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A Week with Waffles by Tom Speicher 

On one level, it’s a simple children’s book about a little guinea pig who marks her calendar with all of her activities. But on another, in A Week with Waffles (Bowker), author Tom Speicher has created a unique experience that helps young kids learn about the days of the week, understand that it’s ok to be an only child and consider a host of the adventures that are part growing up.

Says our cute protagonist, “My name is Waffles. I’m a guinea pig. I don’t have brothers or sisters, but I’m blessed with a lot of love and joy in my life. I hope you are, too! My week is busy and fun.” And we’re off!

What makes this delightful story all the more entertaining is the fact that Waffles is a real seven-year-old female Abyssinian guinea pig and pet of the author. While her calendar is filled with fun items like story time, workout, visiting friends, going to the library and shopping for groceries, the real-life Waffles, we are told, sleeps a lot, eats plenty of hay, drinks lots of water and relaxes in her purple igloo.

The book is geared to preschoolers and elementary students. “I knew this would be an excellent way for kids to learn the days of the week, as well as to explore their own lives and activities — and what they have in common with Waffles,” said Speicher.

Some readers may relate to the fact that Waffles is an only child, and the day-by-day structure allows for positive lessons ranging from nutrition to exercise to thoughtfulness.

The book is masterfully illustrated by Marina Saumell, who said, “I loved the idea of illustrating a book about the days of the week. Tom wrote the story in a way that involves the kids, asking them about their routines, which I think is brilliant. Children will have the opportunity to write their own activities in the weekly schedule at the end of the book. I love the idea of giving the readers the chance to interact with the book in a different way.”

A portion of the book’s proceeds are being donated to the Emergency Scholarship Fund at Pennsylvania College of Technology Foundation, in support of students’ academic pursuits while facing unforeseen financial burdens.

“Tom’s book fosters the imaginations of young minds while directly supporting collegiate scholars with unforeseen financial circumstances as they pursue an education,” said Loni N. Kline, vice president for college relations/chief philanthropy officer at Penn College. “He’s making a great difference through his words. I would call that a genuine, philanthropic version of a literary genius.”  

 

About Tom Speicher:

Tom Speicher is an award-winning writer and video producer at Pennsylvania College of Technology, a special-mission affiliate of Penn State in Williamsport, PA. He has written for NFL-related publications and websites devoted to the Minnesota Vikings, crafting features on countless legends and Hall of Famers. Since 1998, Tom has served as “the man in the crowd” for the Little League Baseball World Series Radio Network, interviewing celebrities and parents and providing story tidbits every half inning. Fun Fact #1: Even though he can’t cook, Tom was the executive producer and co-host of a national public television cooking series, “You’re the Chef,” for several years. Fun Fact #2: Thanks to his role at Penn College and freelance work, in one calendar year Tom was able to attend and cover three iconic sporting events: the Kentucky Derby, Little League World Series and Super Bowl Week.

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A Week with Waffles by Tom Speicher 
Author: Tom Speicher 
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