Barney Bush Passes

Oil Painting of Barney by President George W. Bush

Statement by President George W. Bush on the passing of Barney Bush:

"Laura and I are sad to announce that our Scottish Terrier, Barney, has passed away. The little fellow had been suffering from lymphoma and after twelve and a half years of life, his body could not fight off the illness.

Barney and I enjoyed the outdoors. He loved to accompany me when I fished for bass at the ranch. He was a fierce armadillo hunter. At Camp David, his favorite activity was chasing golf balls on the chipping green.

Barney guarded the South Lawn entrance of the White House as if he were a Secret Service agent. He wandered the halls of the West Wing looking for treats from his many friends. He starred in Barney Cam and gave the American people Christmas tours of the White House. Barney greeted Queens, Heads of State, and Prime Ministers. He was always polite and never jumped in their laps. 

Barney was by my side during our eight years in the White House. He never discussed politics and was always a faithful friend. Laura and I will miss our pal."

Thank you for serving our President faithfully and bringing a smile to all our faces over your years in the White House, Barney.  We enjoyed watching you star in the Barney Cam's and viewing all the pictures of your life in the White House and on the ranch.  Growing up I loved researching information on your life while writing my book, "Destination White House, Barney's Incredible Journey".  Thank you for the inspiration.  I am sorry I never had the chance to meet you in person little fella. You will be missed.  Rest in peace, Barney!

~Robin C. Burk

Congratulations!

Sherri Ayers, your name was drawn for the free copy of my book "Destination White House"! Please send me a message to claim your prize!

Free Book Give Away!

Check out my FaceBook fanpage to find out how you can win a free personalized copy of my children's book, "Destination White House".

Click on this direct link:  https://www.facebook.com/authorobinburk

An Impressive Assignment

Months ago I met a young girl, Hannah at one of my book signing events.  She was almost eleven, the same age I was when I began to write.  I was thrilled to discover that we had several things in common; a homeschooled & Christian background, and both of us an enthusiast for Oklahoma author, Bill Wallace’s children’s books, which inspired “Destination White House”.  In fact, her family knew the Wallace’s personally and graciously conveyed a copy of my book and personal message to Bill & Carol Wallace. 

Her mother & I have continued to stay in touch and when we met for lunch one day, Hannah presented to me her school assignment; an incredibly detailed report on my book, complete with her own hand designed cover. I was thoroughly impressed by her creativeness and hard work and wanted to share it with all of you!

“Ms. Burke,

Here is what I wrote for my report.

Back cover:

This book was super! I love it. I would give the author "Best Eleven Year Old Writer " award. I love how it includes most of my favorite things; animals, humor, and adventure. Everyone should read this book.

Inside front cover:

"Destination White House"

For anyone who loves animals, this book is perfect for you.

The hilarious adventure begins when Barney, (the president's dog) gets lost at the airport. He also meets a friend along the way. Will Barney or his friend survive the long journey?

Only one way to find to find out, open the book and start to look.

Inside back cover:

About Robin Burk

Robin was 11 when she started writing her book, and 13 when she finished. She was inspired by reading Bill Wallace's books. She was homeschooled along with her twelve siblings.”

Hannah, age 11

eBook Download

"Destination White House" is now available for purchase as an eBook download.

Instead of receiving a physical paper book in the mail, you will receive access to the eBook file for this complete book. Within minutes you can be reading this book on your computer, PDA, cellphone or a stand-alone eBook reader—at a reduced cost! Unless otherwise noted, all eBooks are in the PDF format which is compatible with most eBook readers including Sony Reader, Nook, Kindle 2, iPad, and iPhone 4. Click the "Order Online" button below to purchase this eBook download today!

Read the eBook FAQ for additional information for your specific device.

$9.99 (digital download)

Order Online

Dreams Do Come True!

I stopped in at a library this week and look what I found on their shelf!  I spy, "Destination White House"!

I’ll admit, it's amazing and a bit surreal for me to see my own book on a library shelf. Growing up I made frequent visits to the town’s library and was well known by all the librarians.  The inspiration for my book came from reading Oklahoma author, Bill Wallace’s books which I had discovered on these very same shelves. I remember thinking, “If he can do it, I can do it!” When I began writing my own book, I was only eleven years old.

I remember asking my favorite librarian, Gerry if one day they would put my book on the library shelf. I was so disappointed to hear that it had to be published before it could be placed in their system.

Long story short, a lot of hard work and nine years later; I am very humbled to see my book finally made its way to the library shelf!  It's been amazing to see that dreams do come true.  My God is so amazing!

Author, Robin Burk with her home-town librarians, Gerry & Sue.

Pictures!

These are some of the pictures from the book signing events at Cabin Creek Coffee shop and Olivet Books and Gifts in Alpena, Michigan.  It was such a blessing to be able to put a smile on these little faces and inspire them to read and achieve their dreams!

A big thanks to Dianne Spear of the Alpena Newspaper who wrote up a great article announcing the event at Olivet, and to all those who stopped by to meet me and show their support.

Many blessings,
~Robin Burk
Col. 3:17

Book Signing Events At Cabin Creek & Olivet

Cabin Creek Coffee shop and the Olivet Book & Gift in Alpena, Michigan will be hosting two separate book signing events for author, Robin Burk.  The event at Cabin Creek will be on Saturday, March 3rd from 1:00-3:00 and Olivet Book & Gift will be Saturday, March 10th from 10:30am-1:30p.m.  Please mark the dates on your calenders and invite your friends and family to stop by and see me and purchase a signed copy of my children's book, Destination White House.

Destination White House is a captivating adventure, sure to entertain all ages but especially young readers. The reading level of this book is geared towards the ages of 9-13, however it works great for parents with children under those ages as a story time read-aloud. It's also a great chapter book for teachers who are conducting a book assignment for their class. If you are looking for a great gift to give you child, grandchild, niece or nephew, or you simply love children's books, Destination White House is the book to buy!  But you don't have to take my word for it, please read the reviews on Barnes and Noble or Amazon!

If you, or someone you know, would like a copy of my book but are unable to attend these events you can purchase a copy online through the links listed on the left; Barnes & Noble, Amazon, & Tate Publishing.  Or by calling Olivet Book & Gift at: (989) 354-3331 and requesting a copy!

For a map or directions to Olivet Book & Gift click on the "News" tab above.

Many blessings,

~Robin Burk
Col. 3:17

Change of Dates!

Hello, friends!  There has been a sudden change in the dates for the Olivet book signing event which has been rescheduled to the 10th of March from 10:30-1:30.

If you are unable to attend this event, remember I have an earlier book signing event at Cabin Creek on the 3rd of March from 1:00-3:00! Also, the book is available online through the direct links in the top left corner. Don't forget to mark the dates on your calenders and please "share" this event with your friends and family!

Many blessings,

~Robin Burk
Col. 3:17

Coming Soon: A New Look for a New Year!

Well, it's six days into 2012, and Robin has asked me (her happy designer friend) to help her give the blog a new look to go along with the new year. During the next few weeks or so, things may start to look a little different - and possibly even a tad hectic - but don't worry! It's only a phase. :)

In the meantime, enjoy the new year...it's brimming with hope and new opportunities. (And don't forget to search "Destination White House" on Barnesandnoble.com and Amazon.com and write a review on Robin's book!)

With love,
Hannah

An Update from the Author

Just to let everyone know, I have not fallen off the face of the earth.  For the past month I have been staying in Michigan caring for my 84 year old Grandpa.  I will not be scheduling any book signing events or booking any speaking engagements until I return to my home in Oklahoma in April. However, if you or someone you know is interested in hosting a book signing event for me or would like to have me speak at a school, library, or any other event, you can contact me at:  love.that.is.not.shaken@gmail.com

For those of you who have read my children's book "Destination White House" I would like to ask a small favor.  Could you please take a minute to write a brief review and post it on Amazon and Barnes & Noble's websites? I can't stress how important this is for the promotion and sales of my book and it would help me out tremendously. I would be very blessed if you could please just take five minutes to visit the links below and leave a review!

http://www.amazon.com/Destination-White-House-Robin-Burk/dp/1617778834/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1325880277&sr=8-1

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/destination-white-house-robin-burk/1104288299?ean=9781617778834&itm=1&usri=destination+white+house

 Thank you so much!

Christmas Gala Book Signing

Hello all!  Just wanted to let you know that I will be having another book signing event on Dec. 3 as a part of the Tecumseh Library's Christmas Gala inside City Hall. As a Christmas special, I will be making my book available for purchase at the discounted price of $10.00.  The book makes a wonderful gift for Christmas or for any occasion and families and children of all ages are sure to enjoy it so please stop by and purchase your copy on Saturday the 3rd.  It will only be on sale for a limited time.

The Tecumseh Public Library will celebrate the holidays 8th annual Old Fashioned Christmas Gala, set for 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, at the library, 114 N. Broadway. The event features music, games, a Christmas store, hot chocolate and many baked goods to eat.  Vendors offer many unique and inexpensive items at the Old Fashioned Christmas Store each year. Shop for ornaments, all types of Christmas items, and yummy baked goods offered by many local crafters and businesses. A wide variety of attractive, inexpensive items will be available, including personalized and signed copies of my book, "Destination White House".

This free library event is offered by the Tecumseh Public Library who partner with the Tecumseh Chamber of Commerce and the Friends of the Tecumseh Library to host the gala. 
Registration is not required to take part in the festivities.
For more information, call the library at 598-5955.

Hastings Bookstore

On October 29th, Hastings Bookstore hosted a book signing event for me in Ada!  It was almost surreal to be inside the store and to have customers asking for my autograph and hearing the manager announce the event over the speakers. I was so blessed to be there and meet all the people and hear their stories and share my own.  Below are two pictures from the event.

TV Commercial!

Here it is!  The TV commercial for my book, "Destination White House", is complete and will begin airing on National Cable Channels some time next month. I will let you all know when I receive a detailed report at the end of the month about the airing times and channels so you can take a look! A big thanks to Chris Larocco at Tate Publishing for putting this together. Please share the link with friends and family or post on your Facebook and Twitter!  

 

Book Signing This Week!

Hastings Bookstore in Ada will be hosting my book signing event this Saturday, Oct. 29th from 2:00-4:00p.m.  Please feel free to invite your friends and family to stop by the store to see me and purchase a signed copy of my children's book, Destination White House. If you, or someone you know, would like a copy of my book but are unable to attend this event you can purchase a copy online through the links listed on the right; Tate Publishing, Barnes & Nobel, & Amazon.  You can also call your local bookstore and ask them to order you a copy. 

Many blessings,

~Robin Burk
Matthew 5:16

Full Circle Bookstore

Well, my first in-store book signing event was a wonderful experience from start to finish!  I met so many amazing people and had the unique opportunity to share the event with seven authors who, like myself, reside in Oklahoma.  I was thrilled to meet and visit with them about their books, past publishing experiences, and their personal life.  It was amazing to discover my connection with several of the authors who either knew of me, or had met one or more of my family members.  Below is a picture of me at the event and another picture of myself surrounded by the other seven authors!  A big thanks to Dana and Full Circle Bookstore in OKC, the unknown person who provided the cookies for each of our tables, and to each of you authors who made this event so wonderful!  It was a blessing and a delight to meet you all!  For those of you who were not able to attend this event, I will be having another book signing at Hastings Bookstore in Ada on Oct. 29th from 2:00-4:00!  Please feel free to invite your friends and family to this event.

Update

Last week I was able to share with over twenty bright-eyed little children at the Shawnee public library in Oklahoma.  I was so honored to be asked to come as this event's featured author, and to share with these precious home schooled children and their mothers. What a tremendous blessing it was to see their smiling faces as they sat eagerly and attentively on the edge of their seats, their hands shooting up so they could pepper me with questions, and their mother's faces beaming proudly from the back row as they heard their children's voices asking very intelligent questions. These mothers have done a wonderful job teaching their children.  A big thanks to my parents and all the other parents who have bravely and selflessly given of their time to home school and to give us a great education.  May the Lord bless you for your diligence. You are my hero's and indeed the best teachers a child could ever wish to have. 

The event at the Shawnee library was held last week and this week, on Saturday the 15th, Full Circle Bookstore  in OKC will be hosting my first in-store book signing event!  I will be joined by seven local authors and we will be signing and discussing our books with the public.  This is an open event and everyone is welcome to attend and to bring as many friends or family along as well.  We will be signing books in a quaint little sitting area by the coffee shop inside the store.  The event goes from 3:00p.m. - 5:00p.m. so please stop in, purchase a hot cup of coffee and enjoy this unique opportunity to visit with eight Oklahoma authors!

Also, on October 29th I will be having another book signing at Hastings Bookstore in Ada from 2:00p.m. - 4:00 p.m.  Please let your friends and family know so they can stop in and see me! 

Please let me, or my Tate marketing agent, Traci Jones, know if you or anyone else you know is interested in booking an event or having me come speak.  You can contact Traci by calling Tate Publishing Co. at 1-888-361-9473 and asking to speak directly with her.  Thanks so much!

Many Blessings,

~Robin Burk
Matthew 5:16

New children’s book takes readers on White House adventure

Destination White House: Barney's Incredible Journey is a fur-raising tale that begins when the president's plane, Air Force One, is forced to make an emergency landing in the Chicago O'Hare airport because of engine trouble. In the confusion, the president's Scottish Terrier, Barney, is mistakenly left behind. When Barney is snatched up by a young girl and her family, he is forced to make an escape and find his way back to the White House. Along the way, Barney meets a peculiar cat named Snider, with a taste for Swedish Fish. The runaway cat joins the scene to assist Barney in his journey home. During their adventures, the two traveling buddies take on hawks, wolves, and even dump trucks.

Will Barney make it to the White House? Will Snider be able to make the journey without his beloved Swedish Fish?  You can find out when you buy your own copy of "Destination White House".

Published by Tate Publishing and Enterprises, the book is available at bookstores nationwide and can be ordered through the publisher at www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore or by visiting barnesandnoble.com or amazon.com.

I Need YOUR Help!

Hello to all my friends, family and fans!  I am so excited to announce that my book, Destination White House, hit the market today and will now be available to order at any bookstore, including my personal favorite, Barnes & Noble!

I want to thank each and every one of you for all your prayers, support, and encouragement which you have given me from the very beginning.  This book may not have been published if not for God and you. 

So my book is published, it has hit the market and now I'm going to sell millions of copies and be a best selling author, right?  Well...it's not all quite as spectacular as that.  Yes, it has been published and it is available to order, however being that there are over a million children's books already out on the market and my name carries little to no weight since I am not a celebrity, there is not an immediate demand for my book and so bookstores are not buying thousands of copies to stock on their shelves.  So here's where you come in.  I need your help in creating a demand for my book.  I'll admit that at first this probably sounds very overwhelming, but actually it takes very little time and effort on your part and you can't imagine how much it would help me.  All I need for you to do is one or all of three simple things.

One: Click "share" on this blog post and do exactly that; "share" my book's link on your Twitter, FaceBook etc...

Two:  If you, or someone you know, would like to buy a copy please call your local bookstore and request it.  Being that I am a first time author, it helps me tremendously to have you personally request my book at the stores because it creates a demand for my book.  Once there is a demand, the stores, who always want the books with the highest demand on their shelves, will begin ordering my book and keeping it in stock. 

Three: If you have already read my book please take the time to visit one or all of the bellow links and post your review of my book.  This is very helpful for future buyers.

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/destination-white-house-robin-burk/1104288299

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Destination-White-House-Robin-Burk/dp/1617778834/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1316554337&sr=1-3


And that’s it!  It really is as simple as that.

Again, I thank each and every one of you for all your support. It means the world to me.  May the Lord bless you richly in return!

In Stores This Week!

Destination White House: Barney's Incredible Journey, will hit the market this Tuesday, the 20th! It will be available to order at your local bookstore, Amazon, or through Tate Publishing. To purchase your copy please click on the direct link to Tate's Page here on my blog.

I am excited to announce that my first in-store booksigning event will be held Saturday, Oct. 15th, from 3:00-5:00 at the Full Circle Bookstore in OKC!

Please share this link with your friends and family and invite them to come and see me at Full Cirlce Bookstore.  I would love to meet you in person and answer any questions you might have! 

Full Circle Bookstore
1900 Northwest Expressway #135
Oklahoma City, OK
(405) 842-2900