A family publishing partnership bringing positive stories and values to young readers.
SkelClub™ home Code of Behavior Children's Hospital Donation Program Teacher Lesson Plans
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SkelClub™ Teacher Lesson Plans
The Adventures of Skel™ ... and his Crew
The Skels want to go to school
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Content review of each book for Teachers, Educators and Administrators
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Skel Swing for the fences Book # 7
Skel’s America Celebration Book # 6
Download File Skel's Summer Garden Book # 5 Download File Skel's Easter Egg Hunt Book # 4 Download File Skel's Big Green Adventure Book # 3 Download File Skel's Valentine Heart Book # 2 Download File Skel's Holiday Adventure Book # 1 Download File |
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Print your own SkelClub.com Code of Behavior Bookmarkers
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Teachers or Schools who buy two books, Skel Club will donate 1 book to a children's hospital of their choice !
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Listen to the song
Educator‑ready idea, and the first six Skel books already form a cohesive, developmentally appropriate learning arc.
Below is a complete, classroom‑tested style lesson plan framework that teachers can use in PK–2
(with easy adaptation for grades 3–4) to teach positive life skills, social‑emotional learning, and Skel Club values using Books 1–6
Below is a complete, classroom‑tested style lesson plan framework that teachers can use in PK–2
(with easy adaptation for grades 3–4) to teach positive life skills, social‑emotional learning, and Skel Club values using Books 1–6
Teacher Lesson Plans to take the Skels to school
Buy all books in the series on Amazon
SEL stands for Social-Emotional Learning
but in the SkelClub we say it stands for Skel's Educational Leadership
🧠 What SEL Means (Simple Explanation)
SEL is how students learn to:
📘 Full Definition (Professional / Educator Language)
SEL is:
The process through which students learn skills to manage emotions, build relationships, show empathy, and make responsible decisions. [casel.org]
✅ The 5 Core SEL Skills These are the nationally recognized competencies
🎯 Why SEL Matters (Especially for Your Skel Series)
Schools use SEL because it helps students:
SEL teaches skills like:
👉 Every Skel book already aligns with SEL:
✅ That means you're not just selling books we are selling values
👉 You're offering a validated educational framework schools are actively prioritizing
SEL (Social-Emotional Learning) helps students build the skills they need to manage emotions, build relationships, and make responsible decisions—skills essential for success in school and life.
but in the SkelClub we say it stands for Skel's Educational Leadership
🧠 What SEL Means (Simple Explanation)
SEL is how students learn to:
- Understand their emotions
- Get along with others
- Make good decisions
📘 Full Definition (Professional / Educator Language)
SEL is:
The process through which students learn skills to manage emotions, build relationships, show empathy, and make responsible decisions. [casel.org]
✅ The 5 Core SEL Skills These are the nationally recognized competencies
- Self-Awareness
- Understanding your feelings
- Knowing your strengths
- Self-Management
- Controlling emotions
- Staying calm and focused
- Social Awareness
- Showing empathy
- Understanding others
- Relationship Skills
- Teamwork
- Communication
- Responsible Decision-Making
- Making good choices
- Thinking about consequences [casel.org]
🎯 Why SEL Matters (Especially for Your Skel Series)
Schools use SEL because it helps students:
- Succeed academically
- Behave positively in class
- Build strong friendships
- Handle stress and challenges
SEL teaches skills like:
- Managing emotions
- Solving problems
- Building healthy relationships [childmind.org]
👉 Every Skel book already aligns with SEL:
- Holiday Adventure → Inclusion & empathy
- Skel’s Valentine Heart→ Relationship Skills
- Big Green Adventure → Decision-making & health
- Easter Egg Hunt → Relationship skills (teamwork)
- American Celebration → Responsibility & fairness
- Summer Garden → Curiosity & cooperation
✅ That means you're not just selling books we are selling values
👉 You're offering a validated educational framework schools are actively prioritizing
SEL (Social-Emotional Learning) helps students build the skills they need to manage emotions, build relationships, and make responsible decisions—skills essential for success in school and life.
The Skel Club Series
Teacher Lesson Plan Guide (Books 1–6)
Using Storytelling to Teach Positive Life Lessons
Recommended Grade Levels
- Preschool (Pre‑K)
- Kindergarten
- Grade 1
- Grade 2
(Extensions included for older learners)
Time Frame
- 6 lessons total (1 book per lesson)
- 30–45 minutes per session
- Flexible for single-day use or weekly instruction
Skel Club Core Learning Goals (Across All Books)
Students will:
- Practice kindness, inclusion, and respect
- Learn the value of teamwork and helping others
- Build emotional awareness and empathy
- Explore healthy habits (body and mind)
- Learn that fun and learning go together
- Understand that everyone belongs
Book #1
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BOOK 1 LESSON
Skel’s Holiday Adventure
Primary Life Lessons
Essential Question
Why is it important that everyone feels included?
Before Reading (5–7 min)
Ask:
During Reading
Students:
Discussion Questions
Activity
My Favorite Holiday Drawing
Students draw themselves celebrating a holiday and share differences.
Skel Club Focus
✅ Inclusion
✅ Respect
✅ Positivity
Skel’s Holiday Adventure
Primary Life Lessons
- Inclusion & diversity
- Self‑acceptance
- Celebrating differences
- Belonging
Essential Question
Why is it important that everyone feels included?
Before Reading (5–7 min)
Ask:
- “What is your favorite holiday?”
- “Do we all like the same things?”
- “Skel wants to belong—even when he’s different.”
During Reading
Students:
- Notice how Skel feels being limited to one holiday
- Identify moments of exclusion/inclusion
- Observe teamwork among the Skeleton Crew
Discussion Questions
- How is Skel different?
- Why does Skel want to join all holidays?
- What makes someone feel like they belong?
Activity
My Favorite Holiday Drawing
Students draw themselves celebrating a holiday and share differences.
Skel Club Focus
✅ Inclusion
✅ Respect
✅ Positivity
Book #2
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BOOK 2 LESSON
Skel’s Valentine Heart
Primary Life Lessons
Essential Question
What does love really mean?
Before Reading
During Reading
Focus on:
Discussion Questions
Activity
My Love List
Students list or draw people/pets they care about.
Skel Club Focus
✅ Kindness
✅ Empathy
✅ Encouragement
Skel’s Valentine Heart
Primary Life Lessons
- Kindness
- Love in many forms
- Emotional expression
Essential Question
What does love really mean?
Before Reading
- “Who are people you care about?”
- “How do we show kindness?”
During Reading
Focus on:
- Love beyond romance
- Friendship and family
- Acts of kindness
Discussion Questions
- Can you love your friends?
- How does caring make others feel?
- How do kind actions make you feel?
Activity
My Love List
Students list or draw people/pets they care about.
Skel Club Focus
✅ Kindness
✅ Empathy
✅ Encouragement
Book #3
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BOOK 3 LESSON
Skel’s Big Green Adventure
Primary Life Lessons
Essential Question
How do healthy choices help our bodies and minds?
Before Reading
During Reading
Highlight:
Discussion Questions
Activity
Healthy Plate Match
Sort healthy vs. “sometimes” foods or draw a meal.
Skel Club Focus
✅ Health & nutrition
✅ Growth mindset
✅ Learning through fun
Skel’s Big Green Adventure
Primary Life Lessons
- Healthy eating
- Exercise
- Trying new things
- Learning from others
Essential Question
How do healthy choices help our bodies and minds?
Before Reading
- “What foods help us grow strong?”
- “How does your body feel when you move?”
During Reading
Highlight:
- Balance and moderation
- Listening to others
- Energy and well-being
Discussion Questions
- Why shouldn’t we eat only candy?
- How does exercise help us play longer?
- Why is it good to listen to others?
Activity
Healthy Plate Match
Sort healthy vs. “sometimes” foods or draw a meal.
Skel Club Focus
✅ Health & nutrition
✅ Growth mindset
✅ Learning through fun
Book #4
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BOOK 4 LESSON
Skel’s Easter Egg Hunt
Primary Life Lessons
Essential Question
Is winning more important than helping each other?
Before Reading
During Reading
Observe:
Discussion Questions
Activity
Team Challenge
Small group color eggs.
Skel Club Focus
✅ Teamwork
✅ Support
✅ Fair play
Skel’s Easter Egg Hunt
Primary Life Lessons
- Teamwork
- Fairness
- Problem solving
- Cooperation
Essential Question
Is winning more important than helping each other?
Before Reading
- “Have you worked as a team?”
- “When does a game stop being fun?”
During Reading
Observe:
- Frustration from competition
- Rule changes
- Cooperation success
Discussion Questions
- Why weren’t they having fun?
- What changed when they helped each other?
- How does teamwork feel?
Activity
Team Challenge
Small group color eggs.
Skel Club Focus
✅ Teamwork
✅ Support
✅ Fair play
Book #5
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BOOK 5 LESSON
Skel’s Summer Garden
Primary Life Lessons
Essential Question
How does nature help us—and how can we help others?
Before Reading (5–7 min)
Ask:
During Reading
Encourage students to:
Discussion Questions
Activity Options
1. Garden to Table Drawing
Students draw:
2. Pollinator Match Game
Match:
3. Giving Garden Project (Class Activity)
Skel Club Focus
✅ Environmental awareness
✅ Healthy habits
✅ Curiosity & discovery
✅ Giving & kindness
✅ Community impact
CULMINATING ACTIVITY
Be a Skel Club Member!
Create a Skel Club Promise Poster
Students agree to:
ASSESSMENT (Teacher-Friendly)
EXTENSIONS
WHY THIS WORKS
✔ Aligned with SEL best practices
✔ Literacy + life skills integration
✔ Engaging and non-preachy
✔ Flexible for educators
✔ Reinforces Skel Club values
Teacher Lesson Plan Guide (Books 1–6)
Using Storytelling to Teach Positive Life Lessons
Recommended Grade Levels
Time Frame
Skel Club Core Learning Goals (Across All Books)
Students will:
Skel’s Summer Garden
Primary Life Lessons
- Environmental awareness
- Healthy habits (food & activity)
- Growth and patience
- Giving and community support
- Curiosity and learning from nature
Essential Question
How does nature help us—and how can we help others?
Before Reading (5–7 min)
Ask:
- “Where does food come from?”
- “Have you ever planted something?”
- “Why is sharing important?”
During Reading
Encourage students to:
- Follow Skel’s curiosity about the caterpillar
- Notice the transformation into a butterfly
- Understand pollination and how nature works
- Recognize the importance of teamwork in nature and community
- Identify moments of sharing and helping others
Discussion Questions
- What happened to the caterpillar?
- Why are butterflies and bees important?
- What did Skel learn about food and nature?
- Why is sharing food with others important?
- How did Skel’s thinking change during the story?
Activity Options
1. Garden to Table Drawing
Students draw:
- A plant growing → harvested → shared as food
2. Pollinator Match Game
Match:
- Bees → flowers
- Birds → seeds
- Trees → oxygen
3. Giving Garden Project (Class Activity)
- Draw or design a class garden
- Decide what to “grow” and who it helps
Skel Club Focus
✅ Environmental awareness
✅ Healthy habits
✅ Curiosity & discovery
✅ Giving & kindness
✅ Community impact
CULMINATING ACTIVITY
Be a Skel Club Member!
Create a Skel Club Promise Poster
Students agree to:
- Be kind
- Include everyone
- Help others
- Try their best
- Have fun while learning
ASSESSMENT (Teacher-Friendly)
- Participation in discussions
- Ability to express feelings
- Artwork/written reflection
- Observed kindness & teamwork
EXTENSIONS
- Role-play Skel scenarios
- Create a new Skel story
- Seasonal rereads
- Family discussion sheets
- Start a mini classroom garden
- Community kindness project
WHY THIS WORKS
✔ Aligned with SEL best practices
✔ Literacy + life skills integration
✔ Engaging and non-preachy
✔ Flexible for educators
✔ Reinforces Skel Club values
Teacher Lesson Plan Guide (Books 1–6)
Using Storytelling to Teach Positive Life Lessons
Recommended Grade Levels
- Preschool (Pre‑K)
- Kindergarten
- Grade 1
- Grade 2
(Extensions included for older learners)
Time Frame
- 5 lessons total (1 book per lesson)
- 30–45 minutes per session
- Flexible for single-day use or weekly instruction
Skel Club Core Learning Goals (Across All Books)
Students will:
- Practice kindness, inclusion, and respect
- Learn the value of teamwork and helping others
- Build emotional awareness and empathy
- Explore healthy habits (body and mind)
- Learn that fun and learning go together
- Understand that everyone belongs
Book # 6
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Book 6 lesson
Skel’s American Celebration
🧑🏫 Lesson Plan: Teaching SkeL’s American Celebration
📘 Lesson Title “Freedom, Equality, and Working Together”
⏱ Duration
Students will:
📖 Materials
🪜 Lesson Structure🔹 1. Warm-Up (10 min)
Discussion Questions:
🔹 2. Read-Aloud (15–20 min)
🔹 3. Guided Discussion (10–15 min)Focus Themes:
1. Equality
2. Teamwork
3. Diversity
🔹 4. Activity Options (Choose 1–2)
🎨 Activity A: Draw Freedom
Students draw:
✏️ Activity B: Match the Heroes
Use the book’s matching activity to connect:
🎭 Activity C: Mini Play
Students act out:
🔹 5. Reflection (5–10 min)
Exit Ticket:
Complete one sentence:
🧠 DifferentiationFor Younger Learners (K–1)
Skel’s American Celebration
🧑🏫 Lesson Plan: Teaching SkeL’s American Celebration
📘 Lesson Title “Freedom, Equality, and Working Together”
⏱ Duration
- 1–2 class periods (45 minutes each)
Students will:
- Understand why Americans celebrate Independence Day
- Identify key historical figures (Washington, Jefferson, Franklin, etc.)
- Explain the idea of equality and working together
- Practice listening, empathy, and inclusion
📖 Materials
- SkeL’s American Celebration (read-aloud or student copies)
- Chart paper / whiteboard
- Coloring materials
- Printable worksheet (matching activity from book p. 28)
🪜 Lesson Structure🔹 1. Warm-Up (10 min)
Discussion Questions:
- What is Independence Day?
- Why do people celebrate it?
- What does “freedom” mean?
🔹 2. Read-Aloud (15–20 min)
- Read the story aloud with expression
- Pause to ask questions:
- Who are the Founding Fathers?
- What does “all people are equal” mean?
- Why did the colonies want independence?
🔹 3. Guided Discussion (10–15 min)Focus Themes:
1. Equality
- “We are all the same at birth…”
👉 Ask: What makes people equal?
2. Teamwork
- “We reach greater heights when everyone works together.”
👉 Ask: How do we work together in class?
3. Diversity
- “Many different faces…”
👉 Ask: Why is it good that people are different?
🔹 4. Activity Options (Choose 1–2)
🎨 Activity A: Draw Freedom
Students draw:
- What freedom looks like
- Or how they celebrate July 4th
✏️ Activity B: Match the Heroes
Use the book’s matching activity to connect:
- George Washington
- Thomas Jefferson
- Benjamin Franklin
- Betsy Ross, etc.
🎭 Activity C: Mini Play
Students act out:
- Signing the Declaration
- Paul Revere’s ride
- Fireworks celebration
🔹 5. Reflection (5–10 min)
Exit Ticket:
Complete one sentence:
- “Freedom means…”
- “We can work together by…”
🧠 DifferentiationFor Younger Learners (K–1)
- Use visuals and simplified questions
- Focus on “sharing,” “kindness,” “teamwork”
- Introduce:
- “Taxation without representation”
- Basic timeline of events
- Add short writing assignment:
- “Why is freedom important?”
🌟 Extension Ideas
💡 Teacher Takeaway
This book is more than a history lesson—it’s a values-driven teaching tool that connects early American history with modern themes of inclusion, empathy, and collaboration. It aligns especially well with social-emotional learning (SEL) and culturally responsive teaching.
- Compare past vs. present America
- Invite students to create their own “Declaration of Classroom Rules”
- Connect to current civic values and community roles
💡 Teacher Takeaway
This book is more than a history lesson—it’s a values-driven teaching tool that connects early American history with modern themes of inclusion, empathy, and collaboration. It aligns especially well with social-emotional learning (SEL) and culturally responsive teaching.
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Book # 7
🧑🏫 Book 7 - Lesson Plan: Teaching
Book # 7 - Skel Swings for the Fences
📘 Lesson Title:
“Teamwork, Inclusion, and Good Sportsmanship”
⏱ Duration:
1–2 class periods (45 minutes each)
🎯 Learning Objectives
Students will:
📖 Materials
🪜 Lesson Structure🔹 1. Warm-Up (10 min)
Discussion Questions:
👉 Create a class word web:
TEAMWORK = ?
Possible responses:
🔹 2. Read-Aloud (15–20 min)
Read Skel Swings for the Fences aloud.
As you read, pause to discuss key moments:
And the team celebrating together.
🔹 3. Guided Discussion (10–15 min)
1. Inclusion
"We need more than the Skeleton Crew for this sport. I have invited everyone, whether tall or short."
👉 Ask:
2. Teamwork
Every character played a role on the team. Players covered different positions and helped one another succeed.
👉 Ask:
3. Perseverance
The game lasted many innings, and both teams kept trying their best. [Skel Book...proof (1) | PDF]
👉 Ask:
4. Sportsmanship
Even though one team lost, everyone shook hands and said, “Good game.”
👉 Ask:
🔹 4. Activity Options (Choose 1–2)
⚾ Activity A: Build a Baseball Team
Students draw a baseball field and place players at different positions.
Discuss:
🎨 Activity B: Design Your Team Jersey
Students create their own baseball team logo and jersey.
Include:
📝 Activity C: Good Sportsmanship Poster
Students create posters showing:
🎭 Activity D: Act It Out
Small groups reenact scenes:
Home run scene:
🔹 5. Reflection (5–10 min)
Exit TicketComplete one sentence:
🧠 Vocabulary Words
📚 Cross-Curricular Connections
Language Arts
Write:
"My Favorite Team Sport and Why I Like It."
Math
Count:
Health & Physical EducationPractice:
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)Focus on:
👨👩👧 Family Connection
Ask students to interview a family member:
✅ Assessment
Students can demonstrate learning by:
⭐ Key Lesson from Book 7
Everyone has a place on the team. Success comes from teamwork, inclusion, effort, and treating others with respect. Winning is fun, but friendship and good sportsmanship are even more important. Based on the story's themes of teamwork, participation, and ending the game with mutual respect and celebration.
Book # 7 - Skel Swings for the Fences
📘 Lesson Title:
“Teamwork, Inclusion, and Good Sportsmanship”
⏱ Duration:
1–2 class periods (45 minutes each)
🎯 Learning Objectives
Students will:
- Understand the importance of teamwork in sports and everyday life.
- Identify how inclusion allows everyone to participate and contribute.
- Learn basic baseball concepts and vocabulary.
- Recognize the importance of fairness, perseverance, and sportsmanship.
- Practice cooperation, encouragement, and respect for others.
📖 Materials
- Skel Swings for the Fences
- Chart paper or whiteboard
- Baseball field diagram
- Baseball vocabulary cards
- Coloring materials
- Printable worksheet/activity page
- Optional soft foam ball and bat
🪜 Lesson Structure🔹 1. Warm-Up (10 min)
Discussion Questions:
- Have you ever played a team sport?
- What makes a good teammate?
- Is winning the most important part of playing?
- How do you include everyone when playing a game?
👉 Create a class word web:
TEAMWORK = ?
Possible responses:
- Sharing
- Helping
- Encouraging
- Listening
- Taking turns
- Respect
🔹 2. Read-Aloud (15–20 min)
Read Skel Swings for the Fences aloud.
As you read, pause to discuss key moments:
- Why did Skel invite everyone to play?
- Why was it important that everyone had a position?
- How did the Skeleton Crew work together?
- What happened after the game ended?
And the team celebrating together.
🔹 3. Guided Discussion (10–15 min)
1. Inclusion
"We need more than the Skeleton Crew for this sport. I have invited everyone, whether tall or short."
👉 Ask:
- Why did Skel invite everyone?
- How can we make others feel welcome?
2. Teamwork
Every character played a role on the team. Players covered different positions and helped one another succeed.
👉 Ask:
- Why does every player matter?
- What happens if teammates don't work together?
3. Perseverance
The game lasted many innings, and both teams kept trying their best. [Skel Book...proof (1) | PDF]
👉 Ask:
- What should we do when something is challenging?
- How do we stay positive?
4. Sportsmanship
Even though one team lost, everyone shook hands and said, “Good game.”
👉 Ask:
- Why is being kind after a game important?
- How can we show respect whether we win or lose?
🔹 4. Activity Options (Choose 1–2)
⚾ Activity A: Build a Baseball Team
Students draw a baseball field and place players at different positions.
Discuss:
- Pitcher
- Catcher
- First Base
- Second Base
- Shortstop
- Third Base
- Outfield
🎨 Activity B: Design Your Team Jersey
Students create their own baseball team logo and jersey.
Include:
- Team name
- Team colors
- Team motto
- Respect
- Teamwork
- Never Give Up
- Include Everyone
📝 Activity C: Good Sportsmanship Poster
Students create posters showing:
- Helping teammates
- Encouraging others
- Shaking hands
- Being kind after games
🎭 Activity D: Act It Out
Small groups reenact scenes:
- Skel inviting everyone to play
- Assigning positions
- Hitting a home run
- Shaking hands after the game
Home run scene:
🔹 5. Reflection (5–10 min)
Exit TicketComplete one sentence:
- "A good teammate is someone who..."
- "I can include others by..."
- "The most important lesson from the story was..."
- "Good sportsmanship means..."
🧠 Vocabulary Words
- Teamwork
- Sportsmanship
- Inclusion
- Position
- Pitcher
- Catcher
- Double Play
- Home Run
- Umpire
- Tradition
📚 Cross-Curricular Connections
Language Arts
Write:
"My Favorite Team Sport and Why I Like It."
Math
Count:
- Number of players on a baseball team
- Bases on the field
- Runs scored during the game
Health & Physical EducationPractice:
- Throwing
- Catching
- Team-building exercises
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)Focus on:
- Cooperation
- Responsibility
- Respect
- Relationship skills
👨👩👧 Family Connection
Ask students to interview a family member:
- What was their favorite sport growing up?
- What lessons did they learn from playing on a team?
- How did they show good sportsmanship?
✅ Assessment
Students can demonstrate learning by:
- Participating in discussion
- Completing a team-building activity
- Finishing a reflection statement
- Creating a sportsmanship poster
- Identifying ways to include others
⭐ Key Lesson from Book 7
Everyone has a place on the team. Success comes from teamwork, inclusion, effort, and treating others with respect. Winning is fun, but friendship and good sportsmanship are even more important. Based on the story's themes of teamwork, participation, and ending the game with mutual respect and celebration.
Professional, fully structured Educator Guide you can use for:
📘 The Adventures of Skel Series
Educator Guide & Instructional Resource (Grades K–4)
By John R. Fugazzie & Matthew Fugazzie
✅ Overview of the Series
The Adventures of Skel series uses engaging storytelling, humor, and memorable characters to introduce young learners to essential life concepts, including:
🎯 Instructional Goals
By using the Skel series, students will:
- ✅ Schools / districts
- ✅ Children’s hospitals
- ✅ Grant proposals
- ✅ AskProfessorJohn.com (SEO + downloads)
📘 The Adventures of Skel Series
Educator Guide & Instructional Resource (Grades K–4)
By John R. Fugazzie & Matthew Fugazzie
✅ Overview of the Series
The Adventures of Skel series uses engaging storytelling, humor, and memorable characters to introduce young learners to essential life concepts, including:
- Social-emotional development
- Civic understanding
- Health and wellness
- Nature and science
- Diversity and inclusion
🎯 Instructional Goals
By using the Skel series, students will:
- Develop reading comprehension and vocabulary
- Build social-emotional awareness (SEL)
- Understand basic civics, health, and science concepts
- Practice collaboration, empathy, and communication
- Engage in interactive and experiential learning
🧠 Standards Alignment (High-Level)
✅ ELA – Common Core (K–4)
- Reading literature: comprehension, key details, storytelling [thecorestandards.org]
- Foundational reading skills: fluency, phonics, repetition [thecorestandards.org]
- Speaking & listening: discussion, read-aloud participation
- Self-awareness and empathy
- Relationship-building
- Responsible decision-making [nysed.gov]
✅ Cross-Curricular Alignment
- Social Studies → community, holidays, civics
- Science → nature, growth, observation
- Health → nutrition, habits
🧩 Lesson Plan Framework (Teacher-Ready Template)
✅ Lesson Structure (30–45 minutes)
1. Objective
- Example: Students will identify examples of teamwork in the story.
- Ask: “What does it mean to help others?”
- Teacher reads Skel book aloud
- Pause for engagement questions
- What did Skel learn?
- How did the characters work together?
- Drawing, role play, group task (aligned to theme)
- “What would you do like Skel?”
📖 Book-Specific Lesson Ideas
🎃 Skel’s Holiday AdventureFocus: Inclusion & Cultural Awareness
Activity:
- Students draw their favorite holiday
- Share traditions with classmates
🍀 Skel’s Big Green AdventureFocus: Healthy Choices
Activity:
- “Healthy vs. Unhealthy” sorting game
- Create a “green food” chart
- Tie to school nutrition program
🥚 Skel’s Easter Egg Hunt
Focus: Teamwork
Activity:
- Classroom scavenger hunt
- Small group problem-solving
🇺🇸 Skel’s American Celebration
Focus: Civics & History
Activity:
- Create a class “freedom poster”
- Introduce basic democracy concepts
- What does fairness mean?
🌸 Skel’s Summer Garden
Focus: Science & Nature
Activity:
- Plant seeds in cups
- Observe and track growth
- Butterfly life cycle diagram
🧠 SEL Competencies Reinforced Across the Series
- Empathy
- Inclusion
- Cooperation
- Self-confidence
- Curiosity
🏫 Classroom & Program Use Cases
✅ Schools
- Morning meeting SEL lessons
- Literacy block integration
- Seasonal thematic units
✅ Children’s Hospitals
- Bedside reading programs
- Therapeutic storytelling
- Volunteer-led reading sessions
✅ Community Programs
- Family literacy nights
- Multicultural awareness events
- Library programs
📊 Assessment Ideas
✅ Informal
- Participation in discussion
- Drawing and storytelling
- Group work observation
- Retell the story
- Identify key lesson/theme
- Match character to action
💡 Differentiation Strategies
- K–1: Visuals, repetition, read-aloud focus
- 2–3: Guided discussion, drawing responses
- 4: Deeper reflection, writing prompts
⭐ Series Value Proposition
The Adventures of Skel series provides educators with a flexible, engaging, and values-driven instructional resource that supports literacy, social-emotional learning, and cross-curricular integration—making it ideal for classrooms, libraries, and children’s wellness environments.
AI Book Review: Skel’s American Celebration
⭐⭐⭐⭐½ Overall Rating: 4.5 / 5
(Elementary Education)
✅ Summary
SkeL’s American Celebration is a children’s educational book that uses the Skeleton Crew characters to introduce young readers to the founding of the United States and the meaning of Independence Day. Through rhythmic, repetitive storytelling and simple language, the book presents key historical concepts such as the Declaration of Independence, equality, and important historical figures.
✅ Strengths
- Accessible History for Young Students
The book introduces complex topics—freedom, equality, government—in a developmentally appropriate way. - Strong Core Values
Themes of inclusion, empathy, diversity, teamwork, and cooperation are emphasized throughout:- Inclusion and listening to others’ perspectives
- Equality (“all men are created equal”)
- Working together for a better society
- Engaging Style
- Rhyme and repetition support early literacy
- Visual storytelling and characters make history fun
- Performance/play structure encourages interactive learning
- Cross-Curricular Potential
Blends:- Social Studies (history, civics)
- ELA (reading comprehension, vocabulary)
- SEL (social-emotional learning)
- Some historical elements are simplified (expected at this level)
- Teachers may want to provide additional context for older elementary students
- Repetition in text can be used intentionally but may need guided reading strategies
- Grades: K–4 (primary focus K–2)
- Subjects: Social Studies, ELA, SEL, character education
Book 5 Skel's Summer Garden |
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Book 4 -Skel's Easter Egg Hunt Released on Amazon March 25, 2026
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Book 3 -Skel's Big Green Adventure Released on Amazon March 1, 2026
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Book 2 -Skel's Valentine Heart released on Amazon January 27, 2026 |
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Skel's Valentine Heart (The Adventures of Skel) Paperback – Large Print, January 27, 2026
by Matthew Fugazzie (Author), John R Fugazzie (Author)
Book 2 of 2: The Adventures of Skel See all formats and editions
Skel is about to find out what Valentine's Day is all about!
It’s Valentine’s Day, and Skel can’t wait to celebrate. There’s just one tiny problem: he doesn’t know what the holiday is all about! Skel and the Skeleton Crew set out to find out the meaning of Valentine’s Day. Who knows—they might even make some new friends along the way!
Skel’s Valentine Heart is the next chapter in the Skeleton Crew’s fun and educational adventures. Join Skel in his search and learn what it means to have a heart!
Buy this book for your kids today so they can enjoy Skel's search for the meaning of Valentine's Day!
by Matthew Fugazzie (Author), John R Fugazzie (Author)
Book 2 of 2: The Adventures of Skel See all formats and editions
Skel is about to find out what Valentine's Day is all about!
It’s Valentine’s Day, and Skel can’t wait to celebrate. There’s just one tiny problem: he doesn’t know what the holiday is all about! Skel and the Skeleton Crew set out to find out the meaning of Valentine’s Day. Who knows—they might even make some new friends along the way!
Skel’s Valentine Heart is the next chapter in the Skeleton Crew’s fun and educational adventures. Join Skel in his search and learn what it means to have a heart!
Buy this book for your kids today so they can enjoy Skel's search for the meaning of Valentine's Day!
Skel's Holiday Adventure Book 1 released on Amazon January 10, 2026
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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.
Skel and the Skeleton Crew are waiting for you to join them on their next big adventure!
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.
Skel and the Skeleton Crew are waiting for you to join them on their next big adventure!
Skels & Ask Professor John: Teaching Life’s Lessons with Heart and Humor
The Skels have teamed up with Ask Professor John to bring fun, creativity, and wisdom to life’s most important lessons. Through stories, activities, and community engagement, we inspire kids and adults alike to embrace kindness, teamwork, inclusion, and lifelong learning. With a playful twist and a skeleton crew full of character, we make education exciting and meaningful—because every day is a chance to grow, laugh, and learn together
“Enjoy the Adventure and Join the Adventure”
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The Skels have teamed up with Ask Professor John to bring fun, creativity, and wisdom to life’s most important lessons. Through stories, activities, and community engagement, we inspire kids and adults alike to embrace kindness, teamwork, inclusion, and lifelong learning. With a playful twist and a skeleton crew full of character, we make education exciting and meaningful—because every day is a chance to grow, laugh, and learn together
“Enjoy the Adventure and Join the Adventure”
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Teaching Life’s Lessons with Heart and Humor
Mission Statement
SkelClub:
Skels & Ask Professor John partner to spark joy, creativity, and wisdom in every interaction. Our mission is to teach life’s lessons with heart and humor, inspiring kids and adults to embrace kindness, teamwork, inclusion, and lifelong learning. Through stories, activities, and community engagement, we make education exciting and meaningful—because every day is a chance to grow, laugh, and learn together.
Code of Behavior
Kindness and Respect
Be kind and respectful. Treat others with empathy and show you care !
Inclusion and Diversity
Welcome voices from all backgrounds and cultures, different ideas and perspectives make a skeleton crew stronger !
Fun and Growth
Have fun while learning, every game or activity is a chance for creativity and growth.
Teamwork and Support
Support one another like a good skeleton crew, you can do more when you work together !
Positivity and Encouragement
Avoid negativity and spread good vibes. A big smile can go a long way !
Health and Nutrition
Make sure you stay healthy by exercising your body and mind. Eating right is very important to always be at your best !
“Enjoy the Adventure and Join the Adventure”
Kindness and Respect
Be kind and respectful. Treat others with empathy and show you care !
Inclusion and Diversity
Welcome voices from all backgrounds and cultures, different ideas and perspectives make a skeleton crew stronger !
Fun and Growth
Have fun while learning, every game or activity is a chance for creativity and growth.
Teamwork and Support
Support one another like a good skeleton crew, you can do more when you work together !
Positivity and Encouragement
Avoid negativity and spread good vibes. A big smile can go a long way !
Health and Nutrition
Make sure you stay healthy by exercising your body and mind. Eating right is very important to always be at your best !
“Enjoy the Adventure and Join the Adventure”
✅ Codes of Behavior Present in Book One
Codes of Behavior that are present in Book One: Skel’s Holiday Adventure
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1. Kindness and Respect — ✔️ Present
Book One includes themes of caring, understanding, and empathy even though they are not always explicit. Examples from the story:
2. Inclusion and Diversity — ✔️ Strongly Present This is one of the book’s core messages. Key example:
3. Fun and Growth — ✔️ Very Present The entire book is built around fun, adventure, creativity, and learning. Examples:
4. Teamwork and Support — ✔️ Present The Skeleton Crew comes together to help Skel fulfill his dream. Examples:
5. Positivity and Encouragement — ✔️ Present The book promotes optimism and confidence through adventure. Examples:
⭐ Summary Table for Book One Kindness & Respect✔️Skel’s inclusive, caring intention behind joining holidays Inclusion & Diversity✔️ Strongly Explicit message: “no matter how different we look…” Fun & Growth✔️Exploring holidays, learning, creativity Teamwork & Support✔️Skeleton Crew works together on holiday tasks Positivity & Encouragement✔️Dream‑chasing, uplifting tone, supportive narrative |
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✅ Codes of Behavior Present in Book Two
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1. Kindness and Respect — Very Strongly Present
Book 2 is built around Valentine’s Day and the meaning of love, caring, and treating others kindly. Examples from the story:
2. Inclusion and Diversity — Clearly Present The story demonstrates welcoming new friends and expanding the group to include others. Examples:
3. Fun and Growth — Very Present The book is full of adventure, curiosity, and exploration. Examples:
4. Teamwork and Support — Core Element of the Story The Skeleton Crew does everything together, supporting one another throughout the adventure. Examples:
5. Positivity and Encouragement — Strongly Present Characters consistently uplift and encourage one another. Examples:
Book 2 is about love, friendship, and connection. |
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✅ Codes of Behavior Present in Book Three
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1. Kindness and Respect — Strongly Present
Throughout the story, Skelily and Skeljes speak kindly to Skel, guide him gently, and show empathy as he learns about healthy eating and new traditions. Examples from the book:
2. Inclusion and Diversity — Very Present The book celebrates differing cultural traditions (Irish heritage, St. Patrick’s Day, shared foods) and welcomes new characters from different backgrounds. Examples:
3. Fun and Growth — Central to the Story This book is full of learning moments wrapped in fun: trying new foods, dancing after tasting fruit, playing with Skelleo, visiting a juice bar, celebrating a holiday. Examples:
4. Teamwork and Support — Clearly Present Characters help and support each other throughout the adventure. Examples:
5. Positivity and Encouragement — Strong PresenceNearly every lesson is delivered with encouragement and positive reinforcement. Examples:
6. Health and Nutrition — The Primary Theme of Book 3 This is the most emphasized Code of Behavior in the entire story. Examples:
✨ Or an activity page that reinforces these values. |
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Skel Book 4 – Skel Club Goals Coverage ReviewBook Focus: Easter Egg Hunt, teamwork, inclusion, learning through play
✅ 1. Teamwork – “Support one another so everyone can succeed.”STATUS: STRONGLY COVERED How the book demonstrates this goal:
“Forget about the bet—this idea is much better. From now on, you can all work together!” ✅ This is one of the clearest teamwork lessons in the entire Skel series. ✅ 2. Inclusion – “Everyone matters and belongs.”STATUS: FULLY COVERED How the book demonstrates this goal:
“Each basket had eggs that were pink, green, and red. It didn’t matter who came out ahead.” ✅ The story clearly reinforces belonging, fairness, and shared celebration. ✅ 3. helping Others – “We do better when we help, not compete.”STATUS: VERY STRONGLY COVERED How the book demonstrates this goal:
✅ 4. Learning Through Fun – “You should have fun while learning new things.”STATUS: EXCELLENTLY COVERED How the book demonstrates this goal:
✅ This goal is baked into both the structure and pacing of the book. ✅ 5. Creativity – “Use your imagination and strengths.” STATUS: COVERED How the book demonstrates this goal:
✅ 6. Fair Play & Emotional Awareness STATUS: COVERED (Implicitly) How the book demonstrates this goal:
✅ Skel Club Goals Summary MatrixSkel Club GoalCovered in Book 4?Strength Teamwork✅ Yes⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Inclusion✅ Yes⭐⭐⭐⭐½ helping Others✅ Yes⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Learning Through Fun✅ Yes⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Creativity✅ Yes⭐⭐⭐⭐ Fair Play / Empathy✅ Yes⭐⭐⭐⭐ 📌 Overall Assessment Skel Book 4 is an excellent embodiment of Skel Club’s core goals, especially:
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SKEL Story Beats by Month:
- May 26 – Mother’s Day & Memorial Day:
Skel makes a bouquet for Mom and honors heroes with flags.
- June 26 – Father’s Day & Summer Fun: Bones of Summer
Skel goes fishing with Dad and enjoys a sunny picnic.
- July 26– Independence Day:
Skel wears red, white, and blue and watches fireworks. USA 250th
- August 26 – Back to School:
Skel packs a backpack and learns ABCs with kids.
- September 26 – Labor Day & Fall Begins:
Skel helps rake leaves and learns about working together.
- October 26– Halloween:
Skel’s big moment! He hosts a costume party and shares spooky fun.Skels Birthday party
- November – Thanksgiving:
Skel helps cook dinner and learns about gratitude.
- December – Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, New Year’s Eve:
Skel celebrates with lights, gifts, and stories from different cultures.
- January 27 – New Year’s Day:
Skel wears a sparkly hat and counts down to midnight with confetti and resolutions.
- February 27 – Valentine’s Day: Skel's Valentine Heart
- March St Patrick's March 17th
- April 27 Easter March 30th
Learn, Grow. Lead
Embrace curiosity and keep growing—because learning never ends.
Calendar for 2027
Absolutely — here’s a multi‑tier, scalable marketing plan for the Skel children’s book series, built around the assets and direction already in your materials: the “celebrate every day” hook and SEL values from To drive traffic to Skel.docx, the heart / kindness / helpers positioning from NOTEBOOK NOTES FOR SECOND SKEL BOOK SKELS HAVE HEARTS.docx, the author/brand story and back‑matter CTA from ! Skel Book 2 v1 PROOF.pdf, and your planned series/launch cadence including a July 2026 title from skel book series Lily and Emma.docx. [To drive t…ic to Skel | Word] [NOTEBOOK N…AVE HEARTS | Word] [! Skel…2 v1 PROOF | PDF] [skel book…y and Emma | Word]
I’m going to structure this as 5 tiers, where each tier can run on its own — but when stacked, they create compounding momentum.
Tier 0 — “Foundation & Conversion” (Make every touchpoint sell)Goal: Make sure anyone who hears about Skel can immediately “understand, trust, and buy.”
0.1 Core positioning (one sentence)Use the language you already have:
Skel and the Skeleton Crew help kids celebrate kindness, inclusion, and healthy habits — one holiday (and one good deed) at a time. [To drive t…ic to Skel | Word], [NOTEBOOK N…AVE HEARTS | Word]
0.2 Build a “series funnel”You already have the pieces:
Tier 1 — “Owned Media Engine” (You control it)Goal: Create predictable weekly output that feeds every other tier.
1.1 Social content machine (repeatable)Use your already‑planned “Holiday‑of‑the‑Month” concept.
Cadence: 3 posts/week + 1 short video/week [To drive t…ic to Skel | Word]
Tier 2 — “Community & Earned Media” (Credibility + word of mouth)Goal: Get other people to talk about Skel for you.
2.1 Launch a “Skel Street Team”This is how you get:
Tier 3 — “Institutions (Schools, Libraries, Hospitals)” (Bulk + trust)Goal: Place Skel where children already are — classrooms, libraries, pediatric environments.
3.1 Libraries (public + school)Your content already positions well for libraries because:
3.2 Schools / Teachers (K–8 pathway)Do not chase random teacher emails first.
Instead, use teacher‑facing distribution hubs (school librarians, district literacy coordinators, state library systems, CBC/ALSC networks). CBC explicitly supports school librarian audiences through collaborations like Knowledge Quest. [knowledgeq…t.aasl.org], [cbcbooks.org]
3.3 Children’s hospitals (Child Life programs)
Your “helpers / comfort / love / coping” framing is an excellent fit for Child Life and patient experience settings.
Best angle: “A comforting read-aloud + activity page for kids in care.” [! Skel…2 v1 PROOF | PDF], [NOTEBOOK N…AVE HEARTS | Word]
(You already built a top‑hospital contact list earlier — this tier turns that into a repeatable program.)
Tier 4 — “Book Trade (Bookstores, Awards, Wholesale)” (Scale retail discovery)Goal: Become “orderable, visible, and recommendable” in the indie channel.
4.1 Indie bookstores via ABA (the real leverage point)The American Booksellers Association (ABA) is the national trade association for independent bookstores and runs BookWeb. Their site provides a general contact and campaigns/resources for booksellers and publishers.
Contact: [email protected] is publicly listed. [bookweb.org], [bookweb.org] [bookweb.org]
Two fast wins:
4.2 Trade visibility through SLJ / library mediaIf you want a paid “accelerator,” SLJ’s media/advertising ecosystem exists specifically to reach school/public library professionals.
This is ideal once your metadata + reviews are solid. [media.libr…ournal.com], [ibpa-online.org]
Tier 5 — “Paid Acceleration” (Only after you have proof of traction)Goal: Spend money only where you already see response.
5.1 Amazon optimization + adsYour own marketing doc recommends:
5.2 Paid trade placements
Putting it into a Simple Rollout (3 Phases)
Phase A: “Build & Seed”
What to Measure (so you know which tier is working)Conversion metrics
Institution metrics
Content metrics
Fast next step (I can do this right now with what you already have)If you want, I can turn this plan into:
I’m going to structure this as 5 tiers, where each tier can run on its own — but when stacked, they create compounding momentum.
Tier 0 — “Foundation & Conversion” (Make every touchpoint sell)Goal: Make sure anyone who hears about Skel can immediately “understand, trust, and buy.”
0.1 Core positioning (one sentence)Use the language you already have:
- “A year‑round holiday adventure that teaches kindness, inclusiveness, and respect” (from To drive traffic to Skel.docx). [To drive t…ic to Skel | Word]
- “SkelClub mission: life lessons with heart and humor; ‘you don’t need a physical heart to show love’” (from NOTEBOOK NOTES FOR SECOND SKEL BOOK SKELS HAVE HEARTS.docx). [NOTEBOOK N…AVE HEARTS | Word]
Skel and the Skeleton Crew help kids celebrate kindness, inclusion, and healthy habits — one holiday (and one good deed) at a time. [To drive t…ic to Skel | Word], [NOTEBOOK N…AVE HEARTS | Word]
0.2 Build a “series funnel”You already have the pieces:
- Amazon book link + press release + a one‑page media kit inside To drive traffic to Skel.docx. [To drive t…ic to Skel | Word]
- Author/brand story + “find more adventures” CTA inside ! Skel Book 2 v1 PROOF.pdf. [! Skel…2 v1 PROOF | PDF]
- A single landing page (“Skel Series Hub”) that links to:
- Buy links
- Free printable (“Love List” activity exists in the proof) [! Skel…2 v1 PROOF | PDF]
- Educator / librarian sheet
- Series order page: “Start here → then read next.”
- A review ask flow: “If your child smiled or learned something, please leave an honest review.”
Tier 1 — “Owned Media Engine” (You control it)Goal: Create predictable weekly output that feeds every other tier.
1.1 Social content machine (repeatable)Use your already‑planned “Holiday‑of‑the‑Month” concept.
Cadence: 3 posts/week + 1 short video/week [To drive t…ic to Skel | Word]
- Monday: “Holiday-of-the-Week” (Skel prepares for a holiday) [To drive t…ic to Skel | Word]
- Wednesday: “SkelClub Kindness Challenge” (one small action)
- Friday: “Behind‑the‑scenes / family legacy” (father/son creator story is explicitly a resonance point) [To drive t…ic to Skel | Word], [! Skel…2 v1 PROOF | PDF]
- SEL & kindness: inclusion, respect, helping others [To drive t…ic to Skel | Word], [NOTEBOOK N…AVE HEARTS | Word]
- Healthy habits / heart theme: “Love your heart with red foods” and kid‑friendly health tie‑ins [NOTEBOOK N…AVE HEARTS | Word]
- Family growth stories: the Lily & Emma “big sister” theme ties family + learning [skel book…y and Emma | Word]
- Skel club and characters.png (character reference art) [Skel club…characters | Image]
- skel cover with club.pub (cover/branding) [onedrive.live.com]
Tier 2 — “Community & Earned Media” (Credibility + word of mouth)Goal: Get other people to talk about Skel for you.
2.1 Launch a “Skel Street Team”This is how you get:
- Early reviews (your doc highlights needing first reviews) [To drive t…ic to Skel | Word]
- User-generated posts (kids holding the book, family read‑alouds)
- Parent groups
- Teachers you already know
- Librarians
- Family networks
- Name in the “Helpers” section (your proof already honors helpers) [! Skel…2 v1 PROOF | PDF]
- Printable activity pack + shout‑out
- Educators / librarians
- School library publications
- Children’s Book Council (CBC): they explicitly support educators, librarians, booksellers and publishers. [cbcbooks.org], [knowledgeq…t.aasl.org]
- ALSC (ALA children’s librarians): large professional network for children’s library service. [ala.org]
- School Library Journal: use their advertising and media kit ecosystem when you’re ready for paid/earned hybrid exposure. [media.libr…ournal.com], [media.libr…ournal.com]
Tier 3 — “Institutions (Schools, Libraries, Hospitals)” (Bulk + trust)Goal: Place Skel where children already are — classrooms, libraries, pediatric environments.
3.1 Libraries (public + school)Your content already positions well for libraries because:
- It’s values-based (SEL), inclusive, positive [To drive t…ic to Skel | Word], [NOTEBOOK N…AVE HEARTS | Word]
- It has activity elements (e.g., “My Love List”) [! Skel…2 v1 PROOF | PDF]
- “Programming kit” angle: storytime + printable + simple craft
- Seasonal hooks: Valentine’s tie-in + “celebrate kindness all year” [To drive t…ic to Skel | Word], [! Skel…2 v1 PROOF | PDF]
3.2 Schools / Teachers (K–8 pathway)Do not chase random teacher emails first.
Instead, use teacher‑facing distribution hubs (school librarians, district literacy coordinators, state library systems, CBC/ALSC networks). CBC explicitly supports school librarian audiences through collaborations like Knowledge Quest. [knowledgeq…t.aasl.org], [cbcbooks.org]
3.3 Children’s hospitals (Child Life programs)
Your “helpers / comfort / love / coping” framing is an excellent fit for Child Life and patient experience settings.
Best angle: “A comforting read-aloud + activity page for kids in care.” [! Skel…2 v1 PROOF | PDF], [NOTEBOOK N…AVE HEARTS | Word]
(You already built a top‑hospital contact list earlier — this tier turns that into a repeatable program.)
Tier 4 — “Book Trade (Bookstores, Awards, Wholesale)” (Scale retail discovery)Goal: Become “orderable, visible, and recommendable” in the indie channel.
4.1 Indie bookstores via ABA (the real leverage point)The American Booksellers Association (ABA) is the national trade association for independent bookstores and runs BookWeb. Their site provides a general contact and campaigns/resources for booksellers and publishers.
Contact: [email protected] is publicly listed. [bookweb.org], [bookweb.org] [bookweb.org]
Two fast wins:
- Pitch for Children’s Institute / Kids programs alignment (ABA runs children’s-focused efforts per their ecosystem; their “Kids’ Indie Next” and kids channels are referenced in ABA content and related coverage). [publishersweekly.com], [bookweb.org]
- Use regional bookseller associations via ABA to target NJ/NY/VA areas first (ABA lists regional association links). [bookweb.org]
4.2 Trade visibility through SLJ / library mediaIf you want a paid “accelerator,” SLJ’s media/advertising ecosystem exists specifically to reach school/public library professionals.
This is ideal once your metadata + reviews are solid. [media.libr…ournal.com], [ibpa-online.org]
Tier 5 — “Paid Acceleration” (Only after you have proof of traction)Goal: Spend money only where you already see response.
5.1 Amazon optimization + adsYour own marketing doc recommends:
- Optimizing series connections and author page linkage [To drive t…ic to Skel | Word]
- Using Amazon Marketing Services targeting relevant audiences [To drive t…ic to Skel | Word]
- A consistent conversion page
- A few reviews
- Clear category positioning [To drive t…ic to Skel | Word]
5.2 Paid trade placements
- SLJ ads via their media kit/resources can be a measured buy when you’re ready. [media.libr…ournal.com], [ibpa-online.org]
Putting it into a Simple Rollout (3 Phases)
Phase A: “Build & Seed”
- Finalize core positioning + landing page
- Recruit Street Team
- Gather early reviews (your doc explicitly notes early reviews matter) [To drive t…ic to Skel | Word]
- Package the media kit (already drafted in To drive traffic to Skel.docx) [To drive t…ic to Skel | Word]
- Libraries + schools + children’s hospitals (Tier 3)
- Start ABA and CBC outreach (Tier 4) [bookweb.org], [cbcbooks.org]
- Light paid ads on proven audiences (Tier 5)
- SLJ / library trade advertising if pursuing librarians at scale [ibpa-online.org], [media.libr…ournal.com]
What to Measure (so you know which tier is working)Conversion metrics
- Clicks → purchases (Amazon / site)
- Email signups (for SkelClub updates)
- Review count growth (critical early) [To drive t…ic to Skel | Word]
Institution metrics
- Number of libraries/hospitals responding
- Number of bulk orders / donations placed
- Number of programming requests
Content metrics
- Saves/shares on “Holiday‑of‑the‑Month” posts [To drive t…ic to Skel | Word]
- Video completion rate (TikTok/Reels)
Fast next step (I can do this right now with what you already have)If you want, I can turn this plan into:
- A one‑page “Series Sell Sheet” (libraries/schools/bookstores) using your existing media kit + mission language [To drive t…ic to Skel | Word], [NOTEBOOK N…AVE HEARTS | Word], [! Skel…2 v1 PROOF | PDF]
- A 30‑day content calendar built around “Holiday‑of‑the‑Month” + SkelClub kindness challenges [To drive t…ic to Skel | Word], [NOTEBOOK N…AVE HEARTS | Word]
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.
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.
A family publishing partnership bringing positive stories and values to young readers.
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Skel's Holiday Adventure Paperback – Large Print, January 9, 2026
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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
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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Introduced in
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Introduced in
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Introduced in
March 2026 
Skeljes ™
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Fetch ™
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Fetch ™
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Introduced in
March 2026 
Skelleo ™
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Introduced in
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Skelbo ™
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Skelmer ™
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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.
Lily's Big Sister Surprise was our first book.
Buy on Amazon amzn.to/4lhheGr
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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! |
6 years and counting ...
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12 years and counting ...
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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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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.
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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