"The Graham Cracker Kid and the Calico Girl" Picture Book

I am very honored to interview Tommy Overstreet, legendary singer/songwriter who co-wrote The Graham Cracker Kid and the Calico Girl with Dale G. Vest. It is a beautifully written poem with 46 pages illustrated from oil paintings by Jesse Anderson. This book is a touching and timeless story about two charming children in the Old West, filled with humor, suspense and a host of delightful characters that add joy and delight to every page. {Below is a link to adorable Free Printables to go with the book.}

Dale G. Vest wrote over 120 releases by many artists including country legends Merle Haggard, Albert Brumley Jr., Jimmy Payne, and Doug Kershaw. He was the recipient of over 40 music industry awards, including two from the Society of European Songwriters, Authors, and Composers (SESAC). Of all his musical achievements, though, he was most proud of his many recordings by Country & Western legend Tommy Overstreet. 

Tommy Overstreet is a national and internationally recognized Country Music recording artist, songwriter, record producer, and music publisher. His experience spans over forty years as a working professional with 7 Number 1 Hits and 26 Top Ten Singles. Listed below are some of his other accomplishments.

VOTED “ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR” THREE YEARS IN A ROW

BY THE INTERNATIONAL RODEO ASSOCIATION (I.R.A.)

HONORARY CHIEF OF THE

 “CHICKASAW “  AND  “CHOCTAW”  INDIAN NATIONS

(THE ONLY COUNTRY ARTIST SO HONORED)

HONORARY “AMBASSADOR OF GOOD WILL” TO THE “CHEROKEE” INDIAN NATION

32 EUROPEAN TOURS

Overstreet Voted Most Popular Touring Show In Europe - Three Years

HALL OF FAME HONORS

West Texas Music Hall of Fame - Ft. Worth

Traditional Country Music Hall of Fame-Anita, Iowa

   West Texas Hall of Fame - Brady, Texas

  Rockabilly Hall of Fame – Burns, Tennessee

After entertaining adults for generations, how did it happen that you and Dale G. Vest co-wrote a children's book?

"When I first met Dale Vest , he had a little boy named Marty and I had a son named Tommy, III. This story was based on Marty, a freckled-face, red-headed boy with a calick in his hair. I give complete credit to Dale for coming up with The Graham Cracker Kid and the Calico Girl. We put our heads together after the rough draft and we tweaked it and I changed some verses and rhymes. But the story is based on true events in our lives."

What advice do you have for children aspiring to become singers /songwriters?

"I wish there was a book that young people could read to get a handle on how to get into the music or recording music. However, Billboard Magazine wrote a rather thick book with heavy reading, called This Business of Music which encompasses all that you need to know about the music industry and has songwriter's forms  and gives a working knowledge of  the music industry. 

"My advice to young aspiring singers and songwriters is that you need to make some sort of effort to learn sales. Basically, you are selling yourself and you need to know how to do that. Take a course in sales. I was a salesman before I became a singer full-time and my dad was a salesman. Another piece of advice is that you have to get out of bed and feel good and smile and be friendly, whether you feel that way or not. Rehearse and learn your craft, articulate, pronunciate correctly, and learn how to phrase a song. Phrasing a song is a necessary art to songwriting."

How important is offering music in the schools?  

"I was raised at a time when we had music in elementary, junior high and high school. In junior high, we had music classes, metal shop and wood shop; senior high same thing. It taught kids certain things that they normally wouldn't learn at home. In the 20s, 30s, 40s, and 50s, 8 out of 10 homes in this country had pianos. Hardly anybody has pianos anymore. Schools have gone away from music. We need to get back to the basic teachings of art, music, and literature. Kids need to learn English, reading, writing and arithmetic but music is so important to offer in schools especially for those children who aren't exposed at home.

 "Louis Satchmo Armstrong, famous trumpeter and singer, said that music is the best diplomat in the world. It tears down all the inhibitions of people. It bridges the gaps, welcomes, and connects people from all around the world."

I am thrilled that Carolyn Wilhelm, author of The Wise Owl Factory, has put together packets of free printables and even a game to coincide with this wonderful book. To see her book review and wonderful printables, just click here. 

The Graham Cracker Kid and the Calico Girl is an accomplished poem and story that puts it at the top of my favorite children's books - sure to capture the attention and be a joy to any child, parent or teacher. It is only $3.99 for the ebook and is also available in from Barnes & Noble

Would you like a glimpse into Kindergarten? Do you need inexpensive ideas, activities, and games to teach your child through play? Mommy with Selective Memory and I can help save your sanity, one project at a time, with The Happy Mommy Handbook: The Ultimate How-to Guide on Keeping Your Toddlers and Preschoolers Busy, Out of Trouble and Motivated to Learn. Both are bestsellers and are also available from Barnes & Noble and Kobo. 

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