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By: Cynthia Reeg,
on 7/4/2013
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I saw a 4th of July Eve fireworks display last night. It lit up the sky with rainbow colors--lots of red, white and blue, of course. For me, the 4th is always a time to relax and enjoy. I hope you have a chance to celebrate as well.
Of course, reading is a fun way to relax for me. If you'd like some suggestions for holiday reads, here are a few:
Fourth of July Mice by Bethany Roberts -- an easy reader story in which a group of mice go to the holiday parade.
What Is the Fourth of July by Elaine Landau -- a nonfiction look at the holiday with a craft and party game included.
Apple Pie Fourth of July by Janet S. Wong -- a sweet story of a Chinese American's girl celebration with native food.
Or if you'd like to write your own story or poem to celebrate the holiday, here is a link to some books on writing.
Happy Reading and Writing and Happy 4th!!!
By: Cynthia Reeg,
on 7/1/2013
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Today is the launch date for a fun new collection of fantasy stories--all bound up in one book:
SPREAD YOUR WINGS! I'm one of the contributing authors and am very excited to share this press release information with you. My story in the collection is titled, "
The Dragon Artist's Tale."
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Spread Your Wings, written by professional children’s authors from around the world, is a collection of original Princess and Dragon stories will inspire and delight both you and your child. Adventures, love, mysteries, magic, and more wait for you in this exciting collection of timeless treasures.
Designed to be read aloud to children of all ages, these stories teach and instill a love of reading - the most important aspect in developing literacy - as well as create many magical moments spent together in each other’s arms.
Spread Your Wingswill be available as an e-book and paperback on July 1, 2013 from
Knowonder!Publishing, LLC., based in Salt Lake City, UT.
Knowonder founder Phillip Chipping calls
Spread Your Wings “an exciting project from start to finish, and one that has more than fulfilled my every hope and expectation. The stories are absolutely wonderful and I am very excited for the positive impact this collection will have in improving the literacy and lives of parents and children.”
About Knowonder! Publishing
Knowonder is a leading publisher of engaging, daily content that drives literacy; the most important factor in a child’s success. Parents and educators use Knowonder tools and content to promote reading, creativity, and thinking skills in children from zero to ten. Knowonder’s apps and books deliver original, compelling stories and content, creating an opportunity for parents to connect to their children in ways that significantly improve their children’s success. Ultimately, Knowonder’s mission is to eradicate illiteracy and improve education success through content that is affordable, accessible, and effective.
By: Cynthia Reeg,
on 6/26/2013
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Last week, I was invited by my friend, Cheryl Malandrinos, to participate in this “blog hop interview.” The idea is this: She sent me some interview questions, which I answer, and at the end I tag 3 other writers who will in turn answer the same questions on their blogs next week.
What are you working on right now?
As usual, I’m working on a number of different manuscripts. The first is a middle grade historical fiction set in western Kansas in 1935. I’m also polishing a nonfiction book on wind and looking over some of the artwork from the fourth picture book in my Pet Grammar Parade series. BUNNY BUSINESS is a fun story exploring conjunctions. It's illustrated by Marina Movshina, who also illustrated the first book in the series, KITTY KERPLUNKING.
What experiences have influenced you?
The middle grade story I’m working on is set in the same area that I grew up in as a young child. And the wind book ties into that as well. Western Kansas is a windy place. Tornadoes and windy days were common occurrences for me as a child. I guess I feel somewhat rooted in this element—the wind. It intrigued me enough to begin researching the winds around the world.
5. How does your writing process work?
I find ideas all around me—like the wind. Then I begin exploring where I can go with a particular idea. For example, I was intrigued with the people who endured the drought and devastation of the Dust Bowl during the Depression Era. I found myself drawn to creating a young girl character who attempts to help her family during this difficult time, while she is also hard at work to attain her own personal prize. What if the two goals work against each other? Or if she can't accomplish what she sets out to do?
If an idea sticks with me, I continue to explore it and expand on it. Of course, for this historical fiction idea I began to do some research as well, which led to new complications and subplots for the story. That’s the fun part, fleshing the story out. Creating something from nothing.
6. What is the hardest part about writing?
The hardest part is the commitment. So many things can get in the way of accomplishing my writing goals. It takes great discipline and dedication. And great drive, as well, to strive to improve. But the ultimate prize is the writing itself—and it never ceases to amaze and delight me.
So I keep writing!
*****Please check out Cheryl's answers to the questions at her blog, The Children's and Teens' Book Connection. Feel free to leave a comment and tell her it's from me. In addition, I am tagging the following authors:
Posting July 5 – Sue Bradford Edwards at One Writer's Journey: http://suebe.wordpress.com/Please stop by these blogs next week for glimpses into three authors' worlds.
By: Cynthia Reeg,
on 6/14/2013
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Do you want some more ideas for summer fun?
Check out all the great links at SCIENCE NET. Not only are there suggestions for interesting books but loads of links to online activities with a scientific hook.
Take a look at a Hurricane.
Or help a hungry frog catch a fly.
Or organize some animals.
Scientific wonders are all around us. Take a look and see what you can find.
By: Cynthia Reeg,
on 6/13/2013
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Here is a fun activity for kids this summer. Click on the link to READING ROCKETS, select one of your favorite children's authors, and listen to them talk about their writing adventures. There are dozens of different authors and their books to choose from. The choices range from picture books through young adult.
What a better way to get kids excited about reading!
By: Cynthia Reeg,
on 6/10/2013
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I'm happy to pass on some news from a writer friend of mine,
Susanna Hill.
I'm writing today to let you know that Bloomsbury is launching their brand new E-Book line, and Can't Sleep Without Sheep is one of 4 titles they've chosen to get them started! It is an honor and a privilege that, with all their list to choose from, they've selected Can't Sleep.
Can't Sleep Without Sheep is available for all platforms - iPad, Kindle, Nook, etc. The E-Book version has the complete full color text and illustrations from the book as well as a read-to-me option. It is available for $4.99.
By: Cynthia Reeg,
on 6/3/2013
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GUARDIAN ANGEL KIDS --a free online magazine for kids and their parents-- is now available with the June issue on confidence. Short stories, poetry, and activities for children, as well as informative articles for parents.
Enjoy some quick, easy summer reading with a click on the link above.
By: Cynthia Reeg,
on 5/30/2013
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Scholastic kicks off a Free Reading Program with their SUMMER CHALLENGE. Schools can earn prizes for students' reading minutes this summer. Author Dav Pilkey will visit the winning school. Kids will earn digital prizes. They can challenge themselves to reach--and exceed--their reading goals.
Parents can download reading lists for their children, as well as apps to help track their progress. There is even an app to aid with time-keeping.
Whether you choose these aids which Scholastic provides or not, I do hope you'll encourage your children/students this summer with their reading.
Make reading an adventure! A fun goal that's well worth the effort.
By: Cynthia Reeg,
on 5/16/2013
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Happy CHILDREN'S BOOK WEEK!
The 2013 Children's Choice Book Awards were just announced on Monday.
John Green's THE FAULT IN OUR STARS was selected Book of the Year.
Robin Preiss Glasser of FANCY NANCY fame was chosen Illustrator of the Year.
For a complete list of the winners, click on the link above.
Do you have a favorite book you think is worthy of an award?
I hope you've been reading some terrific stories of late--I know I am always at work trying to write them.
By: Cynthia Reeg,
on 5/2/2013
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Yesterday, I posted an article about May being MYSTERY month--celebrating mystery books. Well, today I read about a real-life book mystery.
In Buck's County (PA), the Southampton Free Library has a mysterious problem in the children's department. 100 children's COOKBOOKS have disappeared--including four brand new ones, bought to replace some of the missing cookbooks!
Hopefully, the guilty party will return the cookbooks, but at this point the Library has no suspects. I'd call this culprit a low down dirty worm, and not the tasty type you can stir up yourself if you go to the Recipes section on my site.
Everyone knows library books are for sharing--not for taking. If you have a recipe you'd like to share, send it to me and I'll share it here on my website.
Happy reading and cooking!
By: Cynthia Reeg,
on 5/1/2013
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Happy May Day!
While May brings warmer temps and colorful flowers, it also brings mystery.
That's right, May celebrates mystery books.
BOOKLIST provides a sampling of mysteries for younger readers, along with ways to incorporate elements of the books that emphasize Common Core State Standards.
Older readers might enjoy my friend, Jody Feldman's THE SEVENTH LEVEL, a middle school secret society keeps readers guessing until the very end.
As for real-life mysteries, I'm still trying to find where the yellow circle from my grandson's shapes box has disappeared to. And while the elephant puppet claims he doesn't know anything about it, I have my suspicions. You see, he now has a rather large, round lump in his trunk...
By: Cynthia Reeg,
on 4/5/2013
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One of my writing friends, Peggy Archer--a gem of a poet, is featuring other children's poets on her blog this month. Check out the details below and a chance to win one of her delightful picture books!
To celebrate poetry month I'm posting Wednesday interviews with four teriffic children' s authors who write poetry. This week I posted an interview with Heidi Roemer from Illinois. Coming up are interviews with Amy Sklansky, from Missouri, Judith Roth, from Indiana, and Donna Bateman, from Missouri.
I'm also giving away two of my picture books (poetry collections) , FROM DAWN TO DREAMS and NAME THAT DOG, in a drawing at the end of the month. To be entered just leave a comment on any of my April blog posts at
http://www.peggyarc her.com/blog. htmHappy Poetry Month!
By: Cynthia Reeg,
on 3/14/2013
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Are you all ready for a St. Patrick's Day celebration this weekend?
Try your luck at this Leprechaun puzzle.
Or if you'd like to discover how to write a Limerick, check out this information and write an example on a shamrock, no less.
And of course, there are always fun Irish stories to read. In A POT OF GOLD by Kathleen Krull, you'll be sure to find plenty of entertaining shenanigans.
Happy St. Patrick's Day!
If you are in grades 3-6, you can enter the BE A SUPER HERO, READ! contest sponsored by Capstone Publishing and DC Comics. All you have to do is write about a super hero in your life--a real one, that is.
Winners get an exclusive tour of DC Entertainment Offices, a tour of Warner Brothers Animation Studio, and a set of Capstone Man of Steel chapter books.
Who is the Wonder Woman or Man in your life? Write about him or her and you may have the chance for some SUPER prizes.
The March issue GUARDIAN ANGEL KIDS magazine is available free online. This month it features stories, articles, and crafts on nutrition. The online magazine is in a flipbook format, so it's fun and easy to take a peek inside.
For a yummy, nutritious treat you can make yourself, try this recipe for Southwest BLT Rollups. You'll enjoy making them as much as eating them.
The online literacy site for children, KNOWONDER!, is offering a free book of 30 short stories for children--THE LONELY DRAGON. Just visit their site and register. It's as simple as that. There are also free stories to read and enjoy at their site as well.
Last November, they published my short story, "2 Much Laughter." And my story, "The Dragon Artist's Tale," will be featured in their upcoming print and ebook story collection of princess and dragon stories. Look for that soon!
But today, don't miss this opportunity to get a book that your whole family can share!
Poetry author, Ken Nesbitt, is ready to judge the
2013 TIME for Kids Poetry Contest. Write a funny poem and enter it for a chance to win a class visit by the author and also have your poem published at
timesforkids.com.
But you must hurry! The deadline for entering is March 1, 2013.
Go to the link above to find out all the details and visit Mr. Nesbitt's website,
poetry4kids.com, to find out more about the poems he writes. A good way to discover the types of poems Mr. Nesbitt likes would be to check out one of his poetry books from your school or public library. But if you can't do that, here is one from his website you can read--
Learning to Fly.
Good luck!
HIGHLIGHTS magazine has a Valentine's Day challenge for you with a special hidden picture, "
Cupid's Target Practice." Can you find all the objects? The picture makes for a fun coloring page as well. Enjoy!
VALENTINE'S DAY is only two weeks away now. So if you need to make some special Valentines for the special people in your life, here is a fun craft video from HIGHLIGHTS magazine on making "secret" Valentine cards.
And if you'd like to read a story about two new friends and a super-fancy Valentine's Day card, then please read my story, "The Fool Proof Valentine Plan."
Do you have a plan for Valentine's Day???
Rich Davis is an amazing illustrator. On his website he demonstrates how to draw a leafless tree. In just over a minute, Rich--with his pen in one hand and his camera in the other--draws a beautiful tree. He brings the blank paper to life as if by magic. Well, if a picture is worth a thousand words then Rich's illustrations speak volumes. Check out the link above and see if you can keep up with his wizard drawing skills.
Then after you've created your own tree, try writing a story around it.
Leaf-it-out, so to speak.
Is your tree in your main character's front yard? Maybe it has a favorite swing attached to it.
Or perhaps your tree is in the middle of a cemetery. Will your main character dare to climb it in the dark at midnight?
Have fun writing and illustrating!
By: Cynthia Reeg,
on 1/17/2013
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The Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC) recently announced this year's Charolotte Zolotow Award. This award is "given annually for outstanding writing in a picture book published in the United States in the preceding year." This year's winner is EACH KINDNESS by Jacqueline Woodson (Putnam, 2012). The tale involves the treatment (or rather mistreatment) of a new girl at school. One of the offenders realizes the seriousness of her actions too late.
The Jewish Book Council also announced their winning books for 2013. In the Children's and Young Adult category, MEET AT THE ARK AT EIGHT by Ulrich Hub (Eerdmans, 2012) won first place. When two penguins smuggle their friend aboard the ark, trouble ensues in this humorous picture book.
More children's book awards for picture books will be announced soon by the American Library Association. If you'd like a list of past Caldecott Award winners while you wait for the ALA's latest announcement on January 25th, click here for a link.
So many wonderful books to choose from!
By: Cynthia Reeg,
on 1/4/2013
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Congratulations are in order for Darcy Pattison, author of WISDOM THE MIDWAY ALBATROSS, and illustrator Kitty Harvil. The book won the 2013 Writer's Digest Self-Published Book Award in the children's picture book category. The beautifully illustrated book is the story of an albatross who survived the Japanese tsunami. Wisdom has since returned to Midway Island and is now expecting babies!
I hope you have a chance to check out this book, along with others by Darcy Pattison--like DESERT BATHS and PRAIRIE STORMS. She creates lyrical nonfiction reads for young ones sure to delight everyone. I've twice had the opportunity to attend writers' retreats led by Darcy, and she is as amazing a teacher as a writer.
Again, CONGRATULATIONS!
By: Cynthia Reeg,
on 1/1/2013
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Best wishes for 2013!
May all your stories this year have happy endings :)
By: Cynthia Reeg,
on 12/20/2012
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I received an early Christmas present today with the publication of my seasonal story,
THE LOST SHEPHERD BOY, in
My Light magazine. I wanted to share the story with you as well.
Jack Foster, an amazing illustrator who I know through
Guardian Angel Publishing, has created a wonderful illustration for the story. He captures perfectly the excited face of young Tomas discovering an unexpected Christmas treat, while his mischievous kitty, Neto, looks on.
I wish you a joyous Christmas too!
Feliz Navidad!
By: Cynthia Reeg,
on 12/20/2012
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Yes, I did finish my middle grade novel during NanNoWriMo last month. Even with Thanksgiving company and holiday celebrations, I managed to complete the fantasy story. I took a few victory laps around my desk to celebrate. Since then, I'm letting the story rest for just a bit before digging in for revisions--and thinking about the third book in the trilogy. A writer's work is never done...
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Thanks, Cynthia! Nice to get encouragement!
Darcy