Free Books for Kids Affected by California Fires

Children victims of the California Book give-a-way

I am Richard Garofalo and the author & illustrator of my brand new book "The Mighty Little Lumberjack & The Enchanted Forest". It is currently projected to be released for the first time, either March 15 or March 22.

I am going off my "Launch" script for my book and here is why...

I/WE NEED to do something positive! And right now!

I would very much like to distribute my book for FREE to as many children as possible who are victims of the devastating fires in southern California!

I am currently in the Glendale, Ca with my daughter & 7 month old granddaughter, Lucy. I am happily here (instead of Port Washington, NY) taking care of Lucy as my daughter has returned to work (& child care is completely unaffordable).

While here in California I shared my book with some local friends.

Here are a few remarks I got from them regarding my book, "The Mighty Little Lumberjack And The Enchanted Forest"...

" I love your book! As a California resident now, I am especially grateful to you for highlighting our forest challenges after devastating fires. All children will love the characters and the message of Mother Nature’s powers to restore and rebuild. It is indeed a magical, enchanting tale."

The next few statements I paraphrased from conversations with local writers, I shared my book with to get some constructive criticism. Instead I got praise for the art, story & subject matter:

"This book of yours is much needed for the trauma victims of the California fires, children & adults alike. They will find comfort & hope in this book of yours."

"If there is anyway to get this book out to the victims of the California fires, you should bring them to the relief centers. It would be welcomed with open arms. Your book will bring hope to the children. You should plan on reading your story to them as well. Especially from the author himself."

"This is wonderful. Although fantasy, it is based on the reality that mother nature has a plan and new life WILL grow back from this devastation. It would bring comfort to the kids here. Maybe we should import some beavers to help out :)"

If I could find a way to do this on my own I would but I cannot, so here is an opportunity for you to help out in a direct way!

If you know me at all you know that every penny will go to purchasing as many books as I can AND I will distribute them for free myself (I'll probably have Lucy help as well ;).

And as bashful as I am to speak in public, I am not bashful around kids. So if they want to hear the author read aloud. I WILL!

I was thinking 250-500 books might do the trick.

My goal is to distribute at least 250 books.

If I am correct (as the author of my book) Amazon will print up as many books as I want for "wholesale cost" of the book, plus shipping & taxes.

Amazon's fee to print my 58 page soft cover book is $5.56 each. I am assuming combined with shipping fees & California state tax +/- $0.60 the cost of each book will be about $6.60 each so my goal is to earn at least $1,650 to purchase 250 books (or MORE) & distribute them for free!

Now if anyone knows of a better, more cost effective way to get my book printed up, please let me know! Amazon's turnover time to print up the books maybe as much as 5 days. But so far all my "author's proof copies" (four separate orders) were received within 2 days of ordering them & the quality of the books were an excellent quality!

Now if we are so lucky as to go over my initial goal of 250 books/$1,650, I will use that money to buy more books to giveaway FREE to any needy child in this area.

Thank you so much, in advance, for your kind donations!!!