For Immediate Release
Review copies and interviews available upon request. Book cover and author
photographs available in high resolution jpegs via email.
Contact: Mark Hoog 970-988-4208 info@Growingfield.com
Growing Field books help children develop self-esteem and
leadership skills
“Where is the Growing Field?”
Ask Colorado-based airline Pilot Mark Hoog this question and with a tear in his
eye and a quaver in his voice he’ll tell you they are in western Pennsylvania.
And then he’ll tell you how he came to write a remarkable series of children’s
books.
The Growing Field book series is dedicated to the memory of his friend and
mentor, Jason Dahl, who was Captain on United Flight 93 which went down in a
field in western Pennsylvania on the morning of September 11, 2001.
Each book is specially designed to capture children’s attention and interest and
help them build leadership capabilities: self-confidence, self-esteem,
uniqueness, power of confirmation and positive self-image.
Your Song, the first in a series, follows the plight of Maxx, a young boy who is
desperate to find his own unique gifts and talents in the world.
“What can I do well?” he asks his father. And his understanding father sits down
with him and tells him the story of a young eagle named Nightingale, who can't
yet fly and feels inadequate after comparing his talents to other animals he
meets. Nightingale goes on a search to find out his special song and to learn
how to fly. With help and guidance from Father Eagle he learns the most
important lesson in leadership development:
Look within to find your gifts, talents, and self-esteem.
This lesson in flying teaches young readers who have lots in common with Maxx
and Nightingale where to look when searching for unique gifts and talents in life.
The Growing Field series are illustrated in a lavish colorful, cartoon style by the
talented Robert J. Aukerman.
Your Song invites your child to experience the magic that occurs when we learn
to look deep inside ourselves for our gifts, talents and self-esteem.
Each of the Growing Field books draws upon the life changing leadership
principles of past presidents, philanthropic and motivational pioneers, and
timeless wisdom from literary greats such as Emerson and Thoreau.
Your Song
By Mark E. Hoog
Exquisite color illustrations by Robert J. Aukerman
Retail $16.95
8 _ x 11. 32 page hardback picture book.
ISBN 0-9770391-0-2
Available at bookstores nationwide and online.
For more information visit www.GrowingField.com
A portion of the Growing Field series profits goes toward the Children's
Leadership Initiative.
The two creators are using a recent grant to promote the book to high schools,
where students are transforming it into a play and teaching the concepts through
drama to younger students. While originating in Colorado, the initiative could one
day become a national project.
What People Are Saying
“Mark Hoog’s book delivers an important message to young readers
– if a dream is worth having, it’s worth working for.”
William Clinton, 41st President of the United States
“A walk through the Growing Field is a wonderful and creative way
for any adult to help grow a child's self-esteem, character and love of
reading.”
Dick Riley, U.S. Secretary of Education 1993-2001
“Mark Hoog is doing the most important work in America today -
Growing our children. With Magic and Treasure and Dreams and
Songs and Gifts he's helping them learn to lead. Mark's work is one
of the best gifts you can give children & adults.”
W Mitchell, U.S./Australia Top Motivational Speaker
"The Growing Field books show you how to encourage, inspire
and motivate your children to become happy, successful adults."
Brian Tracy, Top Business/Personal Success Coach
“'Your Song' first in series to teach children life skills.”
Jo An Martin, Baytown Sun, Texas
“Hoog's message of self-building esteem is evident and instructive.
Kids should have no trouble understanding the message which is
smoothly presented. Amusing, cartoon-like colored illustrations add
energy to the events and move the story along.”
Nancy Ferrell, Author, Parent, Teacher, Juneau Public Libraries
About the Author
Mark Hoog speaks from the heart as he draws on years of corporate leadership
and management experience to deliver powerful life lessons to children.
As a professional trainer in the aviation field, Mark has delivered command and
leadership training to commercial aviation’s top pilots including United Airlines,
China Airlines, Air New Zealand, and all four branches of the U.S. military.
Whether corporate training, speaking with high school groups, raising his own 3
children or coaching youth athletics, Mark takes the time to deliver a message of
personal discipline, life skills and leadership.
In an effort to provide a positive leadership message for children of all ages, Mr.
Hoog founded the Children's Leadership Institute.
About the illustrator
Robert J. Aukerman uses his background in art, animation, and film to bring to
life the message and emotion of each Growing Field story.
Over the years, Rob has worked with private, corporate and government
agencies to develop award-winning products for education, entertainment and
advertising. His cartoon characters have taught children worldwide about diverse
topics like gourmet cooking and scuba diving.
Rob is a five-time winner of the International Ski Film Festival. He has won the
Golden Screen Award for his video and visualization work with the Bureau of
Reclamation.
Although Rob has created storybooks for the internet and animations for
television, the Growing Field is his first printed work for children. It is an
opportunity to share his love for learning and laughter through the adventure of
reading.
Coming Soon – The Dream Machine – Book Two in the Growing Field
Series – Scheduled for Publication in March 2007
Invited into the magical Walden carnival by a familiar gypsy, Jazzmin and her two
brothers come face to face with Nightingale’s magical Dream Machine. Working
to bring this crazy contraption to life each child finds the key to their wildest
dreams…was in their hands all along.
Now my friends…your Dream Machine awaits.
What are your dreams and what will make them terrific?
Let your journey continue…
Review copies and interviews available upon request. Book cover and
author photographs available in high resolution jpegs via email.
Contact: Mark Hoog 970-988-4208 info@Growingfield.com