Solomon Screech Owl Goes to the Australia

MECHANICSBURG, Pa. — Sunbury Press has released Beth Lancione’s Solomon Screech Owl’s Kangaroo Caper. The book was illustrated by Kathy Haney.

About the Book:
In the fourth of Solomon Screech Owl’s stories, Sollie travels to the land down under, exploring the Australia where he meets many of the strange and wonderful creatures that dwell there.

About the Author & Illustrator:
The late Beth Lancione, formerly of Etters, PA, retired from a long career in public education and began what she hoped would be a long second career as an author of children’s books. The Solomon Screech Owl stories, conceived as an eight book series in which Sollie will visit the seven continents in his quest to see all that the world has to show him, was inspired by Beth’s love for her grandchildren, her enjoyment of adventurous travel, and her experiences working with owls as a volunteer at a rescue facility for injured birds of prey.

Kathy Haney, a retired high school art teacher, resides in Salem, Oregon. She is an active award-winning artist, creating drawings and watercolor paintings, designing posters, and illustrating books. An area of special interest for her is early childhood literacy, having taught young parents the value of reading to their infants, volunteering in Guatemala’s efforts to increase literacy in indigenous peoples, and proudly being the first person to read a book to her grandchildren. Kathy and her husband, Gary, love to travel, and much of her artwork reflects the peoples and cultures they encountered. She is excited to share the adventure of travel with Solomon’s readers.

Beth and Kathy had been friends since high school. The Solomon Screech Owl series is their literary collaboration.

Solomon Screech Owl’s Kangaroo Caper
Authored by Beth Lancione, Illustrated by Kathy Haney
List Price: $19.95
8.5″ x 8.5″ Hardcover
Color on White paper
38 pages
Sunbury Press, Inc.
ISBN-13: 978-1620067871
BISAC: Childrens / Adventure

For more information, please see:
http://www.sunburypressstore.com/Solomon-Screech-Owls-Kan…

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Darla Henry’s “3-5-7 Model Workbook” is Sunbury Press bestseller for February

MECHANICSBURG, Pa. — Sunbury Press has released the bestsellers list for February, 2016. Darla Henry’s grief counseling workbook for the 3-5-7 Model, took the top spot. Solomon Screech Owl’s Antarctic Adventure, by the late Beth Lancione and illustrator Kathy Haney, grabbed the second spot.

SUNBURY PRESS – Bestsellers for February, 2016 (by Revenue)
Rank	Last Month	Title	Author	Category
1	—	The 3-5-7 Model Workbook	Darla Henry	Grief Counseling
2	NEW	Solomon Screech Owl’s Antarctic Adventure	Beth Lancione & Kathy Haney	Childrens
3	12	Between Good and Evil	R Michael Phillips	Detective Thriller
4	—	Where Elephants Fought	Bridget Smith	Historical Fiction
5	—	Blue Lines Up In Arms	James Craig Atchison	Detective Thriller
6	2	The Bipolar Millionaire	John E Wade II	Biography
7	—	The Wolf of Britannia Part I	Jess Steven Hughes	Historical Fiction
8	16	The B Team	Alan Mindell	Sports Fiction
9	20	The Closer	Alan Mindell	Sports Fiction
10	—	The Lurking Man	Keith Rommel	Psycho Thriller
11	—	Rabid Philanderer’s, Inc.	Nancy Williams	Thriller Fiction
12	28	Perilous Journey	Ted Brusaw	Historical Fiction
13	5	Choice of Enemies	M A Richards	Spy Thriller
14	—	The Cursed Man	Keith Rommel	Psycho Thriller
15	NEW	Sucked Into Cyberspace	Ricky Bruce	YA Fiction
16	13	Murder in Tuxedo Park	William Lemanski	Detective Thriller
17	3	Capital Murder	Chris Papst	Investigation
18	30	That Night at Surigao	Ernie Marshall	History
19	9	Amelia Earhart: The Truth at Last	Mike Campbell	History
20	26	Mary Sachs: Merchant Princess	Barbara Trainin Blank	Biography
21	—	Prohibition’s Prince	Guy Graybill	History
22	—	Going Home	Sharon Marchisello	Thriller Fiction
23	—	Lost in the Shadow of Fame	William Lemanski	Biography
24	10	Call Sign Dracula	Joe Fair	War Memoir
25	—	Fatal Snow	Robert Walton	Thriller Fiction
26	—	Keep it Blue	Haley Dean	Thriller Fiction
27	21	The Keeper of the Crows	Kyle Alexander Romines	Thriller Fiction
28	—	Prince and the Paupers	Guy Graybill	History
29	17	The Sign of the Eagle	Jess Steven Hughes	Historical Fiction
30	27	Pit Bulls	Anthony Julian	History

Sunbury Press has wrapped up its best February ever. Compared to last February, sales were up 18%. Year-to-date, sales are up slightly less than 10% versus last year. So far, it is the best start ever for the company. EBook sales continued their slide, dropping 25% from February 2015, and 15% year-to-date. Ebook sales have collapsed 70% from February 2013, three years ago.

“The 3-5-7 Model Workbook” grabbed the top spot thanks to the use of the book in the author’s consulting and seminar practice. The late Beth Lancione’s childrens book “Solomon Screech Owl’s Antarctic Adventure” was released in February, and benefitted from family events. Recently released R. Michael Phillips’ thriller “Between Good and Evil” showed thanks to author release events in the Philadelphia area. “Where Elephants Fought,” Bridget Smith’s historical novel about Confederate General Earl Van Dorn’s mysterious death moved up to #4 thanks to ongoing interest in the Vicksburg, Mississippi area. James Craig Atchison’s hockey/detective thriller “Blue Lines Up in Arms” ratcheted to #5 due to author events and activities. John E Wade II’s “The Bipolar Millionaire” held on the list at #6, buttressed by author publicity efforts. Jess Steven Hughes grabbed two spots with his Roman historical fiction, taking #7 with “The Wolf of Britannia Part I” and #29 with “The Sign of the Eagle.” Hughes continues to make his rounds of bookstores in the Pacific northwest. Allen Mindell also reserved two spots with his popular sports fiction titles, #8 “The B Team” and #9 “The Closer.” Mindell continues to prosper from appearances in southern California. Keith Rommel’s convention activity and movies pushed two of his titles up the list. “The Lurking Man” just made the top 10, while “The Cursed Man” was at #14. Both films are expected out in the next 12 to 18 months. Nancy Williams’ recently released “Rabid Philadenderer’s, Inc.” jettisoned to #11 thanks to orders from upstate Pennsylvania. The late Ted Brusaw’s novel about Benedict Arnold, “Perilous Journey,” climbed to #12 thanks to promotional efforts by his widow. Lucky #13 went to M. A. Richards and his spy thriller “Choice of Enemies” thanks to author promotional activities. Ricky Bruce’s new YA release “Sucked Into Cyberspace” debuted at #15 due to author activities in the San Jose, California region. William Lemanski has benefitted from the sales of his murder mystery, “Murder in Tuxedo Park,” very popular in his Tuxedo Park, New York hometown. The book was #16 in the rankings, pulling up his biography of Kermit Roosevelt, “Lost in the Shadow of Fame,” which returned to the list at #23. Investigative reporter Chris Papst’s “Capital Murder,” about the mayoral scandal in Harrisburg, continues to sell steadily in Pennsylvania’s capital city, taking #17. “That Night at Surigao,” Ernie Marshall’s naval history of the last battle of battleships in World War II grabbed #18 thanks to ongoing interest in the subject matter. Mike Campbell’s “Amelia Earhart: The Truth at Last” continues to sell steadily, ranking #19. “Mary Sachs: Merchant Princess,” about the Harrisburg pioneering entrepreneur, benefitted from author Barbara Blank’s television appearance, taking #20. Guy Graybill was back in the rankings at #21 and #28 with his Prince Farrington biographies “Prohibition’s Prince” and “Prince and the Paupers.” Guy has been making his rounds again in the Williamsport, Pennsylvania area. Sharon Marchisello’s Alzheimers thriller “Going Home” jumped to #22 thanks to author appearances. Joe Fair’s Vietnam memoir, “Call Sign Dracula,” continues to sell well, including overseas, taking #24. Robert Walton’s humorous adventure/thriller “Fatal Snow” was boosted by author appearances, returning to the rankings at #25. Haley Dean took #26 with her thriller “Keep it Blue” thanks to ongoing author online efforts. Kyle Romines’ thriller “Keeper of the Crows” slipped to #27, holding on thanks to sales in the Louisville, Kentucky area. Anthony Julian clung to #30 with his “Pit Bulls” compilation of historic photos of the breed. Julian’s book was popular over the Christmas season, but has faded of late.

The company sold 110 other titles, 140 in all, during the month of February, with the strongest performances in the history and historical fiction categories. Online sales continue to dominate over brick and mortar bookstores.

The company released two new titles during the month of February.

SUNBURY PRESS – New Releases for February, 2016
Sucked Into Cyberspace	Ricky Bruce	YA Fiction
Solomon Screech Owl’s Antarctic Adventure	Beth Lancione & Kathy Haney	Childrens

For a list of Sunbury’s best-sellers, please see the Sunbury Press web site:
http://www.sunburypressstore.com/BESTSELLERS_c3.htm
For a complete list of recent and upcoming releases, please see:
http://www.sunburypressstore.com/COMING-SOON_c47.htm

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Solomon Screech Owl Goes to the Antarctic

MECHANICSBURG, Pa. — Sunbury Press has released Beth Lancione’sSolomon Screech Owl’s Antarctic Adventure.. The book was illustrated by Kathy Haney.

About the Book:
In the third of Solomon Screech Owl’s stories, Sollie travels to the bottom of the world, exploring the Antarctic where he meets many of the strange and wonderful creatures that dwell there.

About the Author & Illustrator:
The late Beth Lancione, formerly of Etters, PA, retired from a long career in public education and began what she hoped would be a long second career as an author of children’s books. The Solomon Screech Owl stories, conceived as an eight book series in which Sollie will visit the seven continents in his quest to see all that the world has to show him, was inspired by Beth’s love for her grandchildren, her enjoyment of adventurous travel, and her experiences working with owls as a volunteer at a rescue facility for injured birds of prey.

Kathy Haney, a retired high school art teacher, resides in Salem, Oregon. She is an active award-winning artist, creating drawings and watercolor paintings, designing posters, and illustrating books. An area of special interest for her is early childhood literacy, having taught young parents the value of reading to their infants, volunteering in Guatemala’s efforts to increase literacy in indigenous peoples, and proudly being the first person to read a book to her grandchildren. Kathy and her husband, Gary, love to travel, and much of her artwork reflects the peoples and cultures they encountered. She is excited to share the adventure of travel with Solomon’s readers.

Beth and Kathy had been friends since high school. The Solomon Screech Owl series is their literary collaboration.

Solomon Screech Owl’s Antarctic Adventure
Authored by Beth Lancione, Illustrated by Kathy Haney
List Price: $19.95
8.5″ x 8.5″ Hardcover
Color on White paper
34 pages
Sunbury Press, Inc.
ISBN-13: 978-1620067239
BISAC: Childrens / Adventure

For more information, please see:
http://www.sunburypressstore.com/Solomon-Screech-Owls-Ant…

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Children’s Trifecta — Solomon Screech Owl and Flying Pants take off — Sunbury Press bestsellers

MECHANICSBURG, Pa. — Sunbury Press has released the bestsellers list for January, 2015. The late Beth Lancione’s Solomon Screen Owl Goes to the Galapagos was #1, followed by  Solomon Screech Owl’s First Flight. Lola James claimed the third spot with Flying Pants. All were childrens books benefitting from Children’s Day at the Sunbury Press Store.

About Solomon Screech Owl Goes to the Galapagos:
In the second of Solomon Screech Owl’s stories, Sollie travels, with help from some whales, to the Galapagos Islands, where he meets birds that seem very different from himself. As he gets to know them better, he comes to understand that they all have more in common than he first thought.

About the author & illustrator:
Beth and Kathy, with their husbands Mel Lancione and Gary Haney, visited the Galapagos Islands in 2005 and saw, at very close range, all of the fascinating creatures that Sollie encounters in this book.

Beth said, “A fellow traveler once told me, ‘If you go only one place in your life, go to Galapagos.’ I agree. I’ve been to many other places, but Galapagos is my favorite. I definitely wanted to show Sollie, and all of our readers, the wonders of these special, unique islands.”

Kathy said, “The Galapagos Islands are home to some of the earth’s unique birds and animals. There are few places in the world where you can have an upclose and personal interaction with wild creatures.

The Blue-Footed Boobies captured our imaginations, along with the iguanas, tortoises, and many other birds. We want to share our love of Galapagos with you.”

SUNBURY PRESS – Bestsellers for January, 2015 (by Revenue)
Rank	Last Month	Title	Author	Category
1	—	Solomon Screech Owl Goes to the Galapagos	Beth Lancione	Childrens
2	—	Solomon Screech Owl’s First Flight	Beth Lancione	Childrens
3	—	Flying Pants	Lola James	Childrens
4	4	As the Paint Dries	Carrie Wissler-Thomas	Art History
5	—	Jesus the Phoenician	Karim El Koussa	Relgious History
6	—	Shadows in the Shining City	John Cressler	Historical Fiction
7	2	Geology of the Mahanoy, Mahantongo and Lykens Valleys	Steve Troutman	Earth History
8	9	Call Sign Dracula	Joe Fair	War Memoir
9	11	Amelia Earhart: The Truth at Last	Mike Campbell	History
10	NEW	Beagle Tales 5	Bob Ford	Pet Humor
11	—	Petrified	Tanya Reimer	YA Fiction
12	1	Pit Bulls	Anthony Julian	History
13	—	Going Home	Sharon Marchisello	Thriller Fiction
14	18	Winter of the Metal People	Dennis Herrick	Historical Fiction
15	—	Emeralds of the Alhambra	John Cressler	HIstorical Fiction
16	3	Visions of Teaoga	Jim Remsen	YA Fiction
17	—	The Trevorton, Mahanoy and Susquehanna Railroad	Steve Troutman	History
18	—	Tulpehocken Trail Traces	Steve Troutman	History
19	—	The Phoenician Code	Karim El Koussa	Action Adventure
20	—	Whimsy and Wry	Guy Graybill	Literary Fiction

Sunbury Press had its best January ever, up nearly 3x from last January, and 4.5% from December. It was the first time in 5 years that January sales topped December. Hardcover books grabbed the top 4 spots in the bestseller rankings, dominated by the Children’s category. Trade paperback sales were double hardcover sales, and remain the most popular format. EBooks have slipped to third, amounting to only 5% of all sales. Hardcover sales were over 6x the eBook sales. EBook sales were up over last month, however, by nearly 20% thanks to price increases implemented after Christmas.

The three children’s books were helped by the standing-room only Children’s Day event at the Sunbury Press Store — more successful than the 10th Anniversary Party with Keith Rommel, Brahm Gallagher, and Bang. Ten Percent of all sales from that day were donated to help the Lanciones following the death of Beth, the author of the Solomon Screech Owl series, and her husband Mel. As the Paint Dries, Carrie Wissler-Thomas’s history of the Art Association of Harrisburg, co-authored by Michael Barton, held at #4 due to demand at the Art Association. Karim El Koussa’s Jesus the Phoenician(#5) and The Phoenician Code (#19) took two spots on the list due to export orders to Lebanon. John Cressler’s due, Shadows in the Shining City and Emeralds of the Alhambra grabbed #6 and #15 due to author events. Steve Troutman’s Geology of the Mahanoy, Mahantongo and Lykens Valleysheld at #7 thanks to author activities. Troutman also charted at #17 with The Trevorton, Mahanoy, and Mahantongo Railroad and #18 with Tulpehocken Trail Traces. Joe Fair’s Vietnam memoir Call Sign Dracula climbed the rankings to #8 thanks to author appearances. Mike Campbell’s Amelia Earhart: The Truth at Last inched up to #9 due to continued national media attention for the search for the aviatrix’s plane. Beagle Tales 5 debuted at #10 thanks to Bob Ford’s following. Petrified, the YA novel by Canadian Tanya Reimer, returned to the chart at #11 thanks to sales north of the border. Tony Julian’s Pit Bulls, available in both trade paperback and hardcover, slipped to #12 following a strong Christmas showing. Sharon Marchisello’s Going Home grabbed lucky #13 thanks to sales in the Southland in advance of her events. Winter of the Metal People, by Dennis Herrick, moved up to #14 thanks to author activities. Jim Remsen’s Visions of Teaga slipped to #16. Guy Graybill’s Whimsy and Wry rounded out the list, thanks to author activities.

The company released five new titles during the month of January

SUNBURY PRESS – New Releases for January, 2015
Malaformed Realities Volume 1	Thomas Malafarina	Thriller Fiction
Beagle Tales 5	Bob Ford	Pet Humor
Courting Doubt and Darkness	J. M. West	Thriller Fiction
The Bookseller’s Secret	Catherine Jordan	Thriller Fiction
How to Achieve Peace of Mind	Dorsman & Davis	Mindfulness

For a list of Sunbury’s best-sellers, please see the Sunbury Press web site:
http://www.sunburypressstore.com/BESTSELLERS_c3.htm
For a complete list of recent and upcoming releases, please see:
http://www.sunburypressstore.com/COMING-SOON_c47.htm

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Sunbury Press childrens author Beth Lancione killed in automobile accident

Author Beth Lancione (left) and illustrator Kathy Haney (right).

ETTERS, Pa. — Elizabeth “Beth” Lancione and her husband Emilio, both 63 from Etters, PA, were killed in a single-car accident on the Pennsylvania Turnpike last evening. Beth, with illustrator Kathy Haney, was the author of the “Solomon Screech Owl” series of childrens books just released last month by Sunbury Press.

Beth’s Author Biography
Beth Lancione, of Etters, PA, retired from a long career in public education and began what she hopes will be a long second career as an author of children’s books. The Solomon Screech Owl stories, conceived as an eight book series in which Sollie will visit the seven continents in his quest to see all that the world has to show him, was inspired by Beth’s love for her grandchildren, her enjoyment of adventurous travel, and her experiences working with owls as a volunteer at a rescue facility for injured birds of prey.

News Report from Lancaster Online:
Husband & wife killed & 2 others injured after vehicle slams into tree off PA Turnpike
Posted: Wednesday, December 31, 2014 10:45 am |Updated: 2:19 pm, Wed Dec 31, 2014. — Jennifer Todd and Ryan Mellon Staff Writers

Two people were killed and two others seriously injured in a one-vehicle crash Tuesday night on the Pennsylvania Turnpike in Lancaster County.

Driver Emilio A. Lancione, 63, and his wife, Elizabeth A. Lancione, 63, both of Etters in York County, were killed, state police Investigator Kevin Holland wrote in a press release. Jana M. Murray, 36, and a 10-year-old boy, both of York Haven, suffered “major injury.”

The crash was reported shortly before 8:30 p.m. at the Lebanon County line in Rapho Township.

The vehicle, a 2004 Subaru Outback, traveling westbound on I-76 went off the roadway and down an embankment before slamming into a tree and catching on fire.

The Lanciones, who were the front passengers of the car, were severely injured and trapped.

Two rear passengers, Murray and her 10-year-old son, were also severely injured and trapped in the vehicle.

Police were able to smash out the rear left window of the vehicle, allowing Murray and her son to escape.

Passersby used fire extinguishers and put out the fire with the Lanciones still trapped inside.

Crews needed to use tools to cut portions of the car in order to extricate the Lanciones.

State police Cpl. Kelly Lentz said they were trapped for at least one hour.

All four passengers were taken to Hershey Medical Center.

Two Life Lion medical helicopters responded to the area. Lentz said Murray and her son were flown to Hershey Medical Center.

The Lanciones were taken to the hospital by ambulance where they were later pronounced dead.

Lebanon County fire officials took command of the incident. Crews from Manheim and Mastersonville assisted at the scene.

The Lanciones are the 60th and 61st to die on Lancaster County roads in 2014, according to newspaper and county records.

Sunbury Press Statement
“We are deeply saddened to have lost one of our most enthusiastic authors, Beth Lancione,” said Sunbury Press President/CEO Lawrence Knorr. “Beth’s energy for her work was unparalleled. She was so thrilled to finally see her books in print just a few weeks ago. It is such an unspeakable tragedy to lose her and her husband at this time. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her extended family, her illustrator and lifelong friend, Kathy Haney, and the others injured in the crash. Words cannot express the shock and grief we at Sunbury Press are feeling at this moment.”

Beth was scheduled to participate as one of five authors at the Childrens Day at the Sunbury Press store at 50 West Main Street on Saturday January 17th from 1 to 4 PM.  In honor of Beth’s memory, Mr. Knorr will read and present her books for her as she would have wished.

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Solomon Screech Owl Goes to the Galapagos

MECHANICSBURG, Pa. — Sunbury Press has released Beth Lancione’s Solomon Screech Owl Goes to the Galapagos. The book was illustrated by Kathy Haney.

About the Book:
In the second of Solomon Screech Owl’s stories, Sollie travels, with help from some whales, to the Galapagos Islands, where he meets birds that seem very different from himself. As he gets to know them better, he comes to understand that they all have more in common than he first thought.

About the Author & Illustrator:
Beth and Kathy, with their husbands Mel Lancione and Gary Haney, visited the Galapagos Islands in 2005 and saw, at very close range, all of the fascinating creatures that Sollie encounters in this book.

Beth says, “A fellow traveler once told me, ‘If you go only one place in your life, go to Galapagos.’ I agree. I’ve been to many other places, but Galapagos is my favorite. I definitely wanted to show Sollie, and all of our readers, the wonders of these special, unique islands.”

Kathy says, “The Galapagos Islands are home to some of the earth’s unique birds and animals. There are few places in the world where you can have an upclose and personal interaction with wild creatures.

The Blue-Footed Boobies captured our imaginations, along with the iguanas, tortoises, and many other birds. We want to share our love of Galapagos with you.”

Solomon Screech Owl Goes to the Galapagos
Authored by Beth Lancione, Illustrated by Kathy Haney
List Price: $19.95
8.5″ x 8.5″ Hardcover
Color on White paper
34 pages
Sunbury Press, Inc.
ISBN-13: 978-1620065211
BISAC: Childrens / Adventure

For more information, please see:
http://www.sunburypressstore.com/Solomon-Screech-Owl-Goes…. 

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Solomon Screech Owl’s world tour begins with “First Flight”

MECHANICSBURG, Pa. — Sunbury Press has released Beth Lancione’sSolomon Screech Owl’s First Flight. The book was illustrated by Kathy Haney.

About the Book:
Soar with Solomon Screech Owl as he takes hisFirst Flight on a grand adventure. This inquisitive, feisty little bird is sure that there must be a big world beyond his tree branch, and he sets out, with the help of some other species, on a quest to see all that this world has to show him.

About the Author & Illustrator:

Beth Lancione, of Etters, PA, retired from a long career in public education and began what she hopes will be a long second career as an author of children’s books. The Solomon Screech Owl stories, conceived as an eight book series in which Sollie will visit the seven continents in his quest to see all that the world has to show him, was inspired by Beth’s love for her grandchildren, her enjoyment of adventurous travel, and her experiences working with owls as a volunteer at a rescue facility for injured birds of prey.

Kathy Haney, a retired high school art teacher, resides in Salem, Oregon. She is an active award-winning artist, creating drawings and watercolor paintings, designing posters, and illustrating books. An area of special interest for her is early childhood literacy, having taught young parents the value of reading to their infants, volunteering in Guatemala’s efforts to increase literacy in indigenous peoples, and proudly being the first person to read a book to her grandchildren. Kathy and her husband, Gary, love to travel, and much of her artwork reflects the peoples and cultures they encountered. She is excited to share the adventure of travel with Solomon’s readers.

Beth and Kathy have been friends since high school. The Solomon Screech Owl series is their first literary collaboration.

Solomon Screech Owl’s First Flight
Authored by Beth Lancione, Illustrated by Kathy Haney
List Price: $19.95
8.5″ x 8.5″ Hardcover
Color on White paper
26 pages
Sunbury Press, Inc.
ISBN-13: 978-1620065204
BISAC: Childrens / Adventure

For more information, please see:
http://www.sunburypressstore.com/Solomon-Screech-Owls-Fir…

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