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A family publishing partnership bringing positive stories and values to young readers.

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SkelClub™ home     Code of Behavior     Children's Hospital Donation Program     Teacher Lesson Plans
​​
Buy all books in the series on Amazon

​

Marketing

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Skel Club: Building Character. Strengthening Communities. Scaling Impact.                                                   Where Children's Publishing, Education, and Social Impact Meet.

  • Publishers and literary agents
  • Corporate sponsors and CSR leaders
  • Hospital systems
  • School districts and libraries
  • Philanthropic foundations
  • Strategic business partners
  • Potential investors in educational content
  • ​

Radio

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The Skel Club children's book series, will focus on stations that welcome community guests, authors, education topics, family programming, nonprofit stories, and local-interest interviews rather than trying to get onto music-only formats.
Top Priority Stations (Northern NJ / NYC Market)1. WFDU 89.1 FM (Fairleigh Dickinson University)Why: This should be your first call. As an FDU professor and children's author, you have a natural connection. WFDU regularly features community leaders, educators, nonprofit initiatives, and local authors. [WFDU], [en.wikipedia.org]
  • Website: WFDU
  • Phone: (201) 692-2806 [WFDU]
  • Pitch Angle:
    • FDU professor publishes children's book series
    • Books donated to children's hospitals
    • Skel Club literacy and kindness initiative
2. WABC 770 AM (New York)Talk radio format with many interview opportunities and weekend community programming. [us-radio.com]
Pitch Topic: "How a New Jersey educator created a children's book character that helps kids learn about inclusion, kindness, and imagination."

3. WMCA 570 AMCommunity-focused talk programming and nonprofit-friendly content. [us-radio.com]
Pitch Topic: "Author donates books to children's hospitals while promoting literacy."

4. WBAI 99.5 FMKnown for interviews with community leaders, educators, and nonprofit advocates. [us-radio.com]
Pitch Topic: "The power of storytelling in children's emotional development."

Strong NJ Community Radio Targets5. WJLY 88.3 FM (Ramsey)Local talk and community programming. Good Bergen County reach. [radiostationsusa.com]
6. Brookdale Public Radio WBJB 90.5 FMFrequently features local arts, culture, and authors. [allradio.net], [en.wikipedia.org]
7. WFMU 91.1 FMOne of the country's best-known independent stations. Open to unique author stories and community projects. [en.wikipedia.org], [allradio.net]
8. WGHT 1500 AM (Pompton Lakes)Local community-oriented programming that often welcomes regional guests. [en.wikipedia.org]

Public Radio Targets9. WBGO 88.3 FM (Newark)A major Newark public radio institution. While primarily jazz-focused, they occasionally feature local cultural and community-interest stories. [en.wikipedia.org], [radiostationsusa.com]
10. WNYC (New York Public Radio)One of the most influential public radio outlets in the region. Target family, education, literacy, and local-interest producers.
Pitch Topic: "Children's hospital book donation program reaches nearly 100 books donated."

Suggested Interview HookHeadline:
"New Jersey Professor Creates Skel Club Children's Book Series and Donates Books to Children's Hospitals Across the Region"
Key Talking Points
  • FDU adjunct professor
  • Author of the Skel Club series
  • Nearly 100 books donated to children's hospitals
  • Reading and literacy promotion
  • Creative ways to help children cope with hospital stays
  • Using storytelling to teach kindness, inclusion, and resilience
  • The origin story of Skel

​Quick 30-Second Producer Pitch"I'm John Fugazzie, an adjunct professor at Fairleigh Dickinson University and creator of the Skel Club children's book series. We've donated nearly 100 books to children's hospitals and community programs while promoting literacy, kindness, and inclusion. I'd love to share the story behind Skel, how the character was created, and how children's books can make a difference in young lives."
My recommendation is to start with WFDU, WNYC producers, WABC weekend programming, WBAI, and WBJB. Those five are the most likely to book you quickly because your story combines education, children's literacy, community service, and local impact.

 Teacher Lesson Plans

My Top 10 Channels for Reaching Teachers1. School Librarians (Highest ROI)Librarians are often the gatekeepers for new books entering classrooms and school libraries.

​Strategy:
  • Offer a free educator review copy.
  • Create a one-page educator guide.
  • Highlight themes of kindness, inclusion, resilience, and social-emotional learning (SEL).
Organizations to target:
  • New Jersey Association of School Librarians (NJASL)
  • American Association of School Librarians (AASL)

2. Teacher Facebook Groups
Many teachers discover classroom resources through teacher communities.
Examples:
  • NJ Teachers United
  • Elementary Teachers of America
  • First Grade Teachers
  • Kindergarten Teachers
  • Special Education Teachers
Pitch: "Free lesson guide and classroom discussion activities based on Skel Club."

3. Teachers Pay Teachers (TpT)
Many educators use Teachers Pay Teachers to find lesson plans and supplemental content.

A
powerful strategy would be:
Free Download
  • Skel Club classroom activities
  • Coloring pages
  • Character education lessons
  • Anti-bullying discussion guides
Each download promotes the books.

4. Education Media Publications
These publications speak directly to educators.
Recommended outlets:
  • TEACH Magazine [teachmag.com], [magazine.f...edspot.com]
  • Teacher Magazine
  • District Administration
  • School Library Journal
  • Edutopia

Story
Angle:
FDU professor and healthcare workforce leader creates children's book series promoting kindness and emotional wellness.

5. State Teachers Conferences
For New Jersey, these are gold.
Target:
  • NJEA Convention
  • NJASL Conference
  • New Jersey Reading Association
  • New Jersey Principals & Supervisors Association
A small booth or author presentation often produces more adoptions than months of online marketing.

6. Children's Hospital Partnerships
This may be your unique differentiator.
You have already donated 128 books to nine children's hospital systems.

Create
a story around:
"Books helping children during hospital stays."
Teachers respond well to real-world impact stories.

7. PBS Education
PBS offers resources and newsletters specifically for educators and provides curriculum-aligned content and classroom resources. [pbslearningmedia.org]

Potential
pitch:
Children's literacy, social-emotional learning, and community engagement through storytelling.

8. Local Superintendent and Principal Associations
Many curriculum decisions flow from administrators.
Target:
  • Bergen County districts
  • NJASA
  • County superintendent associations
Offer:
  • Virtual author visits
  • Read-aloud sessions
  • Character education presentations

9. LinkedIn (Targeted)
You already have a strong network.
Create posts around:
  • "How Skel came to life"
  • Children's hospital donations
  • FDU educator perspective
  • Literacy and SEL
Then specifically connect with:
  • Elementary principals
  • Reading specialists
  • School librarians
  • Curriculum directors

10. Teacher Podcasts
Teachers increasingly consume podcasts during commutes.
Topics:
  • SEL
  • Literacy
  • School leadership
  • Children's literature
Examples:
  • The Cult of Pedagogy
  • Teachers on Fire
  • Elementary STEM Coach
  • Education Talk Radio

What I Would Do If I Were You
Given your background as:
  • FDU adjunct professor
  • RWJBarnabas Health leader
  • Founder of NhNUSA
  • Children's author

I would build a"Skel Club Classroom Kit" containing:
  1. Teacher Guide (PDF)
  2. Discussion Questions
  3. Coloring Pages
  4. Kindness Challenge
  5. Anti-Bullying Activity
  6. Hospital Donation Story
  7. Virtual Author Visit Offer

Then
market that kit through:
  1. School librarians
  2. NJEA and librarian conferences
  3. Teachers Pay Teachers
  4. LinkedIn
  5. Education publications
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Why Readers Love
The Adventures of Skel™

✔ Fun characters
✔ Positive life lessons
✔ Family-friendly stories
✔ Teacher-friendly content
✔ Community engagement
✔ Hospital donation program
✔ Year-round holiday celebrations
✔ Created by Professor John Fugazzie with his son Matthew Fugazzie the publisher, layout graphic artist 

Join The Skel Club™
Whether you're a parent, teacher, librarian, healthcare professional, or community leader, you're invited to become part of the Skel Club family.

Together we can promote:

📚 Reading
❤️ Kindness
🤝 Inclusion
🌎 Community Service
😊 Positive Childhood Experiences

Learn More: The Adventures of Skel

Code of Behavior  

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Print your bookmarkers

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​Content Guidelines

https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/G200672390
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Welcome to the official Children's Book Promotion Resource Center for
​The Adventures of Skel™.
​

Created by Professor John Fugazzie, The Adventures of Skel series follows Skel and his friends as they celebrate holidays, explore new adventures, learn life lessons, and discover that everyone belongs.
These fun and educational books help children learn about:
  • Friendship
  • Teamwork
  • Kindness
  • Inclusion
  • Community Service
  • Environmental Awareness
  • History and Citizenship
  • Respect for Differences
  • Positive Decision Making
Whether you're a parent, teacher, librarian, healthcare professional, or community leader, Skel's adventures create opportunities for meaningful conversations and lifelong learning.
📚 Learn More:
  • The Adventures of Skel™ Series
  • Skel Club™
  • Ask Professor John™

Social Media Post #1: Meet SkelMeet the Friendliest Skeleton You'll Ever Know!Who says skeletons are only for Halloween?
Meet Skel and the Skel Club™ Skeleton Crew—friends who celebrate every season and every holiday while teaching lessons about friendship, kindness, and inclusion.
From Valentine's Day to Easter, summer gardens, patriotic celebrations, and baseball adventures, Skel proves that every child deserves to feel included all year long.
📚 Perfect for:
  • Families
  • Teachers
  • Libraries
  • Hospitals
  • Community Programs
🛒 Start your Skel Adventure today!
#SkelClub #ChildrensBooks #ReadingMatters #InclusionMatters #AskProfessorJohn

Social Media Post #2:
Hospital Donation ProgramEvery Book Purchased Helps Us Share SmilesThe Adventures of Skel™ is about more than books.

Through the Skel Club™ Children's Hospital Donation Program, books have been donated to children's hospitals and pediatric programs to bring comfort, hope, and smiles to young readers.

Every purchase helps support our mission of:
✅ Literacy
✅ Inclusion
✅ Community Service
✅ Children's Wellness
✅ Positive Childhood Development
Together we are creating more readers, more smiles, and brighter days.

#SkelClub #GivingBack #LiteracyMatters #ChildrensHospitals #KindnessCounts

Social Media Post #3:

For Teachers
Teachers Love Skel!Bring social-emotional learning into your classroom with stories children actually want to read.

The Adventures of Skel™ series supports:
📚 Reading Comprehension
🤝 Teamwork
🌎 Diversity & Inclusion
🌱 Environmental Awareness
🇺🇸 Citizenship & History
❤️ Respect & Kindness
Many books include educational discussion opportunities and classroom-friendly themes.
Perfect for:
  • Elementary Schools
  • Reading Programs
  • After-School Programs
  • Libraries
  • Summer Learning Programs
#Teachers #ElementaryEducation #SEL #ClassroomResources #ReadingIsFun

Social Media Post #4:

Libraries
Calling All Libraries!
Looking for family-friendly books that encourage literacy, kindness, and community engagement?

The Adventures of Skel™ series helps children learn while having fun.
Libraries can use Skel books for:
  • Story Time Programs
  • Reading Challenges
  • Summer Reading
  • Character Education
  • Holiday Displays
  • Community Events

Help us spread smiles one story at a time.
#Libraries #YouthServices #ChildrensLiterature #ReadingPrograms #SkelClub

Social Media Post #5:
Baseball FansSkel Swings For The Fences!
Batter Up!
Skel and his friends hit the baseball field for an exciting adventure that teaches:
⚾ Teamwork
⚾ Persistence
⚾ Sportsmanship
⚾ Practice & Preparation
⚾ Encouraging Others

It's the perfect gift for young baseball fans and future all-stars.
#Baseball #YouthSports #ChildrensBooks #SkelClub #Teamwork

Social Media Post #6:
​

Parents & Grandparents
Looking For A Meaningful Gift?
Skip another toy and give a gift that lasts.
The Adventures of Skel™ books combine:
📚 Learning
❤️ Family Values
😂 Humor
🌟 Positive Messages
🤝 Inclusion

Children enjoy the adventures while parents and grandparents appreciate the lessons.
Create memories through reading together.

#Parenting #Grandparents #FamilyReading #BedtimeStories #ChildrensBooks

Suggested NEW Page Section

Why Readers Love The Adventures of Skel™
✔ Fun characters
✔ Positive life lessons
✔ Family-friendly stories
✔ Teacher-friendly content
✔ Community engagement
✔ Hospital donation program
✔ Year-round holiday celebrations
✔ Created by Professor John Fugazzie

Join The Skel Club™
Whether you're a parent, teacher, librarian, healthcare professional, or community leader, you're invited to become part of the Skel Club family.

Together we can promote:

📚 Reading
❤️ Kindness
🤝 Inclusion
🌎 Community Service
😊 Positive Childhood Experiences

Learn More: The Adventures of Skel

This revised content would make the page more evergreen, improve SEO, broaden the audience beyond parents, and better support your outreach to schools, libraries, hospitals, and community organizations.
​John, because you already have 9 books in the Skel Club series on Amazon, your biggest opportunity is not writing more books right now. It is creating a sales ecosystem around the books.

Amazon itself recommends using Author Central, Amazon Advertising, promotions, and reader outreach to increase discoverability. [kdp.amazon.com], [kdp.amazon.com], [advertisin...amazon.com]

1. Create a "Skel Club Universe"
Instead of marketing 9 separate books, market one brand:
The Skel Club Series
  • 9 books
  • SEL themes
  • Anti-bullying
  • Friendship
  • Kindness
  • Inclusion
  • Community engagement

This is your differentiator.
Many children's books entertain.
Skel Club teaches life lessons.

2. Bundle the Books
Create:
The Skel Club Starter Collection           Books 1-3
The Skel Club School Collection           Books 1-5
The Complete Skel Club Collection      Books 1-9

Parents, libraries, and schools often buy bundles rather than individual titles.

3. Grow Amazon Reviews
This is probably the single biggest driver of Amazon sales.
Goal:
  • Every book over 25 reviews
  • Best sellers over 50 reviews
  • Flagship book over 100 reviews
Reach out to:
  • teachers
  • librarians
  • hospital child-life specialists
  • parents
  • Skel Club ambassadors
and politely ask for honest Amazon reviews.
Reviews help Amazon's recommendation engine. [kindlepreneur.com], [advertisin...amazon.com]

4. Use Your Existing Hospital Network
You have already donated books to multiple children's hospitals.
Every donation should generate:
  • a LinkedIn post
  • a hospital social media mention
  • a photo opportunity
  • a local press story

Examples:

"128 Skel Club books donated to children's hospitals."
"Skel Club teaches kindness and resilience to young patients."
These stories sell books while advancing your mission.

5. Leverage Your FDU and RWJBarnabas Connections
You have an enormous network.
Ask:
  • faculty members
  • students
  • alumni
  • workforce-development partners
  • community leaders
to share a Skel Club post once per quarter.
If 100 people share one post, reach expands dramatically.

6. Build Educator Resources
This may be your greatest untapped opportunity.
For every book create:
  • lesson plan
  • SEL activity sheet
  • coloring page
  • discussion questions
  • vocabulary worksheet
Teachers search for educational resources.
A teacher who downloads one lesson plan may purchase 25 books.

7. Expand Library Outreach
Develop a campaign:
"Skel Club in Every Library
"Target:
  • Bergen County libraries
  • New Jersey libraries
  • school libraries
  • children's librarians
Send:
  • one-page flyer
  • author bio
  • series overview
  • Amazon links
Libraries often purchase entire series.

8. Optimize Your Amazon Author Page
Amazon specifically recommends using Author Central. [kdp.amazon.com], [advertisin...amazon.com]
​

Your page should include:
  • professional photo
  • Ask Professor John biography
  • hospital donation story
  • Neighbors-Helping-Neighbors story
  • links between all 9 books
Many authors ignore this.

9. Produce Short Videos
Create 30-second videos:
Meet Skel
Meet Skelroid
Why Skel Loves Every Holiday
A Kindness Message from Skel
Post on:
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • YouTube Shorts
  • TikTok
Parents increasingly discover children's books through short-form video.

10. Pursue Awards

Children's books gain credibility from awards.
Consider:
  • Mom's Choice Awards
  • Independent Press Awards
  • Readers' Favorite
  • Purple Dragonfly Awards
  • Moonbeam Children's Book Awards
Even finalist recognition increases buyer confidence.

11. Create a School Visit Program

Offer:
Virtual Skel Club Assembly
Topics:
  • kindness
  • bullying prevention
  • friendship
  • leadership
  • inclusion
The book sale becomes secondary.
The relationship becomes primary.
Schools often buy books after the presentation.

12. Use LinkedIn More Aggressively
You already have credibility and a substantial network.

Weekly rotation:
Week 1:
  • book spotlight
Week 2:
  • teacher testimonial
Week 3:
  • hospital donation story
Week 4:
  • SEL lesson highlight
Repeat.
This keeps Skel visible all year.

My #1 RecommendationIf I were advising the Skel Club as a publishing venture, I would focus less on Amazon ads initially and more on leveraging your existing strengths:
✅ Educator network
✅ Children's hospitals
✅ Community organizations
✅ FDU connections
✅ NHNUSA network
✅ LinkedIn presence
You already have something most children's authors would love to have: a large mission-driven community and a compelling social-impact story.
The best-selling message is not*"Buy my book."*
It is:
"Join the Skel Club movement to teach kindness, inclusion, friendship, and resilience."
The books then become the natural next step.

​Skel's want to go to school 

🎯 GOAL

​
Position The Skel Series (Skel Club) as a classroom-ready social-emotional learning (SEL) and life lessons resource for:
  • Elementary schools (primary target)
  • Libraries (school + public)
  • After-school programs
  • Community/youth organizations

🧭 PHASE 1: CLARIFY YOUR VALUE PROPOSITION (CRITICAL FIRST STEP)
Schools won’t adopt books—they adopt learning outcomes.
✅ Define the “Why Skel?”

Message:
Frame your books as:
  • ✅ Teaching life lessons (resilience, inclusion, curiosity, courage)
  • ✅ Supporting SEL (Social Emotional Learning)
  • ✅ Encouraging imagination + literacy engagement
  • ✅ Inclusive storytelling (fits your broader equity and community focus)
✅ Create a Simple Tagline:

Example:
“The Skel Series: Fun, imaginative stories that teach real-life lessons kids carry forever.”

📚 PHASE 2: CREATE SCHOOL-READY MATERIALS

This is what turns your books into a teaching tool, not just a story.
1. Teacher Resource Guide (MUST HAVE)
For each book:
  • Lesson objectives (aligned to SEL)
  • Discussion questions
  • Vocabulary words
  • Short activity (drawing, journaling, group discussion)
👉 This is your biggest differentiator

2. 1-Page Program Flyer (PDF)
Include:
  • Book overview
  • Key lessons learned
  • Grade level fit
  • Short bio (“Ask Professor John” credibility matters here)
  • Contact info + SkelClub link

3. Short Intro Video (2–3 mins)
You speaking directly to educators:
  • Why you created Skel
  • What kids learn
  • How schools can use the series

4. Website Enhancement (SkelClub)

Make sure Visit Skel Club clearly includes:
  • “For Educators” section
  • Downloadable resources
  • Contact form for schools
  • Testimonials (build over time)

🏫 PHASE 3: TARGET THE RIGHT DECISION MAKERS

Primary Targets:
  • Elementary School Principals
  • Curriculum Coordinators
  • Literacy Specialists
  • School Librarians
  • Guidance Counselors (SEL alignment!)

Secondary Targets:
  • PTA/PTO leaders
  • After-school program directors
  • Community centers

📬 PHASE 4: OUTREACH STRATEGY (MULTI-TOUCH)
✅ Step 1: Build a School Contact List

Start local:
  • Bergen County
  • Passaic County
  • Essex County
  • Expand nationally later

✅ Step 2: Email Campaign (Personalized)Structure:
  1. Introduction (who you are – FDU Adjunct helps!)
  2. Why Skel fits their school
  3. Offer something FREE:
    • Sample book
    • Virtual read-aloud session
  4. Call to action:
    • “Would you be open to a short introduction call?”

✅ Step 3: Follow-Up (Critical)
  • 1st follow-up: 5–7 days
  • 2nd follow-up: 2 weeks later

✅ Step 4: LinkedIn Strategy
You already have strength here:
  • Connect with educators
  • Post:
    • “Lesson of the Week from Skel”
    • Short story excerpts
    • Classroom engagement ideas

🎤 PHASE 5: OFFER PROGRAMS (THIS DRIVES ADOPTION)

Schools prefer experiences, not just products.
Offer 3 Simple Packages:1. FREE ENTRY OFFER
  • Virtual read-aloud (20 minutes)
  • Q&A with students
👉 This gets you in the door

2. CLASSROOM PROGRAM
  • Books for class set
  • Teacher lesson guide
  • Follow-up discussion session

3. SCHOOL-WIDE EVENT
  • Assembly (virtual or in-person)
  • Theme: “Lessons from Skel”
  • Optional book signing / distribution

💰 PHASE 6: FUNDING (VERY IMPORTANT)Schools often need funding solutions.
Position options:
  • PTA/PTO sponsored
  • Title I / SEL funding
  • Grants (you already have grant experience—huge advantage)
  • Corporate/community sponsorships

📈 PHASE 7: BUILD SOCIAL PROOFStart small → scale big
First 5 schools:
  • Offer free or discounted pilot
  • Collect:
    • Testimonials
    • Photos (with permission)
    • Teacher quotes

Then:Use language like:
“Used in classrooms across New Jersey…”

🔁 PHASE 8: SCALE STRATEGY
Once validated:
  • Expand to:
    • Hispanic Center connections (natural entry point for you)
    • FDU partnerships
    • National educator networks
  • Create:
    • Amazon + affiliate links (ties to your broader goals)
    • Bulk school ordering system

🧠 STRATEGIC ADVANTAGE (THIS IS YOUR EDGE)
John, what makes you different:
  • ✅ Educator (FDU Adjunct)
  • ✅ Workforce + leadership expert
  • ✅ Community builder (NhNUSA)
  • ✅ Story-driven teaching style
👉 You are not “just an author”—you are an educator with a mission
That’s how you position this.

✅ SIMPLE 30-DAY ACTION PLAN
​

Week 1–2
  • Create teacher guide (1 book first)
  • Build outreach email template
  • Update SkelClub “For Educators”
Week 3
  • Build contact list (25–50 schools)
  • Start outreach
  • Post on LinkedIn (2–3 times/week)
Week 4
  • Book first virtual sessions
  • Collect feedback/testimonials

🔥 OPTIONAL NEXT STEP (HIGH IMPACT)
I can help you create:
  • ✅ A polished school outreach email + pitch deck
  • ✅ A teacher lesson guide template branded “Ask Professor John”
  • ✅ A one-page school partnership brochure


​publishers of children's books with educational and values-based themes.

​John, given your Skel Club books, your focus on social-emotional learning (SEL), character education, hospitals, schools, libraries, and positive life lessons, I would prioritize publishers that actively publish children's books with educational and values-based themes.
Tier 1: Best Fits for Skel Club1. Sourcebooks KidsWhy:
  • Strong children's division
  • Publishes character-building and educational titles
  • Open to unique concepts with cross-market appeal
  • Strong school and library distribution
Website: Sourcebooks Kids
2. Sleeping Bear PressWhy:
  • Educational and classroom-focused
  • SEL and social studies themes
  • Strong reputation among teachers and librarians
Website: Sleeping Bear Press
3. Free Spirit PublishingWhy:
  • One of the leaders in SEL books
  • Focus on behavior, character development, resilience, kindness, inclusion
  • Excellent fit with the Skel Club Code of Behavior
Website: Free Spirit Publishing
4. Beaming BooksWhy:
  • Publishes books focused on empathy, belonging, community, diversity, and emotional intelligence
  • Values-based publishing model
Website: Beaming Books

Tier 2: Major Publishers Worth Reaching5. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers (Hachette)Why:
  • Large reach
  • Strong picture book and middle-grade programs
  • Known for distinctive characters and brands
Parent company: Hachette Book Group. [hachettebo...kgroup.com], [hachettebo...kgroup.com]
6. HarperCollins Children's BooksWhy:
  • Large national distribution
  • Strong school and library presence
  • Successful character-driven series
Website: HarperCollins Children's Books
7. Penguin Young ReadersWhy:
  • Excellent for series development
  • Strong educational market
Website: Penguin Young Readers
8. Simon & Schuster Children's PublishingWhy:
  • Strong picture book division
  • Good fit for franchise-style characters
Website: https://www.simonandschuster.com/kids

Tier 3: Publishers Who May Value Your Hospital ConnectionsBecause you've already donated books to children's hospitals and developed educational materials, these publishers may find the platform especially attractive:
9. Magination Press(American Psychological Association)
Why:
  • Child wellness
  • Emotional development
  • Mental health and resilience
Website: https://www.apa.org/pubs/magination
10. Boys Town PressWhy:
  • Character building
  • Life skills
  • SEL curriculum
Website: Boys Town Press

The Best Strategy for YouHonestly, John, I think your strongest opportunity may not be simply "selling a book."
You have something many children's authors do not have:
✅ Educational lesson plans
✅ SEL curriculum possibilities
✅ Hospital adoption experience
✅ Library programming potential
✅ RWJBarnabas Health credibility
✅ FDU professor background
✅ Large LinkedIn network
✅ Community service platform through NhNUSA
That makes Skel Club potentially a brand and educational program, not just a children's book.
If I were advising you strategically, I would focus first on:
  1. Free Spirit Publishing
  2. Sourcebooks Kids
  3. Sleeping Bear Press
  4. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers (Hachette)
  5. Magination Press
These are the publishers I believe are most aligned with the educational and character-development mission behind Skel Club.
A traditional publisher will be much more interested if you present:
  • The books
  • The Skel Club Code of Behavior
  • Teacher guides
  • Hospital programs
  • Library activities
  • SEL curriculum tie-ins
That package is significantly more attractive than a stand-alone manuscript.
If you'd like, I can help you create a target list of actual acquiring editors and children's book agents who specialize in SEL, educational, and character-development books, which is often the fastest path to reaching publishers like Hachette, HarperCollins, and Penguin.
 AFFILIATE STATEMENT
​This site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Additional affiliate links are also occasionally used on the site.
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Buy all books on Amazon

Click on cover to buy individual book on Amazon

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Special Edition crossover of Adventures of Skel and Lily Birthday Surprise
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​Click on Book Cover to buy on Amazon
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​Click on Book Cover to buy on Amazon
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​Click on Book Cover to buy on Amazon
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​Click on Book Cover to buy on Amazon
​Skel's Holiday Adventure Published on January 9, 2026
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​Click on Book Cover to buy on Amazon
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​Click on Book Cover to buy on Amazon
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​Click on Book Cover to buy on Amazon

Print your own SkelClub.com Code of Behavior Bookmarkers

 
​ Skel loves Halloween, but now he wants to celebrate every holiday !


Skel is a happy skeleton who can’t wait to celebrate Halloween each year. But he dreams of getting to take part in the festivities for every holiday. Christmas, Thanksgiving, Valentine’s Day, and the Fourth of July—there’s so much fun to be had! Skel has a plan for the Skeleton Crew to join in on the celebrations together.

Skel and the Skeleton Crew enjoy spreading messages of positivity and good values. Children can laugh and read along with their adventures while learning important messages for growing up. Bring home Skel’s Holiday Adventure and let your kids get a jump start on reaching for the stars!

This book is ideal for young kids between ages 4 and 8. It will draw them in with the fun characters and teach them about friendship, kindness, respect, inclusiveness, and positivity. Skel's Holiday Adventure makes the perfect gift for birthdays and special occasions.
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Skel ™  and his Skel Crew ​ ™ 

Introduced Jan 9, 2026
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Skel ™ Introduced Jan 9, 2026
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Skelvis ™ Introduced Jan 9, 2026
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Skelroid ™ Introduced Jan 9, 2026
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Fetch ™
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Fetch ™ Introduced Jan 9, 2026
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Skellily ™ Introduced in book 2 - ​February 2026
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Skelema ™ Introduced in book 2 - ​February 2026
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Professor John ™ Introduced in book 2 -​February 2026
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Ned book 2 Mr Grupp book 3
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Skeljes ™ Introduced in ​March 2026
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Skelleo ™ Introduced in book 3 - ​March 2026
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Skelleo ™ Introduced in book 3 -​March 2026
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Skelbo ™ Introduced in book 7 -​july 2026
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Skelmer ™ Introduced in book 7 -​july 2026
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Officer Chris first appears in Skel's go to school Aug 2026
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Teacher Michelle first appears in Skel's go to school Aug 2026
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A family publishing partnership bringing positive stories and values to young readers. 
​
                                                       Lily's Big Sister Surprise was our first book.
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Lily's Big Sister Surprise Paperback
Large Print, July 7, 2025
by John R. Fugazzie (Author), Matthew Fugazzie (Contributor)

A Big Surprise Brings Even Bigger Joy!
​

Lily is a young girl whose life is already full of love and adventure. But one sunny morning, everything changes with Mommy and Daddy’s special announcement: Lily is going to be a big sister!

​Follow Lily as she prepares for her important new role. With help from her loving family, Lily discovers that being a big sister isn’t just about sharing toys—it’s about sharing your heart.

A tender, charming story about the joy that a new sibling can bring. It’s perfect for growing families ready to celebrate a new arrival!


​Buy on Amazon amzn.to/4lhheGr

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​Lily And Emma's Birthday Surprise
by Matthew Fugazzie (Author), John R. Fugazzie (Author)  Format: Paperback
See all formats and editions
Lily and Emma are about to have a big surprise...

While Lily and Emma played together, something magical happened: Skel and Skelily came out of their book to celebrate two very special girls.

Join Lily, Emma, Skel, and Skelily as they have a surprise birthday adventure. There is no better gift than having a wonderful sister!

Buy on Amazon now 


See more children's books on Matt's page

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6 years and counting ...
​​www.rwjbh.org/careers/
Apprentice Celebration Video 10-17-25

MLT employee trainee story 1

​CMA ​
employee trainee story 2
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12 years and counting ...
www.fdu.edu
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​Partner with helping-Brands

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  helping-Brands.com                helping-brands.org                 helpingbrands.net                 John R. Fugazzie
​

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Tyler Fugazzie                                                                          Matthew Fugazzie

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​Legal : Intellectual Property Statement
All the materials and brands that part of this website portal are: John R. Fugazzie

All the brand, name, graphics, images, logos, web site support and related materials are the intellectual property of John R. Fugazzie and can be licensed by partners under a written agreement. John R. Fugazzie is the developer of presentations, courses, and workshops associated with the following intellectual properties: helping-Brands, Neighbors-helping-Neighbors USA, Ask Professor John, helping-Women, helping-Veterans, helping-Latinos.and Skelclub

All brand names, graphics, images, logos, website content, and related materials are the exclusive intellectual property of John R. Fugazzie. These assets may be licensed to partners through a formal written agreement.
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​9-11 We Will Always Remember ​
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