Book signing

Don't fortget the great event, book signing in Grafton, NSW, Saturday 9th June from 10 am to 2 pm. will have a power point there to show. and all 3 books are available. Be there. I am

Review by Kay Bushnell for TALON, COME FLY WITH ME

Talon, Come Fly With Me

Written by Australian writer, Gisela Sedlmayer, Talon, Come Fly With Me, is a story of courage and determination that will reach the hearts and minds of its readers.

The story takes place in, what is for many of us, an exotic location. It follows the challenges that face Matica, a young girl who lives with her Australian missionary parents in a remote area of the Peruvian Andes.

As for all children, Matica’s childhood should be that wonderful time of friendship, adventure and learning. But Matica is no ordinary little girl … Matica is different. She lives with a cruel physical disability. Although she is like any bright, inquisitive nine-year old, physically she is locked in the body of a two year old. The villagers of the remote Andean village accept her “normal” brother, but they view this strange little girl with suspicion and reject her from their community.

Although encouraged by her loving parents, who understand the difficulties she faces, without friends to enrich her life Matica spends much of her time alone exploring the Andean plateau around the village. It is here a friendship ensues. A magical bond with two condors grows from Matica’s awareness of their plight, her sense of justice, and their resulting mutual needs. This bonding gives Matica the opportunity to discover the strength of her own mind and body, and enables her to reach the hearts of the village community through her dedication to the majestic birds. As the story unfolds, we also learn about the life and nature of condors. We learn why the villagers view the birds with suspicion, and reasons for their endangered status. And we are given the opportunity to understand and respect both Matika and her friends, the condors.

Gisela Sedlmayer’s writing clearly demonstrates her understanding of the need for acceptance and connection. She is an inspiring and insightful story-teller. This story will inspire anyone who loves animals, and stories about compassion and friendship, and most importantly, the human ability to overcome obstacles to make a difference to themselves and our world. I loved this story and look forward to following Matica’s adventures in Gisela Sedlmayer’s Talon trilogy.

Review by Kay Bushnell

Book signing 9. June 2012

Great event, book signing with my 3 books in the Talon series in Grafton, New Sout Wales, on the 9th of June 2012 from 10 am to 2 pm
Be there, it will be good. I will make a power point about the majestic condor to look at

Animation clips by Martina for the first three books in the Talon series

First clip for TALON, COME FLY WITH ME
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E0ontac7S20

second clip for TALON, ON THE WING
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WqayANo77x0&feature=youtu.be

third clip for TALON, FLIGHT FOR LIFE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lXdNgy7Fw18&feature=autoshare

Quote from my books in the Talon series

Everyone should know that disabled people are peoplbe as well. Don't make fun of them. Unconditional love

Review by Fran Lewis about the second book in the Talon series

Talon: on the Wing

Reviewed by Fran Lewis

Appearances should not matter but tell that to a young child who was born with a handicap. Children can be cruel and adults even more because they are the ones who teach their children acceptance, tolerance and how to understand the differences we should embrace in people. But, one little girl named Matica would teach a whole tribe of Indians in Peru many lessons before all is said and done. Imagine being over 10 years old and never growing over the height of a two year old. Imagine how a child would feel if her brother’s height was much taller and the rest of the children in her village or tribe did not accept her or play with her. Imagine the life of loneliness that this young child would have.

Parents make a difference in the life children and Mira and Crayn are exceptional. Matica was bright, inquisitive and definitely different than most children almost ten years old. Although her growth hormones were not working correctly and her growth spurts were definitely stagnated, she manages to endear herself into the hearts of readers because of her kind heart, intelligent attitude and caring manner. The journey now continues as we meet Matica and Talon once again. The story begins with Matica and Talon taking flight. Imagine if you could fly over the clouds and through the fog and see the world from up above. Imagine if your life turned around all because everyone realized that who you are as a person is not about your size or appearance. Imagine having a best friend who is a Condor named Talon whose wings spread out and whose body is so strong that it can carry you on top of him and have great adventures together.   

Trust is something that Matica has always found hard. Being different and having to work her way into the hearts and mind of the Indians was not easy for this young child. Her life changed when she managed to save the eggs of Tamo and Tima and Talon was born. This endeared her to the Indians and brought her the respect of friends and family. But, one dream one night would bring a total change to her perspective on things as she dreamt about her flight on Talon. Telling her family about it she expressed that she did not know how she managed to climb on top of him. Stating that she just found herself there. Describing what happened in detail was exciting but when she was interrupted she became annoyed. Not able to comprehend or understand what happened frustrating. The author helps young readers learn many difficult vocabulary words through Aikon. Many vocabulary words are taught to him with the hope that he will be able to understand and define not only for himself but for readers too. This is a great way to teach vocabulary skills to young readers. But after hearing about her dream her mother is not sure whether she wants her to fly with Talon and the Indians learning about her dream want her to recount it for them.  

A new friend brings to light what happens when one young Indian is doubtful about her ability to fly with Talon and the reason he resents her. Matica is small in size but tall in intelligence, kindness and full of love for everyone. All she ever wanted was to be accepted for who she is and not what she looks like. Amos is her special friend who cares deeply for her and meeting Nunoa and hearing Alexander’s story is heartbreaking. Some parents cannot accept a child that is not perfect and might have some challenges. When Amos relates the reason for Alexander’s actions she understands and wants to help him. Blaming himself for the death of his brother was sad. The truth behind it is really startling. This story brings out many issues that kids face today and adults too when they have physical disabilities that others cannot accept or understand. But, when parents are cruel and do not care for a young child, like Jonah, and the end result is tragic, how can Alexander ever forgive them and how can he learn to deal with what happened? What happens next really frightens Matica as Talon is missing. Matica does not understand why people cannot accept children with disabilities and she tries to rationalize how someone could have helped Jonah. Friendships are formed in a unique way and Talon and Amos come to their own private agreement. But, there are many others that learn different lessons in this novel. Trust, friendship, loyalty and understanding play an important part in Matica’s life. Her parents are rare and are supportive and so is her brother but even more her best friend, Amos. What Amos does to prove how much he cares for her you will not believe because very few people would do this?  

One young man would renew his faith in himself and life because of what he finally believes. With the help of Crayn and Matica Alexander might understand why his parents did what they did and how others can learn from them. Crayn and the Indians watched over Matica and Talon while they were flying. But, would her mother allow her to fly on Talon? What was really bothering Mira? Why is she against Matica flying?  

Many mishaps, many disappoints and some dangerous situations before all is said and done. But, Matica also learns that she is growing and that although Talon is bigger than she is her extra weight might be a problem. Just how much longer, if at all can they fly together? Who is trying to steal the condors and what will happen to Alex? What about the spider and how will they take care of it? Watch how everyone bans together and hopefully will rid the village of a poisonous spider but was it? What about the raven and why does he seem to be everyone Matica and Talon are when they are flying?  

When her dream becomes a reality will it be as wonderful as she imagined? What happens when the strong gale winds blow? What about her friendship with Amos will he understand her attachment to Talon? Read this outstanding YA novel and go up in the sky with Talon and Matica and see the wonders of the world along with them when you fly on his wings too.

Join Matica, Amos, Aikon, Alexander, Nunoa, and of course Tima, Tamo and our Talon as these great birds teach the humans some lessons in loyalty, trust and understanding and they teach the condors the meaning of the word acceptance. Once again author Gigi Sedlmayer pens a novel for children, adults, and even teens to enjoy, love and soar to highest peak or potential.

Fran Lewis: reviewer  

Let's give this book: FIVE PERFECT FLIGHTS 

Extract fromt he firs book in the Talon series, TALON, COME FLY WITH ME

On their way home, Crayn remarked, ‘Oh, yes, we will help the condors as they are amazing, re-markable and extraordinary birds. They’ll be extinct in the wild soon if they keep on losing their eggs to poachers. See, Matica, condors feed in flocks, but we haven’t seen any others flying around. I wonder < hmm, I really wonder. ...We have seen the condors only for the last three years and we’ve never seen
young birds flying with them. And we heard the poachers only last year.’
‘What are you getting at?’
‘Well, this pair must be young and must have come from a different part of the Andes and settled here. Maybe it was their first egg last year? But how do the poachers know that?’
‘You really mean that?’ Matica said, excited. A smile played around her mouth.
 

Extract from the first book, TALON, COME FLY WITH ME

Extract from the first book TALON, COME FLY WITH ME
Matica looked at the high cliff and the landing where she knew the condors had their nest, which had one small tree growing on one side and a bush on the other. It didn’t look big, but right there beside the bush, she saw Tima sitting on the ridge, looking down. Tamo was screeching and circling continu-ously above Tima.
Matica couldn’t see the po...achers. ‘They must be close by,’ she murmured, ‘because Tamo is too upset. And that means as well, they don’t have their egg as yet < if they have one.’
Observing the scene for a while, she finally made out two climbing, dark figures. She growled, ‘Long, black hair and black overalls. Yes, they’re the same ones, but I can’t see the beige bag they had last year in which to carry the egg. That would mean – yes!’ she shouted. ‘I was right! They have only come for a look. In that case, we have time to help my birds.’ She gritted her teeth angrily. ‘So, they were shooting at other animals before. Which animals? I guess we will never find out.’
She watched the poachers climbing higher and higher. They had nearly reached Tima.

Extracts from the first book in the Talon series, TALON, COME FLY WITH ME

Extract of TALON, COME FLY WITH ME
Shocked and alarmed, Matica collapsed into her mum’s arms. Mira guided her to the bench. They sat down. Matica covered her face with her hands.
Mira considered her daughter’s words, then asked, ‘You mean the poachers are on the move again, like last year?’
Matica took her hands off her face. ‘No one else would shoot around here.’
‘Hmm, true. It’s the same time of year as well, I believe. Do you know if Tamo and Tima have an egg again?’ Mira asked seriously and put her hand on her daughter’s skinny shoulder.
‘N-o-o. I didn’t notice they had an egg.’ She wiped her wet cheeks. ‘Is it my fault, then?’
‘No, don’t blame yourself. It’s not your fault.’

and

Devastated, Matica paced up and down with her hands behind her back. Making a quick decision, she stopped and said, ‘Mum, I can’t live with not know-ing if the condors are in danger. I have to find out. I’ll go and have a look if I can see them. Remember, I saw the poachers last year. I know what they look like.’
‘It will probably be too late already, don’t you t...hink? They’re there now.’
Matica frowned. ‘Maybe they’re shooting some other animals. Wouldn’t be good, I know. Or < maybe, just maybe they are only having a look.’
‘You wish!’
‘Can’t I have good wishes? I’ll tell the Indians so Dad can follow me to Ramah, or even better, beyond Ramah where we can see what’s going on.’
She ran into the house, grabbed her poncho,

BookPal,my publisher gave me a certificat

Interview about the Talon series

Check this out and please comment to it

http://hookkidsonreading.blogspot.com.au/2012/04/talon-flies-again.html#comment-form

Synopsis of third book in the Talon series

TALON, FLIGHT FOR LIFE 

Matica is walking with her father to the next big city of Cajamarca to purchase some food, medication and the tickets for their six month holiday in Australia.  

On the way she misses her condors terribly, but still has an adventurous and very good time with her father walking through rain forests and other parts of the beautiful country of Peru, seeing macaws, toucans, monkeys and a puma.  

In Cajamarca they heard that the poachers are back, asking for condors. Matica is distressed, and wants to go home quickly, to tell her condors.  

On the way home they visit an old Incan dwelling. And there, shortly after something terrible is happening. Her father fell ill with high fever after he was bitten by a nasty huge spider.  

Not knowing what to do, she calls for her condors. But the wait until they arrive, that is the hardest time she ever had to endure.

Synopsis of second book in the Talon series

TALON, ON THE WING  

What Matica has dreamed ever since she first befriended the condors actually happened in the last chapter of the previous book, Talon, Come Fly With Me. And now the adventure continues.  

Finally accepting Matica into their community with that incredible event, the Indians of Peru loves seeing her together with Talon and his parents, Tamo and Tima. Now she has to tell all of her adventures with her condors in class.  

Only her mother wasn’t very impressed with that event but she finally is turning around as well and loves her seeing them together in that intimate way. Her mother first saw danger in it but after showing her how safe she is with Talon her mother gave her the go ahead. 

Matica is now happy that she is small and doesn’t want to have it any other way. She is accepted, she is loved and she can have the incredible adventure with her beloved Talon. What more could she have? All her rejection and hardship is over. 

In this book she has scores of incredible adventures and near disasters with Talon. Also, a love between Amos and her develops.  

The adventure continues.

Press Release for Talon, on the wing

Press Release

"Talon, On the Wing" – Anticipated Sequel Helps Boost Children’s Self-Esteem

This children’s adventure is a must for parents looking for stories that inspire and boost confidence.

(BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA)- Gigi Sedlmayer today announced the release of Talon, On the Wing (ISBN # 9781742841731), the highly anticipated sequel featuring to Talon, come fly with me which featured the lovable character Matica, and her two condors Tamo and Tima.

As children of today face immense pressure to fit in with their peers, the author has crafted a book which aims to steer their child toward self-acceptance.

"Most children of this age group have issues with acceptance and this is explored and resolved in a positive manner within the story line of the Talon series," Sedlmayer said. "Matica shows children and teens that they can overcome great obstacles with love, patience and a selfless attitude toward helping others and experience exciting adventure on the way."

Like its predecessor, Talon, On the Wing takes place in Peru, high up in the Andean mountains, where Matica is being accepted into the community. The locals love seeing her together with Talon and his parents, Tamo and Tima. As the characters continue to build to weave an emotional bond with the reader, the author has found creative angles to take the adventure to new heights. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

From a passage of the book: "Size is nothing. The heart is all that counts. And you have the best, softest and most caring heart I ever have encountered. Because of your heart, you survived the hardship the Indians have put you through.’ Matica smiled. ‘Thank you, Amos.’ "Lack of knowledge can do so much damage, cause so much pain." "But now they slowly understand that disability is not a sickness or whatever else they thought I have." Her eyes clouded over when she continued. ‘Well, in a way they have told me, I know. But again, it is only now because of Talon. I see.’ He could hear bitterness in her voice. ‘Do not judge them and do not let it bug you. They did not know better. I thought you knew that. We still have to learn and understand not to reject unexplained things but help that person."

Gisela Sedlmayer was born in Potsdam, a suburb of Berlin in Germany. Her family escaped to the West just before the infamous wall went up. Her and her husband arrived in New Zealand in 1975 where they lived for eighteen years, before moving to Australia. They live on the Gold Coast with two adopted daughters.

For more information, please visit www.writersportal.org/Gigi

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