Welcome to day one of Laurie Monopoli’s 6-day NWFCC February Author Showcase tour

MEET AUTHOR LAURIE MONOPOLI

In 1997, we (The Learning Station) released a song titled, Tony Chestnut. This song is a humorous play on names. For Tony Chestnut you point to your toe, knee, chest, nut (head). Then enters Eileen (everyone leans to one side), Neil (they kneel), Pat (pat your shoulders), Bob (bob your head back and forth), Russell (rustle your legs) and Skip (skip in place). This tune with its witty play on names has earned multiple awards and has become an international phenomenon. Do a Google search for Tony Chestnut (or toe knee chest nut) and over 5 million sites pop up where folks are blogging, websites are boasting, tweets are tweeting and everyone is professing their love for our charismatic children’s song. Visit a preschool graduation and likely the children are proudly performing Tony Chestnut for their families, and physical education instructors can’t get enough of its healthy, cheerful energy. It’s even a hit at weddings and anniversaries, proving that the song transcends joy to all, with ageless appeal. There are even marching bands entertaining stadiums with Tony Chestnut, professors calming their test-anxious students with verses, and business speakers employing the song to reenergize their audience. And it’s the tune of choice that is shared internationally by leading motivational speakers. This fun little tune is adored by millions and YouTube has become a stomping ground to hundreds of video posts of children, teens and even grownups performing the song’s silly movements.

Here’s a link to some of our Tony Chestnut, YouTube fan favorites:

http://www.tonychestnut.com/tony-chestnut-videos-stories.shtml

As the founder and child development specialist for, The Learning Station, I decided it was time to bring all of the song’s adored characters to life! The Book About Tony Chestnut invites children to actively participate and connect with the story, its cast and heartwarming message of compassion and kindness; creating an ultimate literary experience for children that is inviting, engaging, and delightfully fun.

Follow Day 2 of Ms. Monopoli’s tour tomorrow at http://www.donna-mcdine.blogspot.com. Leave a comment and your name will automatically be entered to win a Three Angels Gourmet Co mug and a package of Divine Dill Dip Mix – at the end of the month, provided by the National Writing for Children Center.