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Praise for Mr. Inker Goes to School, Book #2 of series
Mr. Inker Goes to School
By Christina Francine
Rafiq was glad Mrs. Adler said his name correctly. The boy with red sneakers whispered it wrong to the boy next to him saying instead “Ra-Freak.”
Rafiq misses his friends from Pakistan and a boy at school makes fun of his name. It is not easy being an immigrant in America. Rafiq knows he’s safer in “the land of the free,” yet he is homesick. When he receives a fancy pen for his birthday, he discovers his new best friend, a talking pen. Sometimes Mr. Inker is too proud and his jokes corny. He can be a real stinker, but he helps Rafiq with English words, makes him laugh, and finds a way to connect Rafiq with his old friends through traditional letter writing. This Step 3 Waldorf Reader is perfect for boys and girls ages 5-8!
Be sure to look for other books about Mr. Inker who is sometimes a stinker.
A unique idea – a talking pen. In an age where cell phones seem most kids’ friends, the author resuscitates the original means of communication: the pen! A talking writing utensil becomes an immigrant boy’s best friend. Immigrant children will like reading a book about themselves combined with a little fun and magic. Not only will they learn to read, but have fun at the same time. Mr. Inker will bring smiles to immigrant and American children alike. The story may even cause a chuckle or two. Teachers and parents will like the learning within each story and the learning section at the back of the book.
Christina Francine is an enthusiastic author for all ages. Her picture book, Special Memory debuted Fall 2019. The first of her Leveled Reader # 3 Mr. Inker series debuts early 2020. Journal of Literary Innovation published her analysis on students’ writing across the nation Spring 2016. She believes individual learning style may solve world problems. She teaches writing at University of Buffalo and at Buffalo State. Christina is a member of Buffalo-Niagara Children’s Writers & Illustrators (BNCWI).
Christina Francine is an enthusiastic author and educator for all ages. Picture book, Special Memory (2019), and leveled reader series, Mr. Inker (2020), reflect her positive thinking and belief that individual learning style can solve world problems. Journal of Literary Innovation published her analysis on students’ writing across the nation Spring 2016.
Christina holds a B.A cum laude in Children’s Literature and in Education from University at Castleton, Vermont, and a M.A in English Studies with a concentration in writing from SUNY Fredonia, New York. She continues to share her love of writing by teaching college students and with elementary students part-time. She is a member of BNCWI – Buffalo, Niagara Children’s Writers and Illustrators. Her fantasy novel is forthcoming. Learn more about Christina by visiting https://ChristinaFrancine.org
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Mr. Inker Finds a Home
(1st of the Mr. Inker series)
By: Christina Francine
Rafiq looked puzzled and surprised at the same time. “I cannot believe it,” he said. “A pen that can talk.”
A unique idea – a talking pen. In an age where cell phones seem most kids’ friends, the author resuscitates the original means of communication: the pen! A talking writing utensil becomes an immigrant boy’s best friend. Immigrant children will like reading a book about themselves combined with a little fun and magic. Not only will they learn to read, but have fun at the same time. Mr. Inker will bring smiles to immigrant and American children alike. The story may even cause a chuckle or two. Teachers and parents will appreciate what the book offers young readers.
Christina Francine is an enthusiastic author and educator for all ages. Picture book, Special Memory (2019), and leveled reader series, Mr. Inker (2020), reflect her positive thinking and belief that individual learning style can solve world problems. Journal of Literary Innovation published her analysis on students’ writing across the nation Spring 2016.
Christina holds a B.A cum laude in Children’s Literature and in Education from University at Castleton, Vermont, and a M.A in English Studies with a concentration in writing from SUNY Fredonia, New York. She continues to share her love of writing with teaching college students and with elementary students part-time. She is a member of BNCWI – Buffalo, Niagara Children’s Writers and Illustrators. Her fantasy novel is forthcoming. Learn more about Christina by visiting https://ChristinaFrancine.org
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Praise for Mr. Inker Finds a Home
Goodreads
5 Stars
Mr. Inker is a pen that is created to tell a story of profound importance. It is a pen that talks and is wise as it is humorous.
The Author, Ms. Christina Francine, has evocatively brought us to the attention of how the children of today would rather play and learn with gadgets and computers, rather than use a pen/pencil to write and learn. A child’s world today is centered around mechanical intervention.
Ms. Francine has also portrayed a little of the fear that is faced by immigrants who move to another country to seek better lives for their families, especially for their children.
I would recommend Mr. Inker finds a Home, written with a little humor, and much imagination, to her targeted readers, as it fosters deeper understanding towards the plight of immigrants in children, and invokes greater interest in learning with traditional tools. —-Shobana Gomes, Malaysia
5 Stars “It was amazing”
Mr. Inker, a classy pen, finds himself alone in the office and party supply shop, wondering if he will ever find a home. When young Rafiq opens up his birthday present and finds Mr. Inker, he tells his Grandfather he has never had a pen of his own before. Meanwhile, we learn that Rafiq has only been in America for one month and he misses his friends from his birth country, Pakistan. When Mr. Inker comes to life, growing arms and legs, Rafiq remarks that he has “a very special pen, indeed.” Mr. Inker brags that he will never have to be thrown away, since he is fancy, and his ink and eraser may be replaced if they no longer work. Rafiq jokes that he might call him Mr. Inker the Stinker which raises a laugh. When Mr. Inker notices Rafiq’s sad face, Rafiq mentions how much he misses his home and old friends. He encourages Rafiq to pull open a page from his notebook and write a joke. Then he invites Rafiq to write a letter to a friend in Pakistan. When Rafiq counters with his idea of writing on the internet, Mr. Inker points out that penning the letter in person will help him improve his English and also provide a unique experience for his friend: not only will he have a solid piece of paper that Rafiq has touched, but he will be able to write a letter back to him.
Engagingly told through the pen’s point of view, this reader conveys the connection a young Pakistani immigrant boy named Rafiq finds with his writing tool—not merely an instrument who becomes a companion, but also a little being who helps him find a link with the homeland he misses so much. In addition, the author cleverly inserts the theme of literacy. By writing the letter rather than typing it on the computer, he will learn English by composing the letters and words to his dear friend at home. The character of Mr. Inker becomes a friend, guide, and mentor for young Rafiq, a bridge from his old life and language to the new America. This reader provides all of us a compelling window into cultural sensitivity and love of learning for the many immigrant children we teach and treasure.
Want to get away? Just read Mr. Inker finds a Home. I’ll begin by stating this, I’m a senior citizen and I really enjoyed the book despite my age.
Even though it states that it targets the level three reader, its far beyond that and I’ll tell you why.
In these current times of chaos, hate, and various types of prejudices, one needs to “go somewhere else” mentally! In other words, read a book like this and leave this world behind even for a short time.
This book displays various illustrations and a colorful narrative that makes a person desire peace and tranquility.
Remember, we’re all still young within our spirit!
Any child will achieve a certain degree of peace reading this book. An excellent read for anyone…..even us adults! —-Robert Davis
5 Stars
People from all over the world travel to America every day. Some even become part of our society and American citizens. But one young boy from Pakistan would learn a great many lessons from a unique and cherished birthday gift.
Mr. Inker has only one wish and that was hoping to be bought. Mr. Path in sold office and party supplies and Mr. Inker was part of his inventory.
Excited and thrilled when he heard people singing happy birthday. Never expecting to see the smiling and excited face of the young boy who peeled away the paper and was beaming at seeing him. Imagine a young child absolutely thrilled at receiving a pen from his grandfather for his birthday. Never owning a pen before this was a hallmark moment.
Taking Mr. Inker from the box that he came in, he looked him over but what he did not know is that Mr. Inker was studying him too. Rafiq is the boy’s name and little did he know that Mr. Inker was not an ordinary pen.
Being mindful of his precious gift Rafiq places it on a desk in his bedroom. But something happens and his life will change, and he will learn some valuable lessons from believe it or not : Mr. Inker!
Suddenly, he hears a voice and cannot imagine where it is coming from.
Mr. Inker wanted to share his secret with Rafiq. Placing his other gifts in his bedroom he thought about how much fun he had but something was missing. His friends from his old country. He wished they were there. Mr. Inker would help bring them closer to him in a different way.
Suddenly, the pen came alive and had two eyes, mouth, two arms and two legs. Rafiq could not believe what he saw or heard. Guess what? This pen’s eraser and ink can be replaced, and he will never need another pen. Mr. Inker and Rafiq talked and became acquainted. Taking Rafiq got to understand more about his gift and admitted not knowing a lot about pens.
Then Mr. Inker learned that Rafiq came from Pakistan and that his old country was different from America.
He missed his friends but was not sad about living in America.
Mr. Inker is not only a pen but really understands Rafiq and found a unique way of helping him contacting his friends in Pakistan.
Imagination pen that tells jokes. Imagine one that writes them. No, I bet you are wondering how! Author Christina Francine created an interesting and innovative character that she can bring back many times either teaching Rafiq need lessons in life, about his new country or even introducing some American friends. Watch what happens when they both write some jokes but to find out what they are you must read it for yourself.
Technology is great because we can email, text, or even send short note but what about writing a letter. Find out what Rafiq decides to do and how his new pen will help him if he does not know an English word. Which is better: an email or a real letter that you or your friend can hold in you had and put away safely in an envelope or scrapbook to read repeatedly? Find out which he chooses and read the jokes that Mr. Inker adds.
This book teaches important lessons in friendship, differences in countries and introduces a precious young boy from Pakistan named Rafiq: happy emailing or using your own special pen? What is your choice and why? A great lesson for teachers to use as a writing prompt. A great book and I wish I had a Mr. Inker too! —-Samfreene (Fran Lewis), Just Reviews
About The Author
Photo courtesy of: Christina Francine
Christina Francine is an enthusiastic author and educator for all ages. Picture book, Special Memory (2019), and leveled reader series, Mr. Inker (2020), reflect her positive thinking and belief that individual learning style can solve world problems. Journal of Literary Innovation published her analysis on students’ writing across the nation Spring 2016.
Christina holds a B.A cum laude in Children’s Literature and in Education from University at Castleton, Vermont, and a M.A in English Studies with a concentration in writing from SUNY Fredonia, New York. She continues to share her love of writing by teaching college students and with elementary students part-time. She is a member of BNCWI – Buffalo, Niagara Children’s Writers and Illustrators. Her fantasy novel is forthcoming. Learn more about Christina by visiting https://ChristinaFrancine.org
Christina Francine’s motto is, imagination is key. Not only for artists but for everyone. It’s the key to our survival.
As an author, teacher and researcher, Christina infuses her beliefs into everything she does and hopes that others will get the message she’s helping to spread:
Students are individuals who crave liberation from formulaic curriculums and standardized tests. Like every generation whose come before them, they need to broaden their minds through creativity, trial and error and investigation; not regurgitate pre-packaged lessons that lack spontaneity, originality and FUN!
Christina enjoys cultivating medicinal herbs and is an Adjunct English Instructor at The University at Buffalo.
Now that I have introduced you to Christina, let’s get to know her a little better.
Hello, Christina, welcome to Angel Kiss Publications. Thank you for agreeing to do this interview.
Thank you for having me.
Why did you become a teacher?
I’ve always felt a calling to make a difference and teaching allows me to do that every day.
What grade do you teach?
I teach a wide range of students from pre-k to college level, but mostly academic college writing.
How has your teaching experience influenced your writing?
Not only does teaching remind me of how difficult some things are to learn, but also that different people learn in different ways.
My daughters remind me I over explain sometimes, but it is because not everyone understands due to my style of teaching.
As a result, I often have to cut back after writing because I’ve put too much there, over explained. I’d say much of what I write is not only for young people, people but for those working with them.
I want people to understand and to remember how it is to be young and struggle. Many of my stories reflect this.
What inspired you to become a writer?
Since I was little, my imagination has been big, but I suppose the biggest jump into writing stories down was when my 4th grade teacher asked us to write a story.
That story turned out to be the one I revised recently about a talking pen. It’s a Reader, Level #3 story for beginning readers and it will be released sometime Fall 2019.
Imagination is also where invention lies, and the world has a lot of problems that imagination can solve.
Which genres do you write?
There are a few: Fantasy, Romance, and Mystery. And mainly for these audiences: Children & Young Adult (YA).
What do you find most challenging writing for your genre?
When I write, I get “into” my characters’ heads, and have to experience the pain, difficulties, and frustrations each goes through. Doing so makes the writing more authentic.
What are you working on now?
A fantasy novel meant for young adults about a dream keeper for Earth’s children who falls in love with a musician, even though she is not allowed a mate and jeopardizes her health and some of her young charges.
The story is under consideration by a big name publisher. I just completed another picture book and a mystery chapter book for middle grade.
How many books have you written?
I’ve written six and two will be released this fall. I’m hoping the fantasy is next.
There is a non-fiction work I’ve done a lot of research for. The Journal of Literacy Innovation, an academic journal, published in the Spring 2016.
The analysis on why students across the nation are at Basic level as opposed to Proficient or Advanced after examining the Nation’s Report Card.
The work argues writing is not where it could be nationally for a few reasons, the largest being a prompt for a right formula/answer as opposed to following individual voice. There is too much focus on state tests and not enough on imagination.
https://journalofliteracyinnovation.weebly.com/uploads/1/5/9/4/15949950/jliapril2016issuefinal.pdf
What has been your most rewarding experience since publishing your work?
Reading my work to children and watching their reaction. Them connecting play and imagination to invention.
What advice would you give to authors just starting out?
It’s been said often, but it’s true, don’t give up. Whatever you want, hang in there.
Find other writers who support your effort and understand what you’re trying to accomplish. Get feedback on what you write.
What message are you sharing in your books?
Everyone matters and has something to contribute.
When you’re not writing, where can we find you?
With family, gardening, or working on material for students.
What are your favorite books?
There are too many to name, but I do like to give these picture books at baby showers: Wherever You Are by Nancy Tillman and Love You Forever by Robert Munsch and Sheila MaGraw.
What are your favorite TV shows/movies?
TV shows: I like sit-coms such as The Big Bang, Young Sheldon, and Everybody Loves Raymond because they make me laugh.
Movies: Lord of the Rings, The Matrix Series, Men In Black, City of Angels, You’ve Got Mail, and Somewhere In Time.
Is there anything else you’d like your readers to know about you?
I believe individual learning style may solve world problems.
A movie producer wants to turn your book into a movie and you get to make a cameo. What would you do in the movie?
I’d be Emily’s kindergarten teacher in Special Memory on her first day of school.
An elf named 12-25 approaches you. He’s sneezing, wheezing, coughing and there’s a strange tattoo of a snoring dog on his cheek. What do you do?
I’d say “Bless you,” and hand him a couple of tissues.
Waldorf Publishing and later this fall most other outlets such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble, etc. www.waldorfpublishing.com * Special Memory pre-orders available at: https://www.waldorfpublishing.com/collections/2019/products/special-memory Release date is Sept. 15th, 2019 ⦁ Mr. Inker the Talking Pen Finds a Home (pre-orders coming soon). Keep checking Waldorf Publishing for now.
Thank you, Christina, for spending time with us and sharing your story. We wish you continued success with your work and lots of luck!
