Generated by All in One SEO v5.0.0.1, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site. # Janet Flaugher Janet Flaugher Books ## Sitemaps - [XML Sitemap](https://www.jtalespinner.com/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website. ## Posts - [Memories From My Childhood](https://www.jtalespinner.com/memories-from-my-childhood/) - When I was a little girl, maybe around 4, I was convinced I had the ability to fly. I observed the birds They had wings. I had arms. They took off from zero. They simply leaned forward and raised their wings. Magic! There was no doubt in my mind, although the adults in my family - [Still Sliding](https://www.jtalespinner.com/still-sliding/) - Wow! I'm 80. When I wake up in the mornings now I check to see whether I'm a ghost. I do a quick body check, and yes, all the aches and pains are still there. Ahhh, the golden years! Yesterday the nurse asked me if I ever woke up in the morning feeling tired. I - [The Downhill Slide](https://www.jtalespinner.com/2400-2/) - The Downhill Slide I am getting older. I am learning new information and skills throughout the process. My grandparents and parents didn’t offer much advice about the process, but now I realize that was because I wasn’t listening. When they tried to talk to me about it, I didn’t want to hear it. I know - [THEBOOKREPORT -The Witch Doctor's Wife](https://www.jtalespinner.com/2384-2/) - The Witch Doctor’s Wife by Tamar Myers. Did you like Kingsolver’s The Poisonwood Bible? M.C. Smith’s No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency, Dinesen’s Out of Africa, or the film Blood Diamond? Then this is a book for you. A wonderful mystery writer, Myers takes us on an excursion to the Belgian Congo for a spellbinding tale - [THE AMERICAN BEAUTY ROSE](https://www.jtalespinner.com/the-american-beauty-rose/) - THE AMERICAN BEAUTY ROSE Lucky, lucky load of hay. Make a wish and turn away. My grandmother taught me that. I can remember wishing for good health and a long life for myself and my family. I wonder what makes hay lucky? Whether grass or alfalfa or rye, it is a common plant--undistinguished except by - [Rachmaninov Is The Wind Beneath My Wings](https://www.jtalespinner.com/rachmaninov-is-the-wind-beneath-my-wings/) - Rachmaninov Is “The Wind Beneath My Wings” When I was a young woman I knew everything. I often fought with my mother. After those battles which in my own mind I invariably won by resorting to cruel juvenile personal attacks--I hate you, You hate me, You’ll be glad when I’m dead--she always forgave me and - [I CELEBRATE THE WOMEN](https://www.jtalespinner.com/i-celebrate-the-women/) - I Celebrate the Women I join the world to celebrate the women – the scientists, the poets, the artists, and the patriots - who names light up the skies. Whose impressive contributions to our world are recognized. Angelou, Curie, Elizabeth, Earhart, Bernhardt, Rudolph, Malala and more, So many more. So many more. So many more. - [THEBOOKREPORT The Paris Novel](https://www.jtalespinner.com/thebookreport-the-paris-novel/) - 1/19/2026 The Paris Novel by Ruth Reichl This charming little book follows Stella St. Vincent, self-proclaimed frugal recluse, who inherits an $80,000 trip to Paris after her estranged socialite mother’s death. Against her better judgement, Stella travels to France. While browsing in a bookstore, she becomes involved with a group of aspiring young writers and - [THEBOOKREPORT Native Speaker](https://www.jtalespinner.com/thebookreport-native-speaker/) - 1/5/2026 Native Speaker, by Chang-rae Lee Henry Park has spent his entire life trying to become a “true American” – a native speaker – in his adopted country. His harsh Korean upbringing inhibits his quest. He cannot break out of his Korean world of hiding emotions but remembering everything. He becomes alienated – a “stranger - [THEBOOKREPORT A Christmas Memory](https://www.jtalespinner.com/thebookreport-a-christmas-memory/) - 12/8/2025 A Christmas Memory by Truman Capote I think during the holiday season it’s a comfort to the spirit to read something tender and uplifting. If you haven’t already read it, A Christmas Memory by Truman Capote fits the bill. If you’ve already read it, it’s worth a reread. Best friends come in different shapes - [THEBOOKREPORT The Women](https://www.jtalespinner.com/thebookreport-the-women/) - 11/17/2025 The Women by Kristen Hannah I was disappointed in this story about the women who served as Army nurses in Viet Nam. It is definitely a tale worth telling, but I was hoping for a deeper dive into the politics, more about PTSD and the psychological impact, more about the aftermath. The book is - [THEBOOKREPORT Miss Benson's Beetle](https://www.jtalespinner.com/thebookreport-miss-bensons-beetle/) - 11/10/2025 Miss Benson’s Beetle by Rachel Joyce If you haven’t yet read Miss Benson’s Beetle, drop everything and get it. The unlikely heroine, Margery Benson, strikes out to pursue her outrageous dream of discovering the “golden beetle”, after getting sacked from her teaching position for stealing a co-worker’s boots! On the run from the police, - [The Bear in the Chair](https://www.jtalespinner.com/the-bear-in-the-chair/) - The Bear in the Chair (a new children's book by Janet Flaugher) THE BEAR IN THE CHAIR by Janet Flaugher On a Saturday morning, that was coolish, but fair, I was reading a book by the living-room stair. Then I heard a great snorfling and grumbling somewhere, And I saw something move in the overstuffed - [THEBOOKREPORT Bless Me, Ultima by Rudolfo Anaya](https://www.jtalespinner.com/thebookreport-bless-me-ultima-by-rudolfo-anaya/) - 10/31/3035 Bless Me, Ultima by Adolfo Anaya Bless Me, Ultima, takes place on the llano (plains) of New Mexico after the end of World War II, and is a coming-of-age story. The story of Antonio (Tony) develops through the perspective of the adult Tony, who reflects on his childhood beginning when he is seven and - [THEBOOKREPORT The Lacuna by Barbara Kingsolver](https://www.jtalespinner.com/thebookreport-the-lacuna-by-barbara-kingsolver/) - 10/27/2025 The Lacuna by Barbara Kingsolver I love Barbara Kingsolver's books. Her ability to draw you into a story is unmatched. Her narrative is beautifully crafted. Her vivid characters practically jump off the page. Here, the main character, Harrison Shepherd, born in the US and raised in Mexico, draws us in to a tale of - [THEBOOKREPORT The Color Purple](https://www.jtalespinner.com/thebookreport-the-color-purple/) - 10/7/2025 THEBOOKREPORT The Color Purple by Alice Walker The Color Purple is a profoundly moving novel that explores the heartbreaking story of a poor, Black, woman living in the South who is deprived of an education and the simple pleasures of childhood by her vicious and predatory stepfather. The story is told through a series - [THEBOOKREPORT](https://www.jtalespinner.com/thebookreport/) - October 7, 2025 I had so much fun doing THEBOOKREPORT for Banned Books Week, I decided to continue. My intent is to post a "REPORT" every other week or so to introduce you to books I have been reading or have read to give you a little insight into they are about and whether I - [Welcome to my Blog](https://www.jtalespinner.com/welcome-to-my-blog/) - This is a test. - [2025 Author of the Year](https://www.jtalespinner.com/2025-author-of-the-year/) - Exciting news this week! I have been named a finalist for 2025 Author of the Year by International Impact Book Awards. I would love to attend their Gala in Hollywood in October. Unfortunately the expense is way beyond my comfort zone, so I will watch from the sidelines! "It is with deep respect and admiration - [Kirkus Review - The Acreage](https://www.jtalespinner.com/kirkus-review-the-acreage/) - In March, I submitted my new publication, The Acreage: An Anthem, to Kirkus Reviews to be evaluated. I'm pleased to share an excerpt from the Kirkus review of the book. This story about life on a farm is appropriate for all ages. If you haven't had a chance to read it, it's available on Amazon, - [Awards for Two Bottles of Water](https://www.jtalespinner.com/2305-2/) - WOW! GOT GREAT NEWS TODAY FROM THE BOOKFEST AWARDS: My newly released book, Two Bottles of Water, was awarded 1st Place for Nonfiction/Biography, 2nd Place for Travel Memoir, and 3rd Place for Humor. I'M JUST OVER THE GREAT WALL ABOUT IT!!!! - [Celebrating Women](https://www.jtalespinner.com/2303-2/) - I Celebrate the Women I join the world to celebrate the women – the scientists, the poets, the artists, and the patriots - who names light up the skies. Whose impressive contributions to our world are recognized. Angelou, Curie, Elizabeth, Earhart, Bernhardt Rudolph Malala and more, So many more. So many more. So many more. - [New Look](https://www.jtalespinner.com/new-look/) - Check out my website's new look. I think it's great. I would love to hear what you think. - [JUST PUBLISHED](https://www.jtalespinner.com/just-published/) - I'm pleased to announce my newest book, Two Bottles of Water, has been published. Two Bottles of Water is an engaging and zany exposé about what life in China is really like for a couple of immigrant newbies. It’s always something, from kitchens that smell of sewer gas, to surviving mystery meat stew, to underappreciated - [NEW BOOKS COMING SOON](https://www.jtalespinner.com/new-books-coming-soon/) - COMING SOON! I am pleased to announce I have two new books coming out shortly. Two Bottles of Water will publish in February. The Acreage will come out in March. Below is an excerpt from The Acreage, which retells the everyday, funny, and tragic experiences of a city girl who embraces her heart's passion - - [Hello world!](https://www.jtalespinner.com/hello-world/) - Welcome to WordPress. This is your first post. Edit or delete it, then start writing! - [Cars and Grape Soda](https://www.jtalespinner.com/cars-and-grape-soda/) - As for most families, having dependable transportation was a priority. When we were small, our family had one car. We had an old yellow Buick for a while. I remember riding in that car with my mom and dad - dad driving, mom in the passenger seat, and I standing tucked right behind my dad's - [Do The Right Thing](https://www.jtalespinner.com/do-the-right-thing/) - It seems like we are always in flux. Each generation wrestles with morality; with defining what is right and what is wrong in word and deed. Is it important to act in a morally "right" way? Is it important to do "the right thing"? Societies have norms that guide how their members function. Some call - [Thanksgiving in a Far Away Land.](https://www.jtalespinner.com/thanksgiving-in-a-far-away-land/) - It's been a long time since I've posted. We got so busy at work and by the end of the day I just wasn't up to more writing! Anyway, I retired at the first of October, so suddenly I am in control of how I spend my time! Currently my son, Charles and I are - [How to Park a Mark](https://www.jtalespinner.com/how-to-park-a-cadillac/) - As a family in the late 40’s, being able to get places was a high priority. We had one car. It had to get my father to work and back, my mother to the store, doctor appointments, the cleaners, to grandma’s, and to children’s activities. Throughout our youth, we owned cars designed for families. Ford - [Outwitting THE FISH](https://www.jtalespinner.com/outwitting-the-fish/) - One of our favorite family pastimes was going fishing. Dad loved the possibility of outwitting and snagging “the big one”. Mom was a good sport. She loved being with my dad. She learned the ropes – bait your hook, cast, keep your line out of the weeds, remove the fish from the hook, clean and - [A Father's Day Message](https://www.jtalespinner.com/a-fathers-day-message/) - A Father’s Day Message, shared by my friend, Juvenal, with his congregation Dear Friend, This morning I read for the third time Janet Flaugher’s “My Father’s Voice,” a story of Janet’s father, a war veteran, public school administrator, the embodiment of kindness, and one who believed that every life has value. William Schumacher never spanked - [You smoke, I smoke, we all smoke . . . .](https://www.jtalespinner.com/you-smoke-i-smoke-we-all-smoke/) - As Dylan confirmed, “the times, they are a-changin’.” Reflecting on my childhood, I realize how pervasive smoking was. Lucy and Desi smoked. Everyone in the movies smoked. Athletes smoked. John Wayne smoked. People smoked on planes, in restaurants, in the car. My mom started each day with a cup of black coffee and a cigarette. - [Two Bottles of Water: Challenging China](https://www.jtalespinner.com/two-bottles-of-water-challenging-china/) - Preface In 2002, I took a job as Head of School for the New School of Collaborative Learning International School in Beijing, China. It was a three-year contract that could be extended indefinitely. I retired from the Greeley Public Schools. My husband quit his job. We arranged for one daughter to live in our condo. - [Greeley Tribune Article](https://www.jtalespinner.com/greeley-tribune-article/) - The Greeley Tribune featured an in-depth article about My Father's Voice this summer. I thought you might like to read it. Just click or copy the link below into your browser. ""My Father's Voice" by Janet Flaugher captures a daughter's memories of her father's stories" https://www.greeleytribune.com/2021/07/22/my-fathers-voice-by-janet-flaugher-captures-a-daughters-memories-of-her-fathers-stories/amp/ - [Grandma's House](https://www.jtalespinner.com/grandmas-house/) - Thanksgiving is coming. Because of the pandemic, last year my husband and I delivered Thanksgiving dinner to 10 families and then came home to share the holiday together. I was grateful for what we were able to do, but my house is a party-house. And I love and have missed, the hubbub of Thanksgiving day - [Thanks for Promotion](https://www.jtalespinner.com/thanks-for-promotion/) - Styling the Momiform 1d · Guysss!! I know I don’t post a ton for little kids, but I had to share this one if you’re looking for a good book to read with your children! The husband (and his mom!) of my dear friend has written a darling story about two children who have a dinosaur - [Upcoming Book Events](https://www.jtalespinner.com/upcoming-book-events/) - It's almost here! This Thursday, December 14th, 2023 is the next reading of "What If We Had a Dinosaur?: An Interactive Children's Fantasy Story!" Come join in on the fun with Author, Janet Flaugher, and Illustrator Charles Luna. Enjoy an interactive book reading, taking selfies with a "dinosaur" and a chance to win a prize! - [Turn On The Lights [Excerpt]](https://www.jtalespinner.com/turn-on-the-lights-excerpt/) - Turn On the Lights [Ni hao (ni how) - How are you? and Xe Xe (shay shay) - Thank you, Wo yao (wah yow) – I want] April 2002 I had wanted to work in the international school system since my father was the Superintendent of the International School of Brussels. In August of 2001, - [Author/Illustrator Signing - Children's Book Event](https://www.jtalespinner.com/author-illustrator-signing-childrens-book-event/) - Author Janet Flaugher and Illustrator Charles Luna, had a lovely time promoting "What If We Had a Dinosaur?: An Interactive Children's Fantasy Story," at Barnes & Noble - Ft Collins last weekend. What a wonderful way to finish January! Parents, grandparents and children alike, came from different corners of our state. And, we also had - [Read the Latest](https://www.jtalespinner.com/read-the-latest/) - Read the latest here. - [Dinosaurs! Dinosaurs! Reading to Kids](https://www.jtalespinner.com/dinosaurs-dinosaurs-reading-to-kids/) - Kindergartners and 1st graders are so authentic! Yesterday we read What If We Had a Dinosaur? to them at PSD's Bauder Elementary. It was a great afternoon! The highlight of the day came when the children had time to ask us questions. One young man said, "When can we go back to our class?" Hilarious! - [An Afternoon With a Dinosaur](https://www.jtalespinner.com/an-afternoon-with-a-dinosaur/) - The next stop on the Dinotastic Tour for "What If We Had a Dinosaur?: An Interactive Children's Fantasy Story" is coming up soon. We're thrilled to partner with the City of Greeley Museums to provide - "AN AFTERNOON WITH A DINOSAUR" *Storytime *Activities *Selfies with Dinosaurs *Prizes *Meet the Author *Purchase a signed copy from - [](https://www.jtalespinner.com/344-2/) - We had a wonderful time promoting "What If We Had A Dinosaur?: An Interactive Children's Fantasy Story" at the Northern Colorado Children's Festival at Island Grove Regional Park in Greeley, Colorado. We met some great families, who were interested in the importance of children learning to read. Thank you for having us at this fun - [](https://www.jtalespinner.com/350-2/) - In April we recognize the contribution made to the world via Poetry. I hope you enjoy this poem! WILD GOOSE 'Tis writ you can't go home again, Return unchanged to changelessness-- The same blue sky and rolling plain, Familiar faces, same address. The Mind's mirage of home sweet home Is misted by life's shifting dust; - [New Website](https://www.jtalespinner.com/new-website/) - What do you think of my refurbished website? - [Trying again.](https://www.jtalespinner.com/trying-again/) - Hoping this will post on my revised website. ## Pages - [Home](https://www.jtalespinner.com/) - What if We Had a Dinosaur? Editorial Reviews . . .brightly painted illustrations. . .for early-emergent readers, encouraging independent reading. . .perfect for preschool and early elementary students, especially those who can never get enough dinosaurs. READ MORE ORDER A COPY NOW My Father’s Voice The biography of a war veteran and school administrator who - [About the Books](https://www.jtalespinner.com/about-the-books/) - What if We Had a Dinosaur? A brother and sister discover something BIG in their backyard. What they do with their discovery is heartwarming and filled with fun and adventure. First book in a series. Winner of 2024 Bookfest and International Impact Awards for children’s stories. Kirkus reviews says ". . .brightly painted illustrations. . - [About the Author](https://www.jtalespinner.com/about-the-author/) - Janet Flaugher recently published two new books. Two Bottles of Water is an engaging and zany exposé about what life in China is really like for a couple of immigrant newbies. It’s always something, from kitchens that smell of sewer gas, to surviving mystery meat stew, to underappreciated efforts at communication in Chinese. The book - [Buy the Books](https://www.jtalespinner.com/buy-the-books/) - What if We Had a Dinosaur? An interactive children's fantasy story. A brother and sister discover something BIG in their backyard. What they do with their discovery is heartwarming and filled with fun and adventure! ISBN 13 (SOFT): 9781665749695ISBN 13 (eBook): 9781665749688 ORDER A COPY NOW My Father’s Voice My Father’s Voice is the biography - [](https://www.jtalespinner.com/2314-2/) - [Contact the Author](https://www.jtalespinner.com/contact-the-author/) - Are you interested in booking the author/illustrator for an event? We are available for book signings, children's story time events, museum activities, book fairs, etc. Let us know how we can accommodate you in your comments. Follow Me on Facebook - [Excerpt](https://www.jtalespinner.com/excerpt-2/) - [dflip id="68"][/dflip] - [Gallery](https://www.jtalespinner.com/gallery/) - Photos and images will be posted on this page. - [Other Works](https://www.jtalespinner.com/other-works/) - Other works of author will be posted here. - [Reviews](https://www.jtalespinner.com/reviews/) - Book reviews will be posted here. ## MailPoet Page - [MailPoet Page](https://www.jtalespinner.com/?mailpoet_page=captcha) - [mailpoet_page] - [MailPoet Page](https://www.jtalespinner.com/?mailpoet_page=subscriptions) - [mailpoet_page] ## Categories - [Updates](https://www.jtalespinner.com/category/update/) - [Blog](https://www.jtalespinner.com/category/blog/) ## Tags - [Behavior](https://www.jtalespinner.com/tag/behavior/) - [Values](https://www.jtalespinner.com/tag/values/) - [Cars](https://www.jtalespinner.com/tag/cars/) - [priorities](https://www.jtalespinner.com/tag/priorities/) - [family](https://www.jtalespinner.com/tag/family/) - [fishing](https://www.jtalespinner.com/tag/fishing/) - [Inspirational](https://www.jtalespinner.com/tag/inspirational/) - [New Book Preview](https://www.jtalespinner.com/tag/new-book-preview/)