We need to communicate with young children on bullying, kindness, and acceptance – you can’t wait until they are in middle school or high school. Our books do it in a fun and subtle way with rhymes because children love rhymes. The books and apps have bright colors and creative illustrations. Children seem to relate more to pictures. Why not have them read a book with underlying messages and morals and have fun? With the apps, parents don’t even have to read the story – it is narrated. The story is also created by a child so it can relate more to children.
The combination of the books, apps and Discussion Points really makes DrewsBooks unique because they can be used by parents, teachers, play groups, churches, and schools – all to use as tools to teach children life’s lessons while having fun. Most children’s books do not come with interactive apps or “Discussion Points." These Discussion Points are important questions – adults can use to get the children talking about bullying, kindness, empowerment, self-esteem and acceptance. The books are filled with valuable life lessons.
The background story of The Drew Book Series
When Justine Danielle Del Monte was 11 years old her teacher, Mrs. Moresco, gave the class an assignment to write a short poem. Justine wrote the poem in less than five minutes because she wanted to spend time with her friend, Samantha. Samantha was visiting from Washington to visit her very ill Uncle Marc. Samantha commented that she wanted the story because she volunteered for the Big Sister’s Program and the girls loved rhyming stories and Justine’s poem communicated some important moral teachings she would like to reinforce. Fortunately for Justine, she knew an amazing illustrator her friend, Brandon Chappell.
Brandon was inspired and volunteered to create the beautiful illustrations for Justine. The book was copyrighted and sent to Samantha. Justine’s Aunt Rita loved the book and Justine sent her books to donate to Aunt Rita’s local libraries and a children’s camp. Brandon, who is extremely creative, and always thinking of others, created an interactive children’s App of the book, "Drew’s Dancing Drum." Since the free App went global several schools requested copies of the book and even suggested they do another book. Justine, thinking about her Gold Award Project for Girl Scouts, decided this would be a great project to “give back” to the community. Justine wrote “Discussion Points” for each of the books – like Book Club questions – questions parents and educators could use as a tool to engage children to reinforce the kindness and anti-bullying messages in the books. She noted that children’s books do not come with discussion points. Justine, at age-12, wrote, “Drew Meets Boo,” The App was created. Then, came requests for it to be translated into Mandarin and Spanish. Justine and Brandon have proudly donated books to schools, parents, teachers, churches, libraries and more.
Brandon and Justine’s characters are now part of the Public Broadcasting Services family nationally thanks to Dione Dirito. Her daughter, Sophia, and Justine are girl scouts in the same troop and Sophia is one of Justine's best friends. Dione has been a publicist for 25+ years and was inspired by the project and reached out to her contacts at Public Broadcasting Services. Dione is an advocate of bullying prevention. Their books have been animated by Public Broadcasting Services and can be watched on their stations nationally and also on drewsbooks.com for free. The discussion points can be downloaded for free on drewsbooks.com. The two Apps have been downloaded in over 100 countries.
They now have five books in the series –
Drew’s Dancing Drum (written at age 11) – Drew is bullied for his passion for drumming. He overcomes his bullying with the help of his father.
Drew Meets Boo (written at age 12) – Boo is bullied for her appearance and for her funny name and overcomes her bullying with the help of her friend, Drew, her confidence, and with kindness.
Drew and The Cyber Bully (written at age 13) – Drew is bullied on social media when a bully makes fun of his Mother. Boo is there to help and quickly realizes the authorities are needed.
Drew and Boo Adopt Lou and Sue (written at age 14) – Drew and Boo adopt rescue animals and they reinforce being responsible pet owners and never bullying animals.
Drew Moves (written at age 15) – (coming soon) Drew moves to a new school and he overcomes his fear by forgetting judgment and accepting the new people he meets. He learns to appreciate diversity and embraces the richness of other cultures. No matter where he goes, the kids all have common interests.
Brandon and Justine have visited schools in California and Atlanta and have had four radio interviews, two television interviews and have been in two magazines. They have been delighted to receive inspiring letters from students across the country. They definitely prove that everyone can make a difference to make the world a better place.
Brandon was inspired and volunteered to create the beautiful illustrations for Justine. The book was copyrighted and sent to Samantha. Justine’s Aunt Rita loved the book and Justine sent her books to donate to Aunt Rita’s local libraries and a children’s camp. Brandon, who is extremely creative, and always thinking of others, created an interactive children’s App of the book, "Drew’s Dancing Drum." Since the free App went global several schools requested copies of the book and even suggested they do another book. Justine, thinking about her Gold Award Project for Girl Scouts, decided this would be a great project to “give back” to the community. Justine wrote “Discussion Points” for each of the books – like Book Club questions – questions parents and educators could use as a tool to engage children to reinforce the kindness and anti-bullying messages in the books. She noted that children’s books do not come with discussion points. Justine, at age-12, wrote, “Drew Meets Boo,” The App was created. Then, came requests for it to be translated into Mandarin and Spanish. Justine and Brandon have proudly donated books to schools, parents, teachers, churches, libraries and more.
Brandon and Justine’s characters are now part of the Public Broadcasting Services family nationally thanks to Dione Dirito. Her daughter, Sophia, and Justine are girl scouts in the same troop and Sophia is one of Justine's best friends. Dione has been a publicist for 25+ years and was inspired by the project and reached out to her contacts at Public Broadcasting Services. Dione is an advocate of bullying prevention. Their books have been animated by Public Broadcasting Services and can be watched on their stations nationally and also on drewsbooks.com for free. The discussion points can be downloaded for free on drewsbooks.com. The two Apps have been downloaded in over 100 countries.
They now have five books in the series –
Drew’s Dancing Drum (written at age 11) – Drew is bullied for his passion for drumming. He overcomes his bullying with the help of his father.
Drew Meets Boo (written at age 12) – Boo is bullied for her appearance and for her funny name and overcomes her bullying with the help of her friend, Drew, her confidence, and with kindness.
Drew and The Cyber Bully (written at age 13) – Drew is bullied on social media when a bully makes fun of his Mother. Boo is there to help and quickly realizes the authorities are needed.
Drew and Boo Adopt Lou and Sue (written at age 14) – Drew and Boo adopt rescue animals and they reinforce being responsible pet owners and never bullying animals.
Drew Moves (written at age 15) – (coming soon) Drew moves to a new school and he overcomes his fear by forgetting judgment and accepting the new people he meets. He learns to appreciate diversity and embraces the richness of other cultures. No matter where he goes, the kids all have common interests.
Brandon and Justine have visited schools in California and Atlanta and have had four radio interviews, two television interviews and have been in two magazines. They have been delighted to receive inspiring letters from students across the country. They definitely prove that everyone can make a difference to make the world a better place.
December 29th, 2017
Award winning teen author writes about bullying and acceptance
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Justine Danielle Del Monte is a high school junior in California. She really enjoys traveling, and attended a semester abroad in South Africa. When she was eleven she began her writing with “Drew’s Dancing Drum,” and continued Drew’s adventures with her second book, “Drew Meets Boo,” written at age 12. Her most recent story, “Drew and the Cyber Bully,” was written at age 13, and it continues to educate children on bullying. She aims to send positive messages about acceptance to young children. She likes writing for kids, as she relates to many of the struggles they face at such a young age, and her passion for writing has enabled her to turn her books into her Girl Scout Gold Award. Find out more about Justine here. She says, “I wrote the books because bullying is so prevalent and kids need this information at a young age, far before middle school. It’s also important to understand why kids bully and to see not only how they are hurting others but how they are hurting themselves.”
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STORY MONSTERS INC. Interview!
Author Justine Del Monte and Illustrator Brandon Chappell are featured in the Story Monsters Inc Magazine! Visit storymonstersinc.com
Justine Danielle Del Monte honored by PACER'S, "The National Bullying Prevention Center," in the Student's Taking Action segment.
Teen author writes books to send positive messages to young children
Justine Danielle Del Monte is currently in the 11th grade in California. She really enjoys traveling and attended a semester abroad in South Africa. When she was eleven she began her writing with “Drew’s Dancing Drum,” and continued Drew’s adventures with her second book, “Drew Meets Boo,” written at age 12. Her most recent story, “Drew and the Cyber Bully,” was written at age 13, and it continues to educate children on bullying; she aims to send positive messages about acceptance to young children. She likes writing for kids as she relates to many of the struggles they face at such a young age, and her passion for writing has enabled her to turn her books into her Girl Scout Gold Award. (Justine has also earned the Bronze and Silver Girl Scout Awards.)
'A true Disney story' — two girls from the opposite sides of the world met on the Disney Magic ship
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When the Disney Magic Cruise ship pulled into dock at the Port of Tyne, there was excitement across the region.
But no one was more excited than 18-year-old Robyn Hogg, from Cramlington, who waited eagerly for the majestic ship to arrive. And Robyn isn’t even a Disney fan. Instead, she was waiting to star in her own fairy tale, as, thanks to a magical coincidence, she prepared to be reunited with her friend Justine Del Monte, a girl from the opposite end of the globe who she had thought she would never see again. Robyn and Justine were among a thousand other youngsters who took part in a conservation project at a school in Singapore. Placed in the same group, along with other youngsters from as far away as India and Korea, they became firm friends but, living thousands of miles apart, when the trip ended they didn’t expect to see each other again. Read Full Article Here >> |
Academy Alum's Apps Make Learning Good Values Fun for kids Dec 12, 2015"Chappell got into making apps in a roundabout way. In 2012, a friend, Jacqueline Del Monte, asked him if he could draw a one-page illustration for a story her then 11-year-old daughter, Justine, wrote for a school project. “I decided to surprise Justine and turn her story into a book,” he said.
His vibrant illustrations brought Justine’s simple, engaging tale about a young boy who learns to be true himself and stand up to bullies to life in the resulting picture book, Drew’s Dancing Drum. Chappell then turned the book into an interactive app. To date, the app has been downloaded 7,000 times in 93 countries and has been translated in Mandarin Chinese and Spanish." -Read FULL ARTICLE Here>> |
Book lovers, authors unite for BookFest Solano April 3rd, 2015Several local authors are also part of BookFest Solano. Illustrator Brandon Chappell of Suisun City is featured at two workshops Saturday. One will focus on choosing the correct illustrator. At the second session, he will be paired with Justine Del Monte, who penned “Drew’s Dancing Drum” and “Drew Meets Boo.” Chappell illustrated the books and has also converted them into interactive children’s apps.
Suisun City artist illustrates, develops apps for books Jan 11th, 2015SUISUN CITY — Brandon Chappell knew he wanted to be an artist early in life.
But he had no idea it would be illustrating children’s books. Chappell, a longtime Suisun City resident, took a story told in rhyme from Justine Del Monte, the 11-year-old daughter of a friend, illustrated it and “Drew’s Dancing Drum” came to life. The poem was part of a class project for the young girl. Jacquie Del Monte, Justine’s mother, knew of Chappell’s artistic ability and asked him if he would be interested in illustrating what her daughter penned. He offered to do it as a gift, Del Monte said. He donated his time and talents because of the content of the book, he said. It spoke of Christian values much like his own, Chappell said. He also felt a connection to Drew, as both are drummers. He then decided the book needed an app. Chappell, 31, a San Francisco Academy of Art graduate with an emphasis in 3D animation, took on the task, teaching himself how. “As I started to make it, I felt I had gotten in too deep,” he said He refused to give up on the app, spending “thousands” of hours to bring the free app to life, giving children an interactive experience with the book. “I wanted every single thing they touch to do something,” he said. The story teaches children about bullying, forgiveness, kindness, empowerment, community service and the importance of family and following your dreams. Read FULL ARTICLE Here>> |
A Young Life Spent In Service For Others (86mag.com)
When I was in first grade, I became a Brownie and it was a proud day when I became recipient of my new vest and badges. Four years later, in 2011, as a fifth grader, I finally became a real Girl Scout. The character of outreach projects changed at that point and we were challenged to engage in a series of award projects.
I did my Silver Award project when I was a 12-year-old seventh grader. This required personal planning and implementation on my part. I chose to do a series of six food drives — three at my school and three in the community. I made flyers and signs, sent out emails, and enlisted friends in collecting food. It turned out to be satisfying to have a project that I myself was able to control and to know that I was responsible for the project’s success.
Completing the Silver Award entitled me to begin my Gold Award project. This was a serious effort — equivalent to the Boy Scouts Eagle badge. Gold Award had to be a project I would do by myself and was required to be sustainable, tangible, and to have some kind of global component while making an impact on the local community. I had to perform a required number of hours and to complete some fairly rigorous preliminary work. I was 13 years old when I started and had just graduated from eighth grade. I spent five months working on the project, beginning in June and finishing in November. The project began with me doing a proposal describing what I would do, how I would do it, and the results that I looked for.
The most difficult challenge was attempting to ensure that I could effectively reach people in my community. I based the project upon my belief that reading can influence childhood development — not just cognitively but socially, as well. Fortunately, I had a product that I could use to demonstrate that belief. When I was 11 years old, an English teacher, Mrs. Moresco, gave me a school assignment to write a poem suitable for first graders, so I dashed off a short piece called “Drew’s Dancing Drum.” The writing took only a few minutes of my time. A guest who had been staying with us at the time, Samantha, worked with the Big Sisters Program. She read my little piece and said that people would enjoy it.
I read it to a family friend and gifted commercial artist, Brandon Chappell. Brandon not only loved the story, but was inspired by it to the point that he said that he would do the artwork and turn it into a children’s book. I had never imagined that my little poem could ever become a book. Before Brandon was finished with it, “Drew’s Dancing Drum” had became more than a book. He turned it into an interactive children’s app. People began downloading the app. Requests began coming in asking if we could translate the app and before long it was available in both Spanish and Mandarin.
Read FULL ARTICLE HERE>>
Virtual Magazine Link>>
I did my Silver Award project when I was a 12-year-old seventh grader. This required personal planning and implementation on my part. I chose to do a series of six food drives — three at my school and three in the community. I made flyers and signs, sent out emails, and enlisted friends in collecting food. It turned out to be satisfying to have a project that I myself was able to control and to know that I was responsible for the project’s success.
Completing the Silver Award entitled me to begin my Gold Award project. This was a serious effort — equivalent to the Boy Scouts Eagle badge. Gold Award had to be a project I would do by myself and was required to be sustainable, tangible, and to have some kind of global component while making an impact on the local community. I had to perform a required number of hours and to complete some fairly rigorous preliminary work. I was 13 years old when I started and had just graduated from eighth grade. I spent five months working on the project, beginning in June and finishing in November. The project began with me doing a proposal describing what I would do, how I would do it, and the results that I looked for.
The most difficult challenge was attempting to ensure that I could effectively reach people in my community. I based the project upon my belief that reading can influence childhood development — not just cognitively but socially, as well. Fortunately, I had a product that I could use to demonstrate that belief. When I was 11 years old, an English teacher, Mrs. Moresco, gave me a school assignment to write a poem suitable for first graders, so I dashed off a short piece called “Drew’s Dancing Drum.” The writing took only a few minutes of my time. A guest who had been staying with us at the time, Samantha, worked with the Big Sisters Program. She read my little piece and said that people would enjoy it.
I read it to a family friend and gifted commercial artist, Brandon Chappell. Brandon not only loved the story, but was inspired by it to the point that he said that he would do the artwork and turn it into a children’s book. I had never imagined that my little poem could ever become a book. Before Brandon was finished with it, “Drew’s Dancing Drum” had became more than a book. He turned it into an interactive children’s app. People began downloading the app. Requests began coming in asking if we could translate the app and before long it was available in both Spanish and Mandarin.
Read FULL ARTICLE HERE>>
Virtual Magazine Link>>
Two Clayton scouts earn Gold Awards with innovative projects
Combating bullying
Justine Del Monte, a 14-year-old resident of Clayton, combined her love of reading, writing and fighting bullying into a unique project that earned the Athenian School ninth grader the prestigious Girl Scout Gold Award. It started when Justine wrote the book, “Drew’s Dancing Drum” at age 11 as a class project while attending Palmer School. Artist Brandon Chappell, volunteered to illustrate the book and then created a children’s interactive app. The app is available in three languages: English, Spanish and Mandarin. Fans of the first book inquired about a second book, which inspired Justine at age 12 to write, “Drew Meets Boo.” Brandon volunteered again to illustrate the second book and created a children’s interactive app for the book that is available in three languages as well. The first app for “Drew’s Dancing Drum” is free – the second App for “Drew Meets Boo” is $1.99 and all the money goes to charity — food banks, Girl Scouts, an Autistic Children’s Program and an orphanage in Nicaragua. Justine’s Gold Award consists of Drew’s Books, The apps, and discussion points. The discussion points she wrote to assist educators and parents to create dialogue with the children when addressing bullying, acceptance, friendship, self-esteem, kindness, empowerment, and other life lessons with their children. She feels these issues should be taught and discussed when the children are young instead of waiting until middle school and high school, because the behaviors seem to escalate into more violent and devastating forms of bullying. Justine’s Gold Award Project is unique because most children’s books do not come with an interactive app and discussion points — tools that can be used to teach children about bullying. The books teach anti-bullying in a fun and subtle way with rhymes because children love rhymes, Justine says. Justine has donated 255 books to schools, religious children’s programs, children’s camps and libraries nationally. The discussion points can be downloaded for free at Drewsbooks.com. The apps have been downloaded in 76 countries. Her work has not gone unnoticed by the national media. Justine and Brandon have been interviewed by KVCR in Los Angeles and also were taped reading the two books for a short story time for KVCR’s televised children’s programming. KVCR has committed to run their interview every year for National Bulling Prevention Month. Justine has been a Girl Scout for 10 years. She has earned her Bronze and Silver Awards as well. She started at age 4 as a Daisy. Read Full Article Here >> |
Contra Costa Times -December 12, 2014
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The Social Butterfly -The Paper
11-Year Old Girl Wrote and Published Book on "Bullying"
As part of a Girl Scout project, Justine Danielle Del Monte knew that she had to do something about bullying, so she wrote a book called "Drew's Dancing Drum," a story about a young boy who happily plays a drum until one day he is bullied by a classmate. The story has a happy ending. Justine's book was published and she donated 30 books to Palomar District, California Federation of Women's Clubs, absorbing the cost of $15 a book.
Justine's aunt, Rita Christie of Escondido, suggested that the women's clubs in North County could help awareness of 'bullying' by distributing books to local schools. They were advised to donate a book to a school or group of their choice. The clubs did that, including the Inland Valley Club which donated a book to a local middle school library and several books to a camp for children with AIDS.
Then at age 12, Justine wrote another book "Drew Meets Boo" which is awaiting copyright before that book comes out. Now, at age 13, as an 8th grader at Palmer School, she has just won an Award, presented to one 8th grader each year, for Excellence in Leadership in Athletics.
Justine's aunt, Rita Christie of Escondido, suggested that the women's clubs in North County could help awareness of 'bullying' by distributing books to local schools. They were advised to donate a book to a school or group of their choice. The clubs did that, including the Inland Valley Club which donated a book to a local middle school library and several books to a camp for children with AIDS.
Then at age 12, Justine wrote another book "Drew Meets Boo" which is awaiting copyright before that book comes out. Now, at age 13, as an 8th grader at Palmer School, she has just won an Award, presented to one 8th grader each year, for Excellence in Leadership in Athletics.