....April 9, 1:43 PM
	Children’s Author Offers Unique Opportunity Jane Lovascio speaks to students as Casey and Bella listen. By Lisa Fogarty Does your child have a better imagination than Dr. Seuss? Do you have trouble finding your refrigerator through the fortress of creative stories attached to the door? If so, Jane Lovascio has an offer that may just jumpstart your little one’s writing career a decade or so ahead of time. Lovascio is the creative force behind “Casey and Bella,” a children’s series based on the adventures of her spirited dogs: Casey, a Jack Russell Terrier, and Bella, a Tea Cup Yorkie. The series, which is just two years old and already has nine books in its roster, traces the courageous duo’s steps as they travel to places like New York City, Boston, Hollywood and the aquarium – meeting interesting friends along the way. Lovascio is sponsoring the Casey and Bella Story Contest, a national writing contest that will give third and fourth grade students the chance to co-author her next book. Students have until April 15 to enter the contest by submitting a 400-word story idea that should include a proposal for where Casey and Bella should travel, whom they should meet and what lessons they learn along the way. Entries will be judged based on creativity and originality. The author visited PS 159 in Bayside on Monday to speak about her books, the publishing industry and the once in a lifetime opportunity. “Everyone in this room is already an author because you’re all reading and writing,” Lovascio told the children. “It’s up to you and your imagination where Casey and Bella can go.” When the writing contest ends this spring, four finalists will be chosen, and the winner will be selected from these four. The grand prize winner will be credited for his/her story idea on the dedication page inside the book and receive a $500 cash prize, plaque, and certificate. Lovascio will travel to the winner’s school to present the award and a personalized signed book and photograph. The author conceived of the contest idea while performing readings at schools throughout New York and New Jersey. Children were constantly surprising her with great ideas and suggestions for Casey and Bella. “I wanted to show them you can be any age and write and become an author,” she said. At PS 159, Lovascio didn’t just impart information about ISBN numbers and the importance of copywriting one’s work through the Library of Congress, she also gave students a lesson in altruism. The writer donates a portion of the proceeds from each book to nonprofit charities that help children or animals. The new book will support Autism Speaks. “Kids get to actually see a live author, which for them is a big deal,” said Dhiara Scaduto, the librarian at PS 159. “But also, they get to learn how a book is published. That’s a big deal.” Entry forms for the Casey and Bella Story Contest can be found on cuddlybooks.com or requested by e-mail at CaseyandBella@gmail.com. Finalists will be notified by e-mail May 15, after judging is complete. Learn more about the Casey and Bella series at CaseyandBella.com.