Embedded Files
Elementary School Author Visit
October 9,2024
Ward Elementary School
Ward Elementary School
Bestie Publishing Company had their first Author Visit at Ward. Thank you to my good friend Shannon Kesselring for the invitation to present to the First, Second and Third grade students!
The students learned about my mama who is the grandmother or abuela in the story.
The students learned about my mama who is the grandmother or abuela in the story.
I showed them that my mama loved to wear aprons while she was in the kitchen cooking.
I showed them that my mama loved to wear aprons while she was in the kitchen cooking.
Sally and the students learn about traditions with Mr. Wibble and Mr. Wobble!
Sally and the students learn about traditions with Mr. Wibble and Mr. Wobble!
Sally and I were very impressed with the students' behavior. They were very well mannered and loved hearing the story. Especially about the sparklers and fireworks.
Sally and I were very impressed with the students' behavior. They were very well mannered and loved hearing the story. Especially about the sparklers and fireworks.
This young man had purchased the book before our visit and wanted our autographs!
This young man had purchased the book before our visit and wanted our autographs!
We had a blast at Ward Elementary and a great big thank you to the teachers who came to support Besties Publishing Company's first author visit. More author visits are planned throughout the district through December.
We had a blast at Ward Elementary and a great big thank you to the teachers who came to support Besties Publishing Company's first author visit. More author visits are planned throughout the district through December.
XXOO
Ms. K
Elementary School Author Visit and
Launch Event with Northside ISD
October 11, 2024
Henderson Elementary School
Henderson Elementary School
We had a wonderful event launching our new book at Henderson! A big thank you to Lilly Hinojosa, Principal, and Shawn Trevino, the Librarian who hosted our author visit. This is my home campus where I retired from in 2018!
Central Office was well represented and we were thrilled that our book Menudo at Midnight has been so well received.
Part of our presentation is demonstrating the use of the molcajete. The aroma of the garlic and cumin seed starts to fill the room!
Part of our presentation is demonstrating the use of the molcajete. The aroma of the garlic and cumin seed starts to fill the room!
Sally is showing the students the librarian's picture of the authors who have presented at Henderson.
Sally is showing the students the librarian's picture of the authors who have presented at Henderson.
Sally and I love seeing our book on the big screen. The students love being able to see the beautiful illustrations.
Sally and I love seeing our book on the big screen. The students love being able to see the beautiful illustrations.
The students filed out of our presentation and were able to see the molcajete up close and smell the seasonings. Yum!
The students filed out of our presentation and were able to see the molcajete up close and smell the seasonings. Yum!
Shelby Bierschbach, one of my favorite former students and her mother, Karen, came out to support us! Little sister, Hadley Kate was a third grade audience member!
Shelby Bierschbach, one of my favorite former students and her mother, Karen, came out to support us! Little sister, Hadley Kate was a third grade audience member!
I can't say this enough, but the illustrations in our book are top notch! The children are able to recognize the landmarks that identify San Antonio and love the colorful fireworks! Sally has done a remarkable job and couldn't be more proud to call her my bestie!
I can't say this enough, but the illustrations in our book are top notch! The children are able to recognize the landmarks that identify San Antonio and love the colorful fireworks! Sally has done a remarkable job and couldn't be more proud to call her my bestie!
Elementary School Author Visit
October 21, 2024
Reed Elementary
Reed Elementary
My good friend Omayra Castro extended an invitation to Reed for an author visit. Omayra and I taught at Henderson together. She is an excellent second grade teacher and helped the librarian host our visit to present to the second and third grade students. They were a lively group who had many questions and comments. The students were well mannered and loved the story!
We begin our presentation by telling the students about our dream to write children's books! The students learn that we have been friends abilingual bout 40 years.
We begin our presentation by telling the students about our dream to write children's books! The students learn that we have been friends abilingual bout 40 years.
Sally tells them about our differences growing up. I grew up in South Texas and Sally grew up in upper state New York.
Sally tells them about our differences growing up. I grew up in South Texas and Sally grew up in upper state New York.
We demonstrate the use of the molcajete and ask the students if they have one in their kitchens or does their grandparents have one.
We demonstrate the use of the molcajete and ask the students if they have one in their kitchens or does their grandparents have one.
A great big thank you to Asli Wilkie, the librarian and Margarita Herrera, the bilingual support specialist for helping to host our visit to Reed. We felt so welcome and the children were so captivated by the book and the colorful illustrations.
A great big thank you to Asli Wilkie, the librarian and Margarita Herrera, the bilingual support specialist for helping to host our visit to Reed. We felt so welcome and the children were so captivated by the book and the colorful illustrations.
Elemetary School Author Visit
November 13, 2024
Fernandez Elementary
Fernandez Elementary
"Once a Bulldog, always a Bulldog!" Sally and I went to our former home campus and presented to the first, second, and third graders. They were such cute kids and we had a blast meeting up with former colleagues! A big thank you to Martha Von Muldau, the librarian, and friend, who extended a very warm welcome to her school where we have many wonderful memories! ♥️
This student was actually pretty good with the molcajete!
He finally got the hang of it!
He finally got the hang of it!
Mash away little one!
Mash away little one!
Wow! We have a chef on our hands!
Wow! We have a chef on our hands!
Sometimes it can get a little tricky getting the skin off the clove of garlic.
Sometimes it can get a little tricky getting the skin off the clove of garlic.
Sally is teaching geography in the presentation and explaining that her family came from Canada and settled in upper state New York. We show the comparison of how Sally's mother's family crossed over the border from the North and my mother's family crossed from the South. We explain how different our cultures are but how we celebrate our differences!
Elementary School Holiday Bazar
November 13, 2024
Steubing Elementary
Steubing Elementary
Besties Publishing Company participated in Steubing's first Holiday Bazaar! We made a few sales and ended up scheduling an author visit to the school in December. We think it was a very good day!
We're getting our name out there and sales on Amazon keeps going up!
We're getting our name out there and sales on Amazon keeps going up!
The vendors filled the breezeway on a very beautiful day.
The vendors filled the breezeway on a very beautiful day.
A very big thank you to my twin sister, Mary Ann, who took over sales because we were at an author visit!
A very big thank you to my twin sister, Mary Ann, who took over sales because we were at an author visit!
A great big thank you to Ms. Kathryn Klibert for coordinating our participation in the holiday bazaar. It turned out to be a gorgeous fall day an we were able to network with other vendors.
A great big thank you to Ms. Kathryn Klibert for coordinating our participation in the holiday bazaar. It turned out to be a gorgeous fall day an we were able to network with other vendors.
Elementary School Author Visit
November 15, 2024
Aue Elementary
Aue Elementary
The Gators were ready for Besties! We presented to the kindergarten and first grade students and it was the very first time we had kinder students in our audience! They were absolutely marvelous! The first graders were well mannered and eager to ask questions. We had a wonderful time with them! Great job, kinder teachers! Ms. O'Marah was an awesome host and her library environment was outstanding! Kudos to you, Ms. O'Marah! We loved your hat collection!
We absolutely loved this Gator mural!
We absolutely loved this Gator mural!
The library was so colorful and inviting.
The library was so colorful and inviting.
My mama's pictures and a drawing of her kitchen tools are shared with the students and told she is the abuela who is at the heart of this story.
My mama's pictures and a drawing of her kitchen tools are shared with the students and told she is the abuela who is at the heart of this story.
An autographed copy of our book will be put into the vending machine and we hope the lucky student enjoys it. Great idea!
My great nephew wanted to join the fun with the molcajete. He was a natural!
My great nephew wanted to join the fun with the molcajete. He was a natural!
My sister, Lala, enjoyed our presentation and loves working in the library on Mondays.
My sister, Lala, enjoyed our presentation and loves working in the library on Mondays.
We are so happy we made the decision to ask audience members to participate.
We are so happy we made the decision to ask audience members to participate.
This young lady loved the aroma of the spices!
This young lady loved the aroma of the spices!
This aspiring chef was laser focused!
This aspiring chef was laser focused!
Sally met up with this sibling of a former student. He was happy with his autographed copy.
Sally met up with this sibling of a former student. He was happy with his autographed copy.
Boy- oh -boy! We had quite a few books to autograph. I think it took us at least thirty minutes to put personalized messages on each of the books! Very blessed.
Boy- oh -boy! We had quite a few books to autograph. I think it took us at least thirty minutes to put personalized messages on each of the books! Very blessed.
Elementary School Author Visit
November 22, 2024
Beard Elementary
Beard Elementary
We received a great big howdy from the Buckaroos at Beard Elementary. That was the first time we have presented to ECC/ECSE students! They were a bunch of cutie pies and had great behavior! Thank you, Karen Piedra, Beard's librarian who gave us a warm welcome.
We received a great big howdy from the Buckaroos at Beard Elementary. That was the first time we have presented to ECC/ECSE students! They were a bunch of cutie pies and had great behavior! Thank you, Karen Piedra, Beard's librarian who gave us a warm welcome.
Our story begins with two best friends who had a dream to write a book together.
Our story begins with two best friends who had a dream to write a book together.
I love showing the students the drawing of my mama's pots and kitchen tools. The drawing was a gift from Sally!
I love showing the students the drawing of my mama's pots and kitchen tools. The drawing was a gift from Sally!
Sally's granddaughter tried her hand at using the molcajete. She was a pro!
Sally's granddaughter tried her hand at using the molcajete. She was a pro!
Sally and I sure get a kick out of being asked to autograph our books! What an honor and a blessing to have gotten this far. Thank you!
Sally and I sure get a kick out of being asked to autograph our books! What an honor and a blessing to have gotten this far. Thank you!
Elementary School Author Visit
December 6, 2024
Ott Elementary
Ott Elementary
It was a wonderful school visit to Ott because one of the best principals ever, Maddy Bueno, gave us a very warm welcome! Ms. Bueno is a very good friend and was thrilled for Sally and I in our new endeavor!
Cynthia Molinar is an outstanding librarian and created very cozy reading nooks to encourage reading in her library! She also provided menudo that she made for the teachers! I had some and it was delicioso!
Cynthia Molinar is an outstanding librarian and created very cozy reading nooks to encourage reading in her library! She also provided menudo that she made for the teachers! I had some and it was delicioso!
We loved these murals in the Ott library that welcomed the students to come and read in the library! I loved sitting in the Big Bend area of the library.
These twins were adorable when they came to work the molcajete!
These twins were adorable when they came to work the molcajete!
These precious students purchased our book and wanted it autographed. They were excited to meet real authors and eager to share with their families.
Elementary School Author Visit
December 11, 2024
Colonies North Elementary
Colonies North Elementary
Sally and I had a wonderful visit at Colonies North with my friend, the principal, Norma Farrell. We presented to the second and third grade students who were eager to hear our story. The school has a very diverse community and we were impressed with the students who had many questions.
This young man really got into the task he was asked to do!
This young man really got into the task he was asked to do!
What a sweetie that wanted her book autographed.
What a sweetie that wanted her book autographed.
These besties wanted their picture taken before we left.
These besties wanted their picture taken before we left.
We thought that these were pretty cool posters! Ms. Mejia designs and makes these posters herself. What a clever idea!
Boerne Church School
December 13, 2024
St. Helena's Episcopal Church and School
St. Helena's Episcopal Church and School
Sally and I presented to the children at St. Helena's where I had been the kindergarten teacher for three years. I was excited to meet up with my babies! Say hello to Owen, Sawyer and Cash.
Jack loved using the molcajete and said it became very aromatic.
Jack loved using the molcajete and said it became very aromatic.
These were the twins I taught in kindergarten. James and Isabelle.
These were the twins I taught in kindergarten. James and Isabelle.
Amelia enjoyed coming up to smash the spices and chatting with me.
Amelia enjoyed coming up to smash the spices and chatting with me.
Elementary School Author Visit
December 16, 2024
Steubing Elementary
Steubing Elementary
Sally and I made our way to Steubing this week before the students let out for Winter Break! We presented to the 2nd and 3rd grade students who were very well mannered considering all the excitement anticipating their class parties. Well, we will let Santa know that he has some respectful students at Steubing!
These students worked really hard to "smash" the spices in the molcajete. They loved the work!
This beautiful young lady is a family member!
These cuties wanted our autograph. The young man is the grandson of one of my of my friends and former colleague at Stevenson!
The librarian at Steubing is Jennifer Ramirez. What a kind and loving soul! She made Sally and I feel very welcome. You can tell that the students love coming to her library. Enjoy the holidays!
The librarian at Steubing is Jennifer Ramirez. What a kind and loving soul! She made Sally and I feel very welcome. You can tell that the students love coming to her library. Enjoy the holidays!
Elementary School Author Visit
December 18, 2024
Cable Elementary School
Sally and I were thrilled with this welcome sign when we arrived at Cable! How thoughtful and it made us proud to be retired Northside educators!
Sally and I were thrilled with this welcome sign when we arrived at Cable! How thoughtful and it made us proud to be retired Northside educators!
Meet Jennifer Parker. She is one happy librarian. She loves being at Cable and made Sally and I feel very important. What a class act!
Meet Jennifer Parker. She is one happy librarian. She loves being at Cable and made Sally and I feel very important. What a class act!
This young man said he loved being in the kitchen at home!
This young man said he loved being in the kitchen at home!
I think this student is totally focused on the task at hand!
I think this student is totally focused on the task at hand!
The birthday boy wants to try his hand at using the molcajete!
The birthday boy wants to try his hand at using the molcajete!
These two students are best friends and writing a book together.
These two students are best friends and writing a book together.
This young lady wanted us to know that our story reminded her of her own grandparents and she was very emotional. She was joined by her classroom teacher.
This young lady wanted us to know that our story reminded her of her own grandparents and she was very emotional. She was joined by her classroom teacher.
One of Cable's happy teachers who had her book autographed.
One of Cable's happy teachers who had her book autographed.
Sally and I always find something that catches our eye in the libraries we visit. We love this display!
Sally and I always find something that catches our eye in the libraries we visit. We love this display!
This architectural design in the library was awesome! Go Cub Bears!
This architectural design in the library was awesome! Go Cub Bears!
Elementary School Author Visit
January 10, 2025
Braun Station Elementary
Braun Station Elementary
May we introduce you to Geneva Smith, an awesome librarian, who is so dedicated to her "home away from home," her library. I have known Geneva since she was ten years old! She is Sally's daughter and I consider her my "niece!" Geneva is our Editor and we really appreciate the time she gives to our dream.
Sally and I were greeted with this wonderful welcome sign!
Sally and I were greeted with this wonderful welcome sign!
Geneva has created an environment in her library that promotes reading like Starbucks.
Geneva has created an environment in her library that promotes reading like Starbucks.
Ms. Rodriguez captured my heart when I learned she welcomed twins into her 1st grade classroom!
Ms. Rodriguez captured my heart when I learned she welcomed twins into her 1st grade classroom!
I wanted to hug on this little one because he said I reminded him of his grandmother!!
I wanted to hug on this little one because he said I reminded him of his grandmother!!
Meet Ms. Macias and Ms. Ramos who are the kindergarten teachers. Their students were the best behaved because they modeled the most awesome audience manners presenters could ask for! Thank you, ladies.
Meet Ms. Macias and Ms. Ramos who are the kindergarten teachers. Their students were the best behaved because they modeled the most awesome audience manners presenters could ask for! Thank you, ladies.
This young man was a little hesitant at first, but then he got the hang of using the molcajete.
This young man was a little hesitant at first, but then he got the hang of using the molcajete.
Our precious girl here said she helps out in the kitchen. She did a fantastic job!
Our precious girl here said she helps out in the kitchen. She did a fantastic job!
Elementary School Author Visit
January 24, 2025
Martin Elementary
Martin Elementary
Besties had the best day ever! Sally and I were invited by the Engineers to present to the first, second, and third grade classes. Boy, oh, boy! We met some fantastic students and teachers that put their best foot forward! Sally and I jumped on the train that is Martin and had a great ride! Thank you!
Our author visit to Martin was the last one of this magical journey and thanks to Mrs. Monica Sanchez, the librarian, and Mrs. Cindy Gibson, the school principal, it was an unforgettable one!
Our author visit to Martin was the last one of this magical journey and thanks to Mrs. Monica Sanchez, the librarian, and Mrs. Cindy Gibson, the school principal, it was an unforgettable one!
These are some of the awesome parents who were invited to a presentation of their own and they received us so warmly. Mrs. Gibson is so committed to parent involvement and this was an opportunity for us to speak to parents about the importance of reading to their children. This was a first for us and we'd love to see other schools invite their parents.
The parents were so focused on our presentation and we took every chance we could to support them with information to help their children succeed in school! We loved that the principal, Mrs. Gibson, gifted every parent who attended a copy of our book! Wow! They were so cute in line waiting to receive an autographed copy.
This was the first time that Besties gave out our new aprons to the students who earned a turn at the molcajete! It is our new marketing tool and it was a huge success!
Since I am a twin I have such a fondness for teachers who welcome them into their classroom. Thank you, Ms. Gomez!
Since I am a twin I have such a fondness for teachers who welcome them into their classroom. Thank you, Ms. Gomez!
And here is another one of those beautiful teachers who has twins in her classroom, Ms. Sifuentes! Unfortunately the other twin was at home ill.
And here is another one of those beautiful teachers who has twins in her classroom, Ms. Sifuentes! Unfortunately the other twin was at home ill.
Autograph seekers!
Autograph seekers!
We love when the students buy our book and want a pic and an autograph!
We love when the students buy our book and want a pic and an autograph!
Besties take a pic with Besties!
Besties take a pic with Besties!
These two third grade boys are best friends and proud of it!
These two third grade boys are best friends and proud of it!
My sisters are my best friends, too, and this is my twin sister!
My sisters are my best friends, too, and this is my twin sister!
Read Across America Week
Celebrate Reading!
March 3-7, 2025
Behlau Elementary
Behlau Elementary
March 5, 2025
Besties Publishing was invited to Behlau to help celebrate reading! Thank you to Mrs. Veronica Martinez for hosting a wonderful session with the first, second, and third graders!
This handsome young man made the most heartwarming comment on his way out of the library, "Your mama must have been the best mama!"
This handsome young man made the most heartwarming comment on his way out of the library, "Your mama must have been the best mama!"
Sally loves doing Mr. Wibble and Mr. Wobble with the first graders!
Sally loves doing Mr. Wibble and Mr. Wobble with the first graders!
We loved all the beautiful murals.
We loved all the beautiful murals.
These students loved coming up to help demonstrate how to use the molcajete. They were pretty focused and when they were finished, pretty proud!
These students loved coming up to help demonstrate how to use the molcajete. They were pretty focused and when they were finished, pretty proud!
Northside Social Studies Facilitator Meeting
NAC
March 18,2025
Sally and I had the privilege of presenting to the Elementary Social Studies Facilitators from Northside!
Sally and I had the privilege of presenting to the Elementary Social Studies Facilitators from Northside!
Vanessa Ramos does a fantastic job of leading this great group of educators.
Vanessa Ramos does a fantastic job of leading this great group of educators.
We were asked to do a reading of our first book, Menudo at Midnight.
We were asked to do a reading of our first book, Menudo at Midnight.
At a breakout session we introduced our newest book in our new series, Cascarones and Chocolate Bunnies.
At a breakout session we introduced our newest book in our new series, Cascarones and Chocolate Bunnies.
There are 83 elementary schools in Northside and 86 facilitators!
There are 83 elementary schools in Northside and 86 facilitators!
For a special treat, we teased the teachers with a couple of slides spotlighting our new Fiesta book.
For a special treat, we teased the teachers with a couple of slides spotlighting our new Fiesta book.
Sally and I get a kick out of being asked to autograph a book. It's like a scene out of a Hallmark movie!
Sally and I get a kick out of being asked to autograph a book. It's like a scene out of a Hallmark movie!
Elementary School Author Visit
April 11, 2025
Chumbley Elementary
Chumbley Elementary
Sally and I had a great time at Chumbley with the first, second, and third grade students. The children have a beautiful campus and an inspiring library. Thank you, Mrs. Kelly Torres, the super librarian, and Mr. Ramiro Salazar, second grade teacher, who hosted a great morning!
Besties presented, Cascarones and Chocolate Bunnies to the 1st and 3rd Graders.
The second grade classes were the first to hear our new book, Deep in the Heart of Fiesta: A Torres Family Tradition! We had a wonderful time at Chumbley and the students were great audience members.
The second grade classes were the first to hear our new book, Deep in the Heart of Fiesta: A Torres Family Tradition! We had a wonderful time at Chumbley and the students were great audience members.
These students helped with an editing lesson and earned a treat bag of cascarones!
The Highland Cow is the school's mascot. They are known as the Chumbley Champions! Pretty cool!
The Highland Cow is the school's mascot. They are known as the Chumbley Champions! Pretty cool!
We received a thank you card and their new Fiesta medal. Love it! Viva Fiesta
We received a thank you card and their new Fiesta medal. Love it! Viva Fiesta
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