I love it and I love Fortune Cookie Surprise.”

— Laura Saavedra, Editor Portal Magazine (first bilingual magazine in Westchester, NY)

“I got the books today and was so impressed. It is awesome, I can assure you that the museum copy will be displayed prominently in the Wreaths Across America museum ... I knew when we first met, Jacqueline was a young lady going places.”

—Wayne Merritt, Vice Chairman, Wreaths Across America

“My kids all loved Fortune Cookie Surprise!. We read the book two nights in a row. It is our daughter’s new favorite bedtime story. And she’s been talking a lot lately about all the love she has in her heart and how she gives it to everyone. She totally gets the message of Fortune cookie surprise and my sense is that the message of the book resonates on a very deep level with her. It’s kind of amazing. What a beautiful book and inspirational message. Jackie is simply remarkable!”

Emily Fontana, Mother and Children’s Book Author, “Echo Comes Home”

“Life lessons await quietly all around us, and little Emily finds hers in her favorite restaurant. As she eagerly awaits the grand finish to her Chinese meal, Emily begins to realize people are much like that anxiously awaited cookie: Each one special, and holding a personal revelation to the one that takes it. She also realizes that she too is that special finishing touch to her parents, making it a complete and delightful experience.”

Darleen Wohlfeil, Reviewer, Midwest Book Review

Congratulations to Jacqueline Prata our 2019 Purple Dragonfly Book Awards winner for Best Fiction Youth Author, and Honorable Mention for Picture Books 5 & Younger and Best Cover Design!

The Purple Dragonfly Book Awards is an international book competition that was created in 2009 to celebrate the best in children’s books, recognizing accomplished, up-and-coming, and younger published authors in the field of children's literature.

Story Monsters Ink® is the literary resource for teachers, librarians, and parents that offers the latest news on award-winning and debut books and products, author interviews, book reviews, reading lists, and more.

The Story Monsters Approved! book designation program was developed to recognize and honor accomplished authors in the field of children’s literature that inspire, inform, teach, or entertain.

Books must pass rigorous judging by industry experts followed by a panel of youth judges. A Story Monsters seal of approval means children their own age enjoyed the book and are recommending they read it too.

Fortune Cookie Surprise! earned Story Monsters Approved! designation in the following categories: