Anti-Bullying Crusader, Kristy Short, Returns to Creekside Elementary To ‘Spread the Nice!’

Posted: Nov 21, 2011 at 6:51 PM [Nov 21, 2011]

Ypsilanti, MI, November 22, 2011 Michigan author, Kristy Short, Ed.D today announced that she will be returning to Creekside Elementary school this year to facilitate Operation Nice to all students (K-4). A bullying prevention program, Operation Nice advocates a simple rule: be nice, and encourages children to “Spread the Nice” to everyone, every day. Short will speak to each grade level throughout the day on Friday, December 2, 2011 (9:15 am – 3:15 pm). A book signing will take place immediately afterward at Kahuna Coffee in Howell (3:30–5 pm).

 

“This event could not come at a better time,” Short stated. “With the recent highly targeted bullying incident at Hartland Middle School, now more than ever kids need to hear about the importance of being kind to one another and coming together as a team to prevent bullying. It’s such a disturbing story, and I for one am tired of hearing stories like these. Everyone needs to hear about the positive events that are taking place…giving some hope that the bullying epidemic can be combatted and rallying people to action.”

 

During her all-day visit to Creekside, Short will introduce her anti-bullying themed book and program to hundreds of kids—offered within a high-energy assembly. The book, Zanda Humphrey’s Operation Nice, targets elementary school-aged children—promoting a “be nice” message and emphasizing the importance of unity among children to eliminate bullying. The event offers a reading of the book, interactive activities, and a lot of dancing.

 

Operation Nice is the second book in the Zanda series. The book features lead character, Zanda Humphrey, a fourth grade scientist. Operation Nice introduces Zanda’s new invention, the BE-BOT (Bully Eliminator – Bio Optic Transformer)—a laser-zapping, caterpillar-crawling, “de-bullyizing” mini-bot.

 

“Operation Nice is different from any other anti-bullying program because it’s tied to the book. The story engages kids from the start. They also develop an immediate loyalty to the book’s highly memorable characters, which drive them to continue Operation Nice in their own school.” Short stated. “Even better, the anti-bullying message is not one of retribution, but rather bullying is combated through acts of kindness and unity—and that’s the ideal message for kids.”

 

For more information on Kristy Short and the Zanda Humphrey book series, visit ZandaHumphrey.com or the Zanda Facebook page. Contact the author directly at kristy@zandahumphrey.com.

 

For updates on school events, view our updated events calendar at ZandaHumphrey.com.

 

About Kristy Short & the Zanda Humphrey Series

Kristy Short, Ed.D, has been writing stories for kids since she was a kid herself—creating her first book when she was in the 3rd grade. Also the author of The Dirt Bottom Holler Club, a young adult chapter book, she has a clear passion for writing creative stories about magical inventions and exciting adventures. At the heart of all her stories is a love and necessity for active, perpetual imagination.

 

The Zanda Humphrey series for young readers was created for Short’s elementary school-aged nephew. In 2010, she was asked to participate in her nephew’s school’s “Mystery Reader” program, and when she wasn’t able to identify a book she wanted to read, she wrote her own. Her first book, Zanda Humphrey’s Big Sweet Invention, showcases Zanda’s Cake-o-matic, a magic cupcake-making machine. Short even demonstrated the invention to students, complete with bubbling potions, rolling smoke, and of course, cupcakes. Described by students as “the best mystery reader ever,” Short was asked to return in 2011. For the event, she wrote Operation Nice and created the Operation Nice Anti-bullying program.