First time author, Ashby Bland, brilliantly captures the idea of working toward a goal with a simple, yet profound voice.

1. “The Girl Who Tried to Catch the Moon” Inspires Young Readers to Pursue
Their Dreams
First time author, Ashby Bland, brilliantly captures the idea of working toward a goal
with a simple, yet profound voice.
Ft. Lauderdale, FL (USA), August 27th, 2016 -- You’ve heard the quote “if at first you don’t
succeed, try-try again.” The main character in this new children’s picture, “The Girl Who Tried
to Catch the Moon” brings the idea of being persistent to life. First time author, Ashby Bland,
brilliantly captures the idea of working toward a goal with a simple, yet profound voice.
“I want young readers to have the confidence to go for their dreams,” said Ashby Bland, author
and recently enrolled freshman at Columbia University. “Too many are quick to tell people they
can’t do something; this book was written to encourage readers to set their goals and then
persistently work towards achieving them.”
Ms. Bland first penned “The Girl Who Tried to Catch the Moon” when she was just four years
old. Over the years she would stumble upon the story and make little refinements but the
message always stayed the same. “You can do anything you put your mind to,” said Bland.
People discouraged Ms. Bland from applying to Columbia University, number four on the list of
most difficult universities to get into according to the 2016 Hardest to Get survey which ranks
1,349 colleges based on acceptance rates. However, she had a goal of attending college there
and set her sights on being accepted. She begins her freshman year this fall where she is
studying Creating Writing.
Ms. Bland has been writing short stories, poems and novels since her early childhood and hopes
that her first book, “The Girl Who Tried to Catch the Moon” is the start of a series of stories
about girls and boys who try different things in their life.
“I know that young readers will be captivated by the colorful illustrations that accompany this
inspiring tale,” said Lisa Umina, founder and publisher of Halo Publishing International. “Ashby
has written a wonderful story that will help children see that, even if a dream seems
impossible, like catching the moon, if you try hard enough you just might be successful.”
“I am excited to see this story come to life and be available for children all over,” said Bland. “I
hope young readers are encouraged by this story of having a dream, working hard, overcoming
obstacles, and problem solving to eventually see your dream become a reality.”
Certainly for Ms. Bland, this delightful story is a testament to her persistence, problem solving
skills and ultimate success.

2. "The Girl Who Tried to Catch the Moon" is available in hard cover for $18.95 through:
Halo Publishing - http://halopublishing.com/1a-c/ashby-bland.html#the-girl-who-tried-to-
catch-the-moon
Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Girl-Who-Tried-Catch-
Moon/dp/1612444962/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1471880957&sr=8-
1&keywords=9781612444963
Barnes and Noble - http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-girl-who-tried-to-catch-the-moon-
ashby-bland/1124420099?ean=9781612444963
About Ashby Bland:
Ashby Bland is an eighteen year old writer and artist from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. She is
currently a freshman at Columbia University in the City of New York. In the future, Ashby will
continue to create thought-provoking works of art and literature.
About Halo Publishing International:
Halo Publishing International is a self-publishing company that publishes adult fiction and non-
fiction, children's literature, self-help, spiritual, and faith-based books. We continually strive to
help authors reach their publishing goals and provide many different services that help them do
so. http://www.HaloPublishing.com
Press & Media Contact:
Lisa M. Umina, Publisher
Halo Publishing International
1100 NW Loop 410, Suite 700-176
San Antonio, TX 78213 - USA
+1 877-705-9647
http://www.halopublishing.com