Commissioner Frank Avila and Sherry Avila produced AVILA IRISH CRAIC: IBAM AUTHORS with Children's Authors, Arthur Cola and Sandra McCone. Arthur Cola, retired School Principal (B.S. Loyola U. Chicago,M.Ed. U. of So. Miss.), served as a teacher and lecturer at Barry University prior to embarking on a writing career. The father of five and grandfather of four has been married to his wife Donna for Forty years. They currently live in Wisconsin. His first book, "Papa and the Gingerbread Man" (www.amazon.com) is a children's Christmas themed story set in St. Augustine, Florida. The brilliantly illustrated colorful book by designed by his son, John Colaianni. The character of the Gingerbread Man was specifically created for the book. His novel, "The Shamrock Crown and the Legend of Excalibur" has been released by The American Book Publishing Co. (www.american-book.com. This epic adventure takes a large Wisconsin Family on an adventure to Ireland and Britain as they enter a quest to save the most treasured relics of ancient Camelot. You will be introduced to one of the most famous legends of Celtic folklore as the characters combat followers of the sorceress Morgan le Fay who once again try to destroy the Legend of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table. And again you will enjoy those places in England,Ireland and Wales of today so vividly and uniquely portrayed that you will feel that you're right there with the heroes. The reader embarks on the adventure from the Kitchen of the Colonna family home in Wisconsin where a magical being introduces them to the quest which takes them to the Rock of Cashel, the Tower of London, the the tomb of Shakespeare,the Jousting fields of Warwick Castle, the Cathedral of St. David in Wales and the ancient Stone Ring of Avebury, England. You will join the heroes as they search for those relics which symbolize the very foundations upon which Western civilization is founded and combat the dark forces with Knights coming forth after 1500 years of dormancy. Arthur Cola in a recent interview announced his newest novel, The Stone Cutter Genius which is due to be released during the Christmas Holiday season. This adventure has the Colonna Family of Wisconsin returning to their hometown of Chicago where they learn about an Italian Legend. In no time at all, Arthur Colonna and his two youngest sons find themselves helping the Museum curator on her search to find the legendary "Magi Ring" which once belonged to the most famous family of the Italian Renaissance, the Medici. In this Historical Fiction Novel you will travel to Ireland, Britain and Italy on a quest to discover a divinely given gift and how it impacted the life of a teen stone cutter named Michelangelo.In the process you will be brought back to Renaissance Italy and witness the genius of Michelangelo develop from his early teen years until his death at age 89. Learn more about his books and tours of Ireland, Britain and Italy which are based on his books at www.arthurcolalegendarytales.com or contact Patti at Travel Leaders at 1-800-922-4036. Influences/Inspirations: "Tis the emerald isle of Ireland which first inspired the creation of my novels.With my wife and our two youngest sons we traveled throughout the mystical land. In the process I began to collect rocks from the sites we visited. Soon the stone of Glendalough, the rock from the cliffs of Dun Aengus on Inishmore, the pebble from Clonmacnoise each held a story which needed to be shared. Add to this the warm and friendly people of Ireland who became the personalities of my characters of my book. Favorite Writers and Artists: Mark Twain influenced my work, not so much his style of humor as the format he used. For instance, in my new book of "The Shamrock Crown," I bring the Knights of Camelot into the 21st century instead of bringing a Yankee to King Arthur's Court. The Renaissance period intrigued me and one of its central characters, the master artist Michelangelo,as well as the family who helped him begin his artistic career,the Medici, were amazing to this history teacher turned writer. Current Projects: I just completed my new historical fiction, "The Stone Cutter Genius." There my love of the Renaissance,Michelangelo and the Medici are blended in a tale revolving around a widely believed legend of that period. I have also just completed a screenplay version of my tale of "The Shamrock Crown." Interests: Travel has to be my top interest for it was during trips to Ireland, England, Wales and Italy that I began to become fascinated by their history,faith traditions,Culture,folklore and legends, all of which were to become part of the plots of my books. Also CIE Tours International has designed tours of Ireland, Britain or Italy which are based on my books. Participants will travel to all those places where the action in my books take place.Contact Mary Pat. mpflannigan@cie.com Family: My family is the source of my life's work. They also have become the personalities of the main characters of my books. My wife and I have five grown children (3 boys, 2 girls) and four grandchildren. University Affiliations: I am part of the Alumni organizations for Loyola University, Chicago and the University of Southern Mississippi. Recently USM published an article on my book,"The Shamrock Crown" in their Talon magazine. Contact Information: You may visit my web site at: www.arthurcolalegendarytales.com where you will be able to read about my appearances, each of my books and the tours of Ireland,Britain or Italy. My email address is: arthurcola@yahoo.com. Charities/Causes: I participate in the Racine County (WI) Literacy events which are designed to encourage reading. Sandra McCone (Alderman) author of the “ Three Little Lasses”, grew up in the 1950's in the Midwest railroad town of Galesburg, Illinois. Coincidently, she lived on the same street, two blocks away from the home of writer Carl Sandburg. Sandra’s childhood was enhanced by her extraordinary imagination as well as the imagination of those around her. Her love of art was evident in many aspects of her creative nature. As an adult, she pursued a career in interior design and formed her own business. She married her high school sweetheart, Alan and had three children. Tales of Ireland inspired her to create a country home reminiscent of her heritage. It is this home that sets the stage for her series. Her children loved to hear stories of her childhood adventures and when the grandchildren came along they were no different. At that point, she decided to write these stories and adventures, so they could be shared with other children...... thus starting the adventures of the ‘Three Little Lasses.” “The Secret in Nana’s Garden” , “The Magical Tea Party” and “Midsummer's Magic” allows the reader to experience the feeling of Nana’s country home and land. The imagination of the children and things they discover will make you yearn for more. Less