Hey all -- Simon and I see lots of questions about our book, Little Kids, Big City, on twitter, facebook and in person while out and about, so I thought I'd post some info all in one place for fans and readers!
Our book is written as a he-said, she-said (100% by us!) and covers the good, the bad, the ugly and the things that make you want to set your hair on fire about raising children. We cover things that happened in New York, around the States, overseas...etc. At one point I wanted to call the book "Putting to Death is Not Nice," but Simon and our publisher wouldn't let me. I did get that in as a chapter title, though! It's the name of a song François wrote, and if you want to know the rest of that story, it's....drumroll...."in the book." Hahahaha.
We did a book tour from April to August last year, but if you missed us and would like your book personalized we are happy to do that. Send your book with an SASE to Avalanche Entertainment LLC, 249 Smith Street #138, Brooklyn, NY 11231, with a note detailing the name and inscription you'd like. We'll sign and return to you. Similarly, if you download to an e-reader and would like a signed cover image, email your receipt to info(at)avalancheentertainmentllc(dot)com and we'll send.
Here are some reader reviews we pulled off the web:
BORDERS.COM - By AngelOfDevs from Purgatory, Michigan
An absolutely great book! As a teacher and stepparent to a great son, I really liked the true look at parenting children, warts and all. They have a down to earth approach and willingness to share the good, the bad and the hilarious that had me rolling. The boys obviously bring such joy to their lives and you can tell they truly enjoy the adventure that is parenting. That being said they give you the unvarnished truth of what it is to really raise children.
Their setting is the city but their stories will reasonate with anyone who has parented. I love that they have added and incorporated the children into their lives rather than 'burbing out, the children will only benefit from it in the end. Alex and Simon have managed to keep their own identities while helping their children form their own. They manage to work, parent, have a social life and maintain their relationship as a couple. This book is a great study in how to try to balance everything while maintaining your sense of humor. I wish I had this book when I was a new wife and stepmom!
I approached Little Kids Big City Tales from a Real Home in New York City with some trepidation. I was well acquainted with the TV personas of the authors, Alex McCord and Simon Van Kempen (he of the red pants). This was not at all what I expected. Well written, divided into sections and very insightful and compassionate, LKBC is a parenting guide, no matter where you live. Touching briefly upon their meeting, courtship (a bit unconventional) and marriage, the couple is trying very hard to carve a place for themselves and their two boys in the big city. Van Kempen and McCord are very open of their own struggles and the values and issues that they want to pass on to their two boys. What I feel really sets this apart from both the steady stream of parenting books and writings by every "celebrity" around are the two are witty, well informed and passionate about being parents. Their enjoyment of each other, their boys and their family are evident. They are passionate about creating a healthy and happy life for their family. The reader cannot help but catch their enthusiasm. If you are going to foist a parenting book upon a friend, do them a favor...get a book that will do some good and tat they will enjoy.
And last, but certainly not least, here's a bonus clip from season 3 of Housewives which shows Simon and me meeting with our publishers prior to the final deadline.
