Tamara Cantarano
Author & Educational Entertainer
The Adventures of Mac the Dog books series and "Mac's Club" program
Mac is a happy, NY dog that loves the outdoors, being active, making friends and sharing joy with others!
Through these stories, the youngest children can take a "picture walk" to imagine an activity they may not have experienced yet themselves, or recall a fond memory. Mac was inspired by the author's youngest son's stuffed animal and she encourages children to draw inspiration from the everyday things in their life and create their own stories often.
Author Tamara Cantarano provides an inspiring "Mac's Club" assembly in Central NY uniquely tailored for students preschool through first grade. She travels to schools, libraries and learning centers year 'round with her husband, Joe Cantarano, accompanying on guitar.
Tamara is a ReadAloud.org partner & advocate of reading to children on a daily basis starting at infancy for the many benefits it provides in brain development.
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The Adventures of Mac is a series of books for the youngest children that provide fun, visually appealing stories with a positive message in tow. They promote reader/child dialogue and kids love the hidden purple bug on each page to seek 'n find.
The first three published titles were illustrated by Anita Waller whereas "Mac 'N Tosh", "Mac 'N Trees" and "Mac 'N Market -The Farmers Market" were illustrated by Anastasia Docherty.
They were published by Brodock Press of Utica, NY, USA on paper manufactured in the USA and qualified for the FSC logo. Having these books published in the USA from paper that was made from trees grown in a responsible forestry measure was important to the author. Her oldest sons, and her first inspirations to be an author and entertainer, were environmental majors in college.
"Mac's Club" visiting schools, learning centers & libraries throughout NY
Through hearing stories and moving with actions songs in between, children are inspired to read daily and also create their own stories.
Published in 2016, "Mac 'N Trees" shows Mac is a playful dog that loves spending time outside and exploring nature with his friends. They take a good look at trees (deciduous and conifer), discovering the outdoor life on and around them. Playing with friends around trees makes great memories.
Mac is a happy dog that recalls the fun he has had in all four weather seasons. He makes a friend with a disability in autumn. He enjoys playing outside in all the seasons even more with his friend Tosh.
In "Mac 'N Park" Mac the dog loves the playground! He explores various sport balls and finds the hidden treasure of playing a sport: making friends. Wonderfully illustrated with a hidden "sillybug" on each page for the child to spy.
In "Mac 'N Circus" Mac the dog is trying to get in to the circus. He looks for his way in but finds true happiness is bringing joy to others. Wonderfully illustrated with a little hidden "sillybug" on each page for the child to seek and find
In "Mac 'N Camping" Mac explores the wonders of nature on a hiking trail then camps under the stars. Though it was delightful, he appreciates his comfortable home upon his return. Wonderfully illustrated with little hidden "sillybugs" on each page for the child to spy.
Mac is a happy dog that enjoys his community with his friends and likes making new friends. They visit the Farmer’s Market and take a ride to a local farm. Seeing the food growing and animals all around is exciting. They’re grateful for their local market that brings everyone together.
The series -six titles in all
Meet The Adventures of Mac the Dog - the book series
"Mac 'N Camping", "Mac 'N Circus", "Mac 'N Park", "Mac 'N Tosh", "Mac'N Trees"
The Illustrators
Anita Waller
Illustrator of "Mac 'N Circus", "Mac 'N Park" and "Mac 'N Camping"
Anita Waller has been an artist and designer for +25 years. She owns her own company that manufactures apparel for the sporting industry which she designs.
Anastasia Docherty
Illustrator of "Mac 'N Tosh" and "Mac 'N Trees". Also illustrating the new title to be released in 2018
Anastasia is a designer and illustrator experienced in many mediums.
"Mac's Club" Educational Entertainment throughout New York State
Author, Tamara Cantarano, and her husband, Joe, on guitar, travel throughout NY visiting schools, libraries and learning centers with their "Mac's Club" program.  They get the kids moving with original action songs, share Mac's stories and encourage children to read daily and create their own stories drawing inspiration from the everyday things in their life. Even a surprise puppet often says "hello" to give even more inspiration!  Her books first published in 2013, there now are six books in the series.
Get In Touch & purchase on Amazon.com
https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=tamara+cantarano