**For every copy of Writing with Bernard the Baguette purchased, a copy will be given to a child in the foster care system through Every Child Oregon (or a similar organization dedicated to the well-being of kids).**
Bonjour! (That's French for "hello"!)
Are you a kid between the ages of seven and twelve with a curiosity about writing? Have you ever felt like writing is difficult and no fun?
Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Bernard, and I’m a baguette who lives in Paris, France. One of my favorite things about Paris, other than the wonderful food here, is that it’s famous for being home to great authors.
In this book (that we will write together), I will teach you three different kinds of writing: Creative, Memoir, and Journalism. We’ll play fun writing games, read and write stories together, and even stop to color in the pictures when you need to work a different part of your brain.
Here’s one thing I can promise you: it will be FUN!
I might even teach you some of my favorite French words (but you’ll have to read the book to find out) so join me, Bernard the Baguette, and let’s become authors together!
A bientot! (That's French for "see you soon!")
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ABOUT BERNARD, A.K.A. JOY EGGERICHS REED
Joy Eggerichs Reed founded Punchline Agency, a literary and speaking agency that represents and develops communicators. In 2021, unable to help as many aspiring authors as she wanted, Joy wrote Get to the Publishing Punchline: A Fun (and Slightly Aggressive) 30 Day Guide to Get Your Book Ready for the World to demystify the publishing process for a wider audience.
As Joy wrote the book she simultaneously wondered if there was a way to not only inspire adult authors, but to also get writing prompts into the hands of at-risk children. Immediately Joy slipped into an alter-ego named “Bernard the Talking Baguette” and created a writing tool to introduce kids to the worlds of creative writing, memoir, and journalism. Because she often felt intimidated by school as a kid, Joy decided to make the book funny and interactive—a style she thinks would have appealed to her growing up. Joy created Writing with Bernard the Baguette to be donated for every copy of Get to the Publishing Punchline that was sold, but when people heard about the children’s book, they requested Joy make it available to purchase.
So here we are!
The purchase of either of Joy’s books will ensure that a copy of Writing with Bernard the Baguette gets into the hands of a vulnerable child. The hope is that these exercises will not only open up a child’s mind to the exciting possibilities through writing, but will additionally be a grounding activity to give stability and ownership to kids who may have little around them.
