The International Directory

                      of Published Authors and Illustrators of Books

                     for Children and Young Adults.

Find artists and writers to present at your school, library, bookstore, conference or other venue!

 

Chrysa Smith

Author

 

Winner of a two Mom’s Choice Awards

Top pick on Amazon’s Children’s Bookshelf

Endorsed by The Dove Foundation

Chrysa Smith is a lifelong writer. Beginning in elementary school, the love of writing continued through her career path as a corporate communications manager, freelance writer, feature magazine writer and children's author.

With over 30 years of writing experience, Smith has just about tried it all and believes that with practice and research, the sky's the limit—and writer's needn't be pigeonholed into only one genre.

Born in NYC, Smith holds a BS from St. John's University and additional credits from Temple University and the University of the South. Since 1987 Smith has lived in Bucks County, PA with her family and own posse of poodles, which of course, has spurred many of her ideas.

 

Presentations

WRITING-FOCUSED/STUDENT-FOCUSED PRESENTATIONS, WORKSHOPS AND AUTHOR VISITS

School visits are very flexible. All PowerPoint based, each year a new presentation takes children on a very light-hearted and interactive ride through the creative and production process. Smith touches on: where ideas come from, the roles of author/illustrator, how to get creative, how ideas turn into books, building a good story and the importance of proofing work. She tunes the kids into their own creativity, showing them that they can take visual images (things they see everyday) and twist them into a piece of juvenile fiction. This is always done through her funny and detailed view of things.

Presentations range from 30 minutes to over an hour (if some writing practice is added). Half-day visits begin at $250 (for up to three hours); full day visits at $400 (up to five hours), plus travel costs if located more than 50 miles from Bucks County, PA. Smith travels from PA, NJ, DE through the Mid-Atlantic and to New England.  On certain weeks during the school year, there are 'specials' which can be found on her website.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Adventures of the Poodle Posse, Case of the Missing Steak Bone/Who Let the Dogs Out?

Chrysa Smith (author) and Pat Achilles (Illustrator), 32 pages. Publisher: Wellbredbook, 2007.  ISBN 13: 978-1424333356

Book #1 contains two tales: The Case of the Missing Steak Bone/Who Let the Dogs Out? The first tale started it all, as Top Dog Woody tries to outsmart his brother by stealing and hiding a special treat. But Archie innocently turns events around in the house when he unexpectedly finds it and is a bit more welcome to the idea of sharing. In the second story, rescued dog Archie returns to the shelter to help out his friends with a caring, but crazy night of antics. Released winter, 2007.

Silver Medal, Mom’s Choice Awards - 2009 Silver Recipient: Fiction

The Mom's Choice Awards is an annual awards competition that recognizes authors, inventors, companies, parents and others for their efforts in creating quality family-friendly media, products and services.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Once Upon a Poodle Posse

Chrysa Smith (author), Laurel Garver (Editor) and Pat Achilles (Illustrator). Paperback, 32 pages. Publisher: The Well Bred Book, first edition (September 1, 2016). ISBN-13: 978-1-537-54112-9

A prequel to The Adventure of the Poodle Posse series and a stand-alone full color picture book, this fun tale explores a young poodles attempts to find a brother. Nuts are cracked, gardens are harvested and feathers fly in this tale that embraces fun, problem-solving, persistence and learning what family is all about.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Princess & the Frenchmen/No Dogs Allowed!

by Chrysa Smith (author) and Pat Achilles (Illustrator). Paperback, 44 pages. Publisher: The Well Bred Book, First edition (September 7, 2009). ISBN-10: 0615289851 ISBN-13: 978-0615289854

Book #2 in the series contains two tales: The Princess & the Frenchmen/No Dogs Allowed! It was edited/previewed by students in two elementary schools. The first tale is about the growth of the posse. There’s now a third poodle in the mix: a girl with a poodlicious attitude, and everyone needs to adjust and accept. The second tale, with its Jersey Shore beach image on the front cover, takes the posse on a beach vacation where things don’t quite go as planned. The message? Sometimes we need to readjust our sails when the wind is blowing the wrong way. Released fall 2009

 

Reviews

“Chrysa Smith has a way with words and poodles. She has created three lovable dog personalities with top dog Woody, poodle princess Daisy and adventurous Archie, in adventures that young readers in grades two and three can enjoy. No Dogs Allowed is sure to be a hit with children, whether or not they have a pet.” —Leslie Clark, Children's Librarian, Ocean City Free Library, NJ

“Wanting to read and associating reading with fun are two critical elements in developing a lifelong love of reading. In Book 2 of The Poodle Posse series, Chrysa Smith once again brings a delightful mix of poodles to life in the reader's imagination. Entering the world of the Poodle Posse is a fun and engaging journey for the young reader.” —Diane Smith, Director, Roxy Reading Children's Program, PA

“Woody, Archie and Daisy–three small poodles with big hearts that will steal yours in these two new adventures...In The Princess and the Frenchmen, the poodles realize that living together doesn't make a family, but their willingness to share does. In No Dogs Allowed, Woody makes his own discovery–having fun is possible in the most unlikely places. Pat Achilles' enchanting illustrations bring an old-fashioned charm that perfectly fits the mood of the stories.” —Carmen Ferreiro-Esteban, Author, Two Moon Princess

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Adventures of the Poodle Posse/ Creepy Tails! A Halloween Adventure & Activity Book

Chrysa Smith (Author), Laurel Garver (Editor), Pat Achilles (Illustrator). Paperback, 42 pages. Publisher: The Well Bred Book, first edition (August 15, 2010). ISBN-10: 061536487X  ISBN-13: 978-0615364872

Book #3 While Woody, Archie and Mrs. Flout are getting into the spirit of the Halloween holiday, Daisy is confused. Everyone is dressing in weird and creepy costumes. But why would a perfectly poofed princess want to be anyone but herself? Daisy learns that when you are comfortable with who you are, trying something new can be fun. Activity section follows.

Reviews

Amazon Children's Bookshelf Top Pick  January 2011

Featured in Small Press Bookwatch January 2011

The MIdwest Book Review

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Adventures of the Poodle Posse: Trouble Down Under

Chrysa Smith. Perfect Paperback, 48 pages. Publisher: The Well Bred Book, First edition (November 1, 2012). ISBN-10: 0615657206 ISBN-13: 978-0615657202

Book #4 in the series is a midwinter tale & activity book. When a burrowing poodle and his friends meet another famous burrowing creature, not only does the fur fly, but the weather is predicted. Accurate? Perhaps, but the tale is not only about Groundhog Day–it teaches us patience–the reality that we just can’t rush Mother Nature. Activities including a groundhog and word search and a board game plus comprehension, sequencing & cause/effect follow-up for teachers. Released fall 2012.

Editorial Reviews

‘This fun and sometimes very silly book will engage young readers with pet-friendly stories that are a delight to read. Audiences will enjoy the light-hearted humor as they learn about caring and sharing. Readers will also have fun at the end of the book where they are encouraged to talk about the stories, characters and what makes them laugh the most. For a wonderful book that will encourage young readers to develop a love for pets and their silly antics, The Adventures of the Poodle Posse is a great read.’  —Midwest Book Review, Author’s Bookwatch, Aug. 2009.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Adventures of the Poodle Posse: A Very Merry, Mixed-Up Christmas

Chrysa Smith (Author), Laurel Garver (Editor), Pat Achilles (Illustrator). Paperback, 44 pages. Publisher: The Well Bred Book, first edition (September 1, 2015). ISBN-13: 978-0-692-48293-3

Book #5 in the series is a Christmas tale and Activity book. In it, you’ll experience the excitement that the holidays hold, the angst that Santa feels when Elfluenza strikes, the combined efforts of all the creatures of the North Pole to keep Christmas on track and a very unexpected and delightful present. An activity section in the back of the book provides amusement for ‘good little girls and boys.’ This is a wonderful Christmas story for kids. As a read-aloud for younger children. Independent reader for those in grades 1+.