Newest Book in Popular Charlie Girl Series - "Tails" of a Very Original Poodle - Premieres With A Story of Love and Instinct

New York City, October 17, 2014 (Newswire.com) - Charlie Girl may be a standard poodle but there is nothing standard about this charming, inquisitive and joyful dog whose lovable tales about life in the Big Apple are proving immensely popular with children and adults. Charlie’s back with a new adventure – this time preparing for the arrival of a new sibling in the second installment of “Tails” of a Very Original Poodle.  Titled A Story of Love and Instinct, the book takes us on a personal journey as Charlie, despite promises that “everything will come up roses,” is initially hesitant about this new arrival. But it does not take long before Charlie’s protective and loving instincts kick in and a beautiful friendship is formed. Elizabeth Frogel, creator of the Charlie Girl series (www.charliegirlnyc.com), genuinely reveals the range of emotions felt when a new addition arrives in the household as she spins a tale told through Charlie’s eyes that resonates with families everywhere who can’t help but smile as they watch Charlie and her new sibling’s relationship grow, not only in the lavishly illustrated oversized hardcover editions, but also in the state of the art eBooks which come alive with magical animation. Each Charlie Girl book purchased (suggested retail is $24.95) gives back through a partnership with the ASPCA with $1.00 from every book in the series donated to help animals in need. 

As a former interior designer and the founder of CenturyMom, a successful New York City-based fashion consignment business, fashion and the modern interiors of the 1960s (a style she grew up with) are close to Frogel’s heart. Although the books are conceived for children of the digital age, the imagery is at once romantic and contemporary, referencing the past but with a very “today” sensibility that appeals to multiple generations. Authentically sharing the beauty of real life moments experienced through Charlie’s eyes, exquisite ink and watercolor illustrations stylishly tell the story of how a warm and loving bond evolves between this far from standard poodle and her new baby “sister.” Wearing playfully chic designs inspired by Chloé, the fashion house known for its approachable looks, Frogel as Charlie’s “mom” is drawn with fresh allure on every page of Charlie Girl - “Tails” of a Very Original Poodle - A Story of Love and Instinct. New York City’s Bergdorf Goodman will have a special limited edition of this newest addition to the Charlie Girl series printed for - and available exclusively at – this famed luxury retail destination.

"LOVED the book! The swing'est teenager in NY is only a teen in dog years. She's Charlie Girl the poodle, and no one is more fashionable, sporty, or optimistic. Elizabeth Frogel's book about this delectable doggie is so cute that everyone should poodle over to the nearest bookplace and get one pronto. This charming collectible should be retitled 'I'm a Canine, You're OK.'" —

Michael Musto, Village Voice

Charlie Girl – A Story of Love and Instinct is illustrated by Don Kossar, also an interior designer whose accessible style lends a delightful authenticity to the life and adventures of Charlie Girl. The series is a tribute to all dogs; helping people appreciate “man’s best friends” who bring us joy every day.

In time for the release of the second book in the series, A Story of Love and Instinct, Charlie Girl LLC has partnered with ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®).  Charlie Girl LLC will donate one dollar for every copy sold in the series. The ASPCA logo is now featured on the back of all Charlie Girl books benefitting the organization. The company proudly supports the ASPCA and their work to prevent cruelty to animals throughout the United States. 

Deluxe Animated eBooks:  Charlie Girl comes to life with state-of-the-art enhanced eBook versions of both the first and second books. Clever and engaging animation complements each of the stories (narrated by Ava, creator Frogel’s daughter) inviting young readers to pop the pink bubbles floating from Charlie’s bath or watch the elevators in her building go up and down, and even see Charlie’s dirty footprints magically appear on the furniture.  The deluxe enhanced animated eBooks are available for sale through Apple on their iBook store for $9.99. Non-enhanced versions will also be available on Amazon and other eBook retailers for $5.99. Both will be available for purchase as of November 1. Watch the deluxe enhanced eBook trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S71PoE7ZjTo

Frogel brought in Nord Compo, a 42 year old European company, based just outside of Paris in Lille, to  produce the enhanced eBook versions of Charlie Girl. Nord Compo works with the major publishing houses throughout Europe, including Hachette Group, Elsevier, Wolters Kluwer, Michelin, Alain Ducasse Editions and Gallimard.  This is their first collaboration with an American book series.

Charlie Girl Education Program: Additionally, Frogel has collaborated with an industry expert to develop an education program featuring lesson plans and worksheets for the Charlie Girl Series.  Starting November 1, these will be available for free to teachers, librarians and parents, and can be downloaded from the Charlie Girl website (http://www.charliegirlnyc.com). To help guide teachers and librarians, the Charlie Girl book series has also been assigned Lexile levels, Guided Reading Levels and Common Core Strands. 

“The Charlie Girl series is a labor of love for my entire family. Every day it is a beautiful and wonderful adventure to see the world through Charlie’s eyes. This second book shares a message that’s universal, parents and children can relate to Charlie as she experiences all that happens when a new sibling arrives – from anticipation to a bond beyond words,” says Elizabeth Frogel, author and creator of Charlie Girl.  “I have vivid memories of my daughter, Ava, arriving home and watching Charlie form a deep and loving relationship with her. It’s been inspiring to witness their love for each other blossom into a connection that has grown even stronger with the passage of time. Of course, being able to have Ava involved from literally the birth of the series to lending her voice for the eBooks has helped bring Charlie to life in a way that children of any age can appreciate.”

 “The Charlie Girl series celebrates the unique and special bond between people and their pets,” says Helene Gordon, senior director of marketing & licensing for the ASPCA. “We are thankful for this support, which will help us in our work protecting animals across the country.”

For more information on Charlie Girl, please visit our website http://www.charliegirlnyc.com or social media channels: http://facebook.com/charliegirlnyc www.twitter.com/charliegirlnyc www.instagram.com/charliegirlnyc

About the Printed Books and Deluxe Animated eBooks

BOOK 2: Charlie Girl – “Tails” of a Very Original Poodle –

A Story of Love and Instinct

Written and Art Directed By Elizabeth Frogel

Illustrations by Don Kossar

Penny Black Publishing; On Sale: October 14, 2014

ISBN for hardcover (book #2): 978-0-9860791-0-8

Price: $24.95 US/$29.95 CANADA; 48 Pages; Oversized

ISBN for Deluxe Enhanced Animated eBook #2: 978-0-9860791-3-9. (Priced at $9.99)

BOOK 1: Charlie Girl – “Tails” of a Very Original Poodle –

Her Very Happy Life In The Town She Calls Home – New York City!

Written and Art Directed by Elizabeth Frogel

Illustrations by Ashley Quigg

Penny Black Publishing; On Sale: April 2013

ISBN for hardcover (book #1): 978-0-692-01929-0

Price:  $24.95 US/$29.95 Canada:   48 Pages; Oversized

ISBN for Deluxe Enhanced Animated eBook #1: 978-0-9860791-1-5. (Priced at $9.99)

*Regular non-enhanced eBooks will also be available for Kindle, Nook, Kobo and other eBook platforms

BOOK 3:  Charlie Girl Hits Hollywood…An L.A. Only Adventure! 

Scheduled for Release: Spring 2015

Galleys available in December 2014, please contact lzelenko@gmail.com to reserve.