With the holidays upon us once again we find ourselves scrambling about for ideas.
How about adding a fresh sparkle to some of the old traditional favorites, like the Advent Calendar. Maybe attached to that tiny treat could be a title to a book that is secretly waiting in a special spot, calling to be read. Goodies and snuggles while gathered close to share a story is a great way to count down the holidays. There are so many wonderful stories to share. Heartfelt tales to inspire, adventures to take and lands to conquer, whims and fairy tales, and giggles galore. The titles are endless, the fun even more. 
Lost for where to begin? Check out Story Monsters Ink magazine. They have reading guides, new titles at they hit the market, book reviews by the children that read them, so much help right at your fingertips! Happy Holidays and happy reading!

We are thrilled to have Carole P. Roman share her personal story of success with us here at Swiss Cheese Adventures! Thank You Carole for allowing us this opportunity to see the heart and mind behind the Captain No Beard series.

Darleen Wohlfeil: Success seems to overshadow all the endeavors of your life, leaving your name hallowed in many arenas. From family to business, success intertwines bringing forth accomplishment and recognition.  Having grown up in a large family, with the long reaching arms of 17 cousins as well as 2 brothers, must have provided great opportunity for imagination and play. Do you find a link from your childhood upbringing to the love of adventure, culture, and storytelling you find identifying your life now? 

Carole Roman: Thank you, I feel honored by your description.

We grew up very poor. My grandmother lived in Coney Island, Brooklyn with all of her children within walking distance. We all played together, all 17 of us, no matter what age or gender, much like Captain No Beard's Crew. Since our poverty was rather global, we relied on our imaginations instead of high priced toys. I was positioned right in the middle, too young for the older kids, too old for the younger kids, so I had the added advantage of playing space or cowboys with the more mature group, and doctor and house with the younger kids. Perhaps the Flying Dragon along with the crew of cousins comes from there. The adventures are rooted in the storm-ravaged ship I shared with my own family. We spent hours playing and learned to resolve our differences together much like Captain No Beard's Fearless Crew.

 I am the older of my two brothers and was often tasked with keeping them busy while our parents worked. I learned very young to adapt a situation to my best advantage and enjoy what occupied my brothers, opening my world to things I would probably not have bothered investigating. Though we were poor, we were rich in friendship, camaraderie, and the ability to use our imaginations to explore an unlimited horizon. If my brothers were pirates, then I was a pirate queen, if they were in a submarine, then I was the commander. Neither age nor gender ever interfered with our fun.

 My family had the added advantage that we lived with the jewel of the clan, our grandmother. She was from Europe and had wonderful traditions and stories that colored our everyday life. Sometimes her remembrances were of her austere youth, a life so dismal it made Cinderella’s childhood look privileged. Other stories were of the struggles she had hiding from soldiers during World War 1 in Austria and Hungary. She was a teacher in a time when most women didn't go to college. She came to this country with nothing and built a wonderful life. I loved her stories, her grit and determination to succeed and make a better life for her children. If I have success today, it comes from learning and watching her determination and willingness to forge ahead despite any challenge. Her fearlessness set the stage for me to achieve my own success; her experiences enriched and shaped me into my identity today. She was a businesswoman in the depression, a wife, mother, and grandmother, whose gentle lessons are in everything I do today.

Darleen: In the course of time, as the Flying Dragon began to emerge, transforming the safe keep of Alexander's bed into a magical ship of high seas adventure, how did his crew mates come to shape in their comical and loving characteristics? Each one is endearing in their own wonderfully flawed way. Linus, the loud mouth lion that is actually a scaredy-cat at heart, for example.  

Carole: I love those characters. Just as the crew is modeled after my four grandchildren, so are the animal crew based on composites of family members. Linus is big and huggable despite being a lion, and yes, he is a scaredy cat. Mongo is an instigator, Polly a peacemaker, and Fribbet a nervous wreck who is constantly obsessing about their safety, a "sky is falling" kind of guy. When the books are released, I often wonder if my family "gets it" and am often relieved when they don't.

Darleen: Literature is an amazing vehicle that transcends time and space. It is able to capture the thought and intent of a heart and mind in a bubble of wonder, and preserve it through generation after generation. Your work has won the acclaim of many; dons list upon list of awards, and will no doubt be granted passage on just such a vehicle. Down through time, as literature introduces to yet another generation and time, Captain No Beard and his marvelous crew, what is the silent message of the heart you hope will capture each new reader open to adventure?  

Carole: Childhood is a minefield littered with so many things that children have to worry about: bullies, sharing, doing the right thing, and not giving into peer pressure. The expectations have risen so high and while each generation is smarter than the last, I don't want to forget that they are still children and need to be nurtured, reminded to love each other as well as themselves. 
We live in a world that is so rushed, so many things going on—sometimes the best things are missed. Blink and it is all over, they are off to college, getting married, having kids of their own. Be a pirate once in a while with your child. Shiver your timbers and don't forget to say "Arrrgh!" really loud. Jump on their bed and fight with a sea monster. It's the best work out you will have all day. Don't forget to remind them to be nice—we can't survive on a ship together if we don't understand each other’s problems and learn consideration. 

Darleen: Children are at times left in dry lands, places without a voice of leadership or guidance. They often feel alone in their inner struggle of advancement. Sometimes a book can provide a haven, an encouragement that in truth they are not alone. Hope can emerge; confidence can be fostered that they can manage the ship of their lives through murky waters. Do you feel Captain No Beard can be such a book? And why?

Carole: Captain No Beard first and foremost is a book about solutions. If you see the light at the end of the tunnel, the journey will never be too long. Whatever the problem, the captain and crew resolve their issue together, learning to adapt and adjust to make every one happy and included. 
Something has gone wrong in our world. Nobody listens to each other. We have to realize that metaphorically we are all in the same boat and if we don't start learning to be kind and living together peacefully, nobody is going to be happy. The Flying Dragon is a place where problems are diagnosed and shared, friends learn that they need a support system and nobody is left to weather a storm alone.

Darleen: The wealth of your talent, the content of your heart and imagination, the mark you have made upon the world in which you live are a legacy left to those who follow you. Your success has followed you in many endeavors, a teacher, a businesswoman, an author, and a bulwark in relational circles of family. All are impressive contributions. Of these many feats, which do you most want to be remembered for?

Carole: Wife, mother, grandmother, friend. Honestly, those are my best achievements. I have enjoyed every minute of my life, doing things I never would have believed possible. Once, I was the subject of a conversation at a meeting with studio heads. They were talking about how we took an idea and built it into a really terrific business. When one of them called me and told me they spent an hour talking about my success, I responded without thinking or even realizing we were not on the same page. I said simply,"Yeah, the kids turned out great."
I love my life. I love the endless horizon, the impact we've made, but most of all I love my children and grandchildren and showing them the wealth of possibilities that have been laid before them continuing the tradition and opportunities that my parents and grandparents provided for me. The chain of love and the hope for goodness will not be broken on my watch.

More About Carole P. Roman

Named to Kirkus Reviews’ Best of 2012 for her first book, award-winning author Carole P. Roman started writing as a dare from one of her sons. Using an imaginary game she played with her grandson as a base, Captain No Beard was born. She lives on Long Island with her husband and very near her children and grandchildren—the inspiration for her books.

CarolePRoman.com | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Pinterest

About the Captain No Beard Series

Captain No Beard sets sail on 9 separate voyages of the imagination with his fearless crew aboard his pirate ship The Flying Dragon.

When a young boy named Alexander, his cousin Hallie, and some stuffed animals, board his bed their world is transformed into a magical vessel, sailing the seven seas on dangerous and exciting adventures! Captain No Beard: An Imaginary Tale of a Pirate's Life was named to Kirkus Reviews' BEST OF 2012 for Children's Indie Books, and garnered the Kirkus Star of Exceptional Merit, as was Captain No Beard and the Aurora Borealis. In addition to many other merits awarded to the series, The Foreword review gave "Five Star" reviews to Pepper Parrot's Problem with Patience: A Captain No Beard Story and A Flag for the Flying Dragon: A Captain No Beard Story.

It's always good to start things fresh. 
As the year closes, and a new one waits in line to eagerly take its place, I like to sit and think back. 
Sometimes, when great things are happening we are so involved and we miss a lot of it. Its good to take a minute and recall some of those fun moments, even the scary ones too, because they all add to who we are today. Some things we didn't do very well, and wish we could take it back, but we can't. But we get a fresh start every year to do it better this time. And some things we aced, nailed it first try! Its good to remember we can reach our goals. Its good to think about the things we don't like in our lives, and think about what we can do to change them. It's called Reflection. It helps us take an active part in our behavior, and not just run headlong through our life without thought.
its good to know where we are strong, but it helps too, to know where we are weak, so we can improve and be strong. Its something we can do alone, where we are free to be honest about our behavior, and not feel embarrassed. Where we can make plans and have ideas of how this new year can be better. It makes a way for us to do and be better without someone mad or yelling at us. Give it a try. Take a moment and remember what was the best thing this year, and why? What was the worst, and why? 
Reflection is a good habit to have. It helps us be our very best.
Love Gram

Our world is constantly barraged with negativity, uncertainty at best. It makes for restless night for many of us at times, and we have some sense of understanding. I often wonder how our children decipher the events around them? I hear many grandparents voice concern over what is being projected upon our youth. They are like sponges eager for knowledge, soaking up as much as is being offered. The question to me is, what is being offered? We are offered an enlightened "Parental Control' option, but are we as carful to watch and supply a healthy diet for our children's minds as we do for their bodies? Or are they often left to tread the waters of the masses on their own? I'm a story teller. Coming up in a time of lesser means and opportunities than are present today, we had to engage the minds of our children for activity. We didn't have the wonderful devices we have today. No iPads and Nooks to entertain them. I had to entertain. I read to them, and being a hardworking, one income family, we couldn't afford books. So the library was a true asset, and more so...the imagination! We often had to create our story.
I am always amazed at the ability of children to be open minded. They grasp principle with ease and see beyond concrete form. I think tunnel vision comes later, after repeated assaults on the dreamer's hope. When a frightened world crimps a daring heart, and presses with a safer mold. Imagination withers and fades without notice, no less mourning.
Remember Dads, when you dared to believe you could carve the fastest car known to man, out of a simple block of wood, or shoot a rocket farther than anyone before you could? We would sit in cardboard boxes and believe we were Pirates on the open seas, lay on the sidewalk with makeshift boats and float them in the gutter thinking we were sailing with Columbus and finding new lands. We dreamed! We dared to break out of the natural confines life forced on us. We were heroes, rescuers, knights of the round table. Arthur looked down his table to see his brave friends and said this won't do! I want to look at all of you, speak to all of you, and he dared to create, to go beyond what was standard, and changed the eating habits of people ever since. Im sure he heard discouragement, I mean, who ever heard of a ROUND table?
I want to encourage children again, to pick up a toilet brush, or squeegee and totter a bucket on their heads and explore new worlds. (Swiss Cheese Adventures - vol.1)
I want them to create, imagine, do great exploits, and not be content with zombies, vampires, and the highest death count on their solitary game. I want to remind childhood how much fun it used to be. Don't You?

When my sons were young, we often laid in the grass on a nice day and stared at the sky. We would occupy long moments searching, sculpting clouds, and finding hidden treasures of the imagination laid out for any eager seeker.
The proverbial 'they' always tell us in order to achieve we must first see what we desire. 
I once had a small group of children in my circle time, and I asked them to close their eyes and tell me what they see. One would say, "Nothing, my eyes are closed." Another would say, darkness with pinholes of light, or just the color black, but always there are those few who see beyond sight into imagination. Those few that can paint a picture of hope, interest, and delight, with only their imagination. Kids hate to hear us say, when I was a kid... But, it's true. When I was a child, toys were few and if you didn't have an imagination you got real bored. We were prairie doctors taking chickens for pay, or sitting in boxes fighting pirates on the open sea. We climbed stairs hoping to find Jack and his magic beans. It was fun. On a drive in the mountains did you ever tell your kids the story of the Indian Chief who lost his loved child, Falling Rocks. He loved him so much he posted signs all over asking travelers for help. We'd point out the signs WATCH FOR FALLING ROCKS. The rest of the trip was passed in diligent silence while they hunted for a little lost brave. I talk with kids today and their play involves death counts and how many levels they have or lives they have left. Humph! Constructive future building. Like I said...it's all in how you look at it.

It's always nice to have that place where you're greeted and recognized. Many of my age and time remember the old show Cheers. We gathered around our TV sets to feel part of that zany bunch of misfits as they weekly gave us a sense of belonging.
I may not see your face, but I hear your words as they take sound off the page, and into my understanding. They form into a voice that carries an intent, a force beyond flat paper. I'm so grateful for technology that can bring together living thoughts and heartbeats of interest and passion, that may never have by other means collided. I'm a fan of thinking, of pressing beyond the surface to find the depth. I'm not afraid of an argument. It does not diminish who we are, or what we believe because we disagree. Have you ever sat at an event in a different row than a friend, and later discover your seat saw angles their seat did not allow, or vice versa. A broader picture is often enjoyed when we let others join in our view. I may only have one color, and can provide clear sharp lines and designs to create a profound sketch. Another may say, hey, I have a color, and sweep with his green across your clear black lines and depth comes to your trees and grass. One by one they come into our lives. Each one with their unique color and shading. Creating and adding to our foundation until a full dimensional view is held. Aww, life unfolding, one color at a time, one meeting of minds at a time, one wrestle of truth to victories end. 
Thanks for coming to my familiar place, for adding your color. I hope you come again.

I have been reviewing old books and sorting through old memories that grew up through the years. Many of my special moments settled among good books, good food, and family. The comforts of life! I hope all had a special Mother's Day, and I hope it went beyond the traditional card and duty to a genuine time of reflecting. I hope we all have those tattered, treasured, moments we shared with our Moms or Grandmothers, or even an Aunt. Moments that embedded strength, joy, or even imagination into our lives.

When was the last time you woke up full of anticipation? Sometimes I let the routine of life snuff out any thoughts of wonder or excitement. I forget to take in my environment, to notice differences as they may appear, a new flower that bloomed, or even a weed that may have popped up in a less traveled corner, that is doning a radiant flower? Tunnel vision begins to narrow all awareness to the direct task at hand. In such a hurry to get to my destination, I never notice the path I take to get there. On the way in I may be projecting thought to what is next to be done, or something I'm out of and must add to my need list. When just about the time I'm approaching my intrance, hand stretched out prepared to open the door, my eyes drop to the ground and I notice an amazing design in the walkway. Was that always there? Surely not. Now entering, a man stands off to the side. I casually ask, "Is the path new?" "Nope," he replies, and off I go. On my way out, feeling satisfied with the completion of my task, I notice again the beautiful path that led into the building. I look around, I had never noticed the well sculptured tree that graced a deep green grass. I saw a young woman seated on a quaint bench reading in the shade. I was so intent on my quest I had missed all the beauty along the way. I passed the woman reading and she looked up with a bright smile. "Is it good," I quizzed. She replied with great enthuesiasm. I looked at my watch. I had time. I sat down and she shared the books plot with excitement, and shared the impact she was finding it had upon her own life story. Her eyes were bright and lively, her demeanor inviting, as we shared a few minutes. I walked away full. I was productive in my task, and engaged in my surroundings. It's a good day!