Up in Space ─ An Adventure at the Space Needle

Series Description: When puppies Lindie Lou, Jasper, Topaz, Ruby and Diamond are born in St. Louis they have no idea of the adventures that await them. As each of them is adopted by a different family, Lindie Lou fears she will never see them again. When she’s old enough, Lindie Lou flies to the Emerald City (Seattle) to meet her new family.Each of the twelve books in this series, take place in a different place and in a different month of the year. Three clues at the end of each book give the reader hints as to where Lindie Lou will go on her next adventure. Follow her to Seattle, Des Moines, New York, San Diego, Tokyo and more.This beginning chapter book series, introduces young readers to adventures in St. Louis, at the Space Needle, at an organic farm, at the Thanksgiving Day parade and at a Cherry Blossom Festival to mention a few. Along the way, Lindie Lou’s brothers and sisters show up when least expected. Readers will remember Lindie Lou’s bravery when faced with fears of their own. They will also see examples of her growing self-esteem, courage, determination and compassion.

Rick Clark most recently has published two books. The first, published by Pina Publishing, is a “creative travel memoir” entitled Journey to the River, based on a journey he and his wife Seattle yoga instructor Fran Gallo took by train around India in 2001. The other is a collection of bird, bug, and small creature haiku entitled Bug-eyed & Bird-brained, published by Red Moon Press (oldest and largest haiku press outside Japan) and illustrated in Zen manner by Northwest sumi artist Fumiko Kimura. Rick’s entry into the ever-expanding world of haiku and related forms came about when he won grand prize in an international haiku contest. Rick has had numerous poems and several essays published in small magazines and anthologies. His writings can be appreciated any time at Wrenzai Insight Journal, his blog, at wrenzai.wordpress.com.Also to his credit are two films: Beauty of the Fight, shot and directed by John Urbano and selected by 29 film festivals, for which Rick was Script Consultant and Writer; and “Rowing Smitty,” a short film based on a fundraising rowing adventure from South Puget Sound to Canada, for which he was Executive Producer and Writer. The latter can be viewed on The Seattle Channel.Rick’s central career has been as an educator. He taught English at Seattle Central College for 18 years and, prior to that, taught ESL for six years, including four years in Japan. Presently, Rick provides writing, coaching, editing, and proofing services in the Seattle area and via the Internet. He has edited dissertations, books, psychoanalytic papers, and thousands of essays. He is presently engaged in writing a brand for a new makeup company.Rick’s education includes a Master of Fine Arts from the University of Washington, a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Portland State University, and a nearly complete Bachelor of Arts in Violin Performance, also from Portland State University (short three credits of practicum and the senior recital).Rick keeps fit by playing violin and doing yoga and loves birds and the wilderness. He is a Vietnam veteran. He and his wife, Seattle yoga instructor Fran Gallo, facilitate yoga and writing retreats on the Washington Coast.