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If you know kids who love animals or crafts, Fur and Feathers (Sylvan Dell, 2010) might be just the right picture book for them.

The book, written by Janet Halfmann and illustrated by Laurie Allen Klein, features Sophia.

She’s a helpful little girl who offers to sew exactly the right coat for each of her animal friends after they lose their fur, feathers and scales. Animals line up to explain what they need and why. (Polar Bear needs white fur to stay warm and hide in the snow. Fish needs scales, but with slime. Snake needs scales too, but dry ones.)

Today’s reviewer, Danni, was fascinated by Sophia’s efforts to give every animal just what it required.

Here’s what she had to say:

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Today’s reviewer: Danni

Age: 5

I like: Tacos, swimming, panda bears, chocolate, ice cream and going to the park.

This book was about: Animals that lost their fur and stuff. And a little girl who helped them.

The best part was when: Sophia saw the polar bear at the zoo with the heart behind her ear.

I laughed when: The penguin had to put on a dress.

I was worried when: I saw the snake and thought it might be poisonous.

I was surprised that: The fish could stay out of the water for that long.

This book taught me: Dreams are really fun.

Other kids reading this book should watch for: The animals in all of the funny outfits.

Three words that describe this book are: “Animals.” “Sophia.” “Losing their coats.”

My favorite line or phrase in the book was: “That bear has a red heart behind her ear.”

You should read this book because: It is fun, and animals put on clothes.

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Thank you, Danni!

Janet Halfmann and Laurie Allen Klein previously teamed up for another book, Little Skink’s Tail , that explores the various kind of tails different animals need.

You can find out more about Janet at her website. You also can read this interview.

And, you can learn more about Laurie at hers. You also can read this interview.

This is the second Janet Halfmann book Danni has reviewed. She also shared her thoughts in this review of Good Night Little Sea Otter.

Janet has two other recent releases, both with animal themes. Check out

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If you’re visiting the National Writing for Children Center for the first time, be sure to read the information about this week’s Book Giveaway. It’s in the right sidebar of the homepage. The book we’re giving away to one lucky winner this week is The Tale of Miss Spider Who Spun Her WEb by Mieke Blommestein.

We also have a new Book Bundle Giveaway for educators only. Find out more about this great Giveaway in the right sidebar of the homepage, too.

And, we’re looking for classroom teachers and school librarians to apply for the NWFCC Adopt-a-School Program. Find out more about that here now.

Oh, and if you’re a children’s book author yourself, listen to the replay of the Book Bites for Kids episode hosted by Donna McDine to find out about all the great promotional activities offered to each of the authors showcased here each month. The player for this chat is right here:

Have a super day reading, writing, and talking about what you read with your children and your students!

Suzanne Lieurance
Founder, Director
The National Writing for Children Center

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If you’re visiting the National Writing for Children Center for the first time, be sure to read the information about this week’s Book Giveaway. It’s in the right sidebar of the homepage. The book we’re giving away to one lucky winner this week is Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach by Dianne de Las Casas. This book comes with a poster, bookmark, and postcard. This cute book is bound to be treasured by any child who is lucky enough to receive it.

We also have a new Book Bundle Giveaway for educators only. Find out more about this great Giveaway in the right sidebar of the homepage, too.

Later this week, we’ll also be giving the details for our new NWFCC Adopt-a-School Program.

Be sure to read the new article from Simon Rose today in the “Simon Says” column. And there is another great new teaching tips article from contributing editor Amy O”Quinn in the “Tips for Teachers and Parents” section.

Be sure the watch the fun and interesting book trailers in the right sidebar of the homepage, too, to get a better feel for some of the many wonderful books showcased here this month.

And, if you’ve read Good Night, Little Sea Otter by Janet Halfmann, please leave a comment at the “Let’s Talk about the Book” page. Then, listen to Book Bites for Kids, tomorrow (Thursday) afternoon at 2:00 Central time, when Janet will talk about this book and her other new picture book, Fur and Feathers.

Oh, and if you’re a children’s book author yourself, listen to the replay of the Book Bites for Kids episode hosted by Donna McDine to find out about all the great promotional activities offered to each of the authors showcased here each month. The player for this chat is right here:

Have a super day reading, writing, and talking about what you read!

Suzanne Lieurance
Founder, Director
The National Writing for Children Center

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Dear Avid Blog Readers,

It is with great sadness that I inform you all that today is my last day as a summer intern here at Star Bright Books. It's been a fantastic summer - I've had so much fun getting acquainted with the ins and outs of publishing, as well as being introduced to the phenomenal books Star Bright publishes and getting to share them with you, my friends!

So as my farewell post (for now - you'll be hearing from me this fall and winter, I assure you!), I decided to treat you all to a special sneak peek - our upcoming title, Goodnight, Little Sea Otter!



Goodnight, Little Sea Otter is definitely my new favorite. A little otter and his mother say goodnight to the wonderful variety of underwater creatures who live in the sea: sea lions, sea snails, seagulls, seals, and sea urchins alike all say goodnight to the little otter and his momma. Wish Williams' illustrations are simply stunning and will wow grown-ups and children alike! And the story is sure to charm even the toughest little critic.



Goodnight, Little Sea Otter is due out September 30th.

And so I bid you all a fond farewell. Until next time, fellow book lovers!

Best,

En-Szu

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Awesome!  Inspiring!  So many books, so many authors, so little time!



Neil Gaiman (!) and me.  The highlight of the weekend was meeting him, getting my copy of The Graveyard Book signed and hearing his Newbery speech in person.  Wow.



Me and Tammi Sauer with her new picture book, Chicken Dance.  Check out this youtube

link www.youtube.com/watch of her publisher (Sterling) having fun with her book.  I wish all publishers were like this!  Tammi's coming to Wisconsin's SCBWI Fall Retreat in October.  We'll be bawkin' n rollin'!



Me, Kashmira Sheth, gbeaverson , and Ann Bausum.  Kashmira, and Ann are in critique groups of mine and Georgia's, though not the same one, if that makes any sense.  If not, oh well, it's not important.  :)  Kashmira received the Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature for her beautiful picture book, Monsoon Afternoon.



This is Ann Bausum and Kashmira Sheth, who both had signings of their awsome books!




The illustrious Richard Peck so graciously signed two books for me, Newbery Honor A Long Way From Chicago and and an arc (advanced reading copy) of his newest, A Season of Gifts!



Mo Willems.  Love him!



I couldn't decide which copies of Sarah Dessen's books to get for my daughters (I read them, too!) so I bought six, and she signed every one! 



Lisa Albert, a fellow Wisconsin SCBWI-er, whose Enslow biography of Stephenie Meyer just came out!



Me and Georgia with Janet Halfmann, another fellow Wisconsin SCBWI-er, signing her wonderful book, Seven Miles To Freedom.



The SCBWI booth fantastically decked out by the Illinois chapter.  That's Esther Hershenhorn on the right, the fabulous Illinois Regional Advisor.



Talk about BONUS!  I had my copy of The Calder Game signed by author Blue Balliett and her editor, David Levithan, was there!  Squeeee!  I loved Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist!  (He wrote the boy parts)  :)



Georgia, Holly Black and me.  I got my copy of Geektastic signed AND got the coveted Geektastic pocket protector.  Does that make me a geek?  Hell, yeah, and proud of it!



Gennifer Choldenko signed both my copies of Al Capone Does My Shirts and Al Capone Shines My Shoes.  Saweet!



You may know her asthatgirlygirl , Tanya Seale was in my very first critique group when we were greenhorns, waaay before we even knew what SCBWI was!



Jon Scieskza and Lane Smith



Laurie Halse Anderson



Judy Blume.  Love her!  I grew up with her books.



Georgia, Ingrid Law, me



Libba Bray



 Libba Bray sat in the loooooooong line for her signing (before it started) and chatted with fans.  How cool is that? Had my copy of A Great And Terrible Beauty signed AND got an arc signed of Going Bovine!

That's the great thing about ALA, you're surrounded by people who love books as much as you do.  Publishers give away tons of arcs, I scored bags full!  Bags people!  Can you say a little piece of heaven?  I just wish I could hole up for weeks and read, read, read. 



Isn't that a beautiful sight!  :)

For now, don't be surprised if you happen to run in to me at one of my son's baseball games and I seem to be engrossed in the player's list.  It's hiding a book.  :)

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Lee & Low Books, an independent children’s book publisher focused on diversity, will be taking part in the upcoming American Library Association Annual Conference, July 9 - 15 in Chicago, IL. Attendees are invited to Lee & Low’s Booth 2260 for book signings by authors Christine Taylor-Butler, Lulu Delacre, W. Nikola-Lisa, Janet Halfmann, Eloise Greenfield, R. Gregory Christie, and Shadra Strickland. Lee & Low will also be giving away bookmarks, posters, and more! See the complete signing schedule here.

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Janet Halfmann is the award-winning author of thirty children’s books. Seven Miles to Freedom: The Robert Smalls Story (Lee & Low Books, 2008, illustrated by Duane Smith) has received rave reviews, including a starred review from Kirkus Reviews. It has been chosen for the 2009-10 Land of Enchantment Masterlist by the New Mexico Library Association. Little Skink’s Tail (Sylvan Dell Publishing, 2007, illustrated by Laurie Allen Klein) won the 2009 Teachers’ Choice Award from Learning Magazine and was named both Best Picture Book and Best Overall Book for 2008 by the Florida Publishers Association. Janet also has written many nonfiction picture books for Soundprints, which publishes nature stories in association with the Smithsonian Institution. She also is the author of many nonfiction books for the educational market.

Janet is the mother of four and the grandmother of four. She and her husband live in South Milwaukee, WI. When Janet isn’t writing, she enjoys gardening, visiting new places—especially living history museums and nature centers—reading, watching movies, and spending time with her family.

Janet's Books include...

Seven Miles to Freedom: The Robert Smalls Story
Little Skink's Tail
Pelican's Catch (Smithsonian Oceanic Collection)
Red Bat At Sleepy Hollow Lane (Smithsonian's Backyard) (Smithsonian's Backyard)
Alligator at Saw Grass Road (Smithsonian Backyard) (Smithsonian Backyard)
Polar Bear Horizon (Smithsonian Oceanic)
Canada Goose at Cattail Lane (Smithsonian Backyard) (Smithsonian Backyard)
Dolphin's Rescue: The Story of a Pacific White-Sided Dolphin (Smithsonian Oceanic) (Smithsonian Oceanic)
Narwhal Unicorn of the Sea (Smithsonian Oceanic Collection)

TELL US ABOUT YOUR PATH TO PUBLICATION.
I’ve loved to read and write since childhood. My mother says I often read to her while she worked. But it wasn’t until after college that I even thought about becoming a children’s writer. I enrolled in a children’s writing course by mail and became hooked. I had some success, selling magazine articles to Ranger Rick and Jack and Jill, but I wanted to make a living writing. So I went back to college and got a degree in journalism. (My earlier degrees were in English and Spanish with plans to teach.) The journalism degree led to careers as a daily newspaper reporter in Wichita, KS; the managing editor of a national magazine called Country Kids based in Greendale, WI; and twelve years as a creator of coloring and activity books (Poky Little Puppy, Little Mermaid, Mickey Mouse, etc.) for Golden Books in Racine, WI. When Golden Books moved all of its operations to New York City in 1997 and I lost my job, I struck out on my own as a children’s author, my original dream.

I got my start on my dream by writing books for the Creative Company in Mankato, Minnesota. I visited the company for an informational interview before I decided to strike out on my own. Then when I did, the company gave me the opportunity to write four insect books, and a children’s book author was born.

Now, I’ve had thirty books published, and written many more. These days, I write mostly picture books. I find that the many years I spent thinking in pictures while creating text and art directions for coloring books comes in very handy now in writing picture books.

WHY DOES NATURE PLAY SUCH A GREAT ROLE IN YOUR BOOKS?
I grew up on a small dairy and crop farm in mid-Michigan. I loved playing with the barn cats, exploring our small woods, and listening to the crickets on the back porch at night. My dad was what I call a farmer’s farmer. He loved animals and the land and that love rubbed off on me. I also spent hours with my mother working in our garden. Today, I am an avid gardener and love exploring nature. The wonders of the lives of animals and plants never cease to amaze me!

TELL US ABOUT YOUR LATEST BOOK, SEVEN MILES TO FREEDOM, WHICH IS NOMINATED FOR THE 2008 CYBILS!
It is the true story of the daring escape of a South Carolina slave named Robert Smalls. He was the pilot of a Confederate gunboat in Charleston Harbor during the Civil War, but favored the Union side in the war. As the boat’s pilot, he learned the secret whistle signals for passing the many forts in the harbor. One night when the white officers of the ship were ashore, he and the crew stole the boat. Robert wore the captain’s hat as a disguise and acted just like he was going out on a regular early-morning run. The families of Robert and the crew hid on a nearby boat to be picked up on the way. Robert and the crew delivered the ship, plus extra cannons, to the Union fleet anchored just outside the harbor. In this way, Robert and the others won their freedom. For the rest of the war, Robert worked as a pilot for the Union and later served five terms in Congress.

Writing the book was a long process. First it took me several months to research and write the story. Then I sent it out to a few publishers and Lee & Low Books expressed interest, but asked for a huge rewrite before they would commit to it. They especially wanted the story to show more of Robert’s character and more drama. Then once Lee & Low bought the story, the back and forth revision process took more than a year.

A list of the primary sources I used is included at the back of the book and is a great resource for students and teachers. Some of the sources, such as newspapers of the time, can be found online at www.robertsmalls.org. The official records of the Confederate and Union navies and armies also are online at Cornell University Library’s “Making of America,” so children can read the actual letter Flag-Officer Samuel F. Du Pont wrote about the escape.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO WRITE SEVEN MILES TO FREEDOM?
I wanted to write a true story about a minority hero. Minorities have done so many great things in our history that have been forgotten or never written about and I wanted to change that in some small way. When I was researching Civil War heroes, I came upon a few lines about Robert Smalls, kept on digging, and was amazed at what I found. "What a gripping adventure!" I thought, as I read about how he stole a steamboat right from under the noses of the Confederates. I was sure young readers would be as spellbound by his daring escape as I was. And at the same time, they would learn about an important American hero who spent his entire life working to make the world a better place for all people.

YOUR FIRST FICTION BOOK IS LITTLE SKINK'S TAIL. HOW WAS THIS BOOK DIFFERENT FROM OTHERS YOU'VE WRITTEN?
In Little Skink’s Tail, I could make up things, which was lots of fun. My dream has always been to have a fiction book published, so Little Skink’s Tail is very close to my heart. Even though Little Skink’s Tail is a fun fiction story, it contains lots of science—about the skink’s habitat, animal defenses, and the many kinds and uses of tails. I was very excited to find out that the President of the Environmental Education Association of Illinois is using Little Skink’s Tail in her presentations to teachers.

I got the idea for the character of Little Skink while doing research for a nonfiction book on lizards. I was fascinated by skink babies, which often have bright blue tails. To escape an enemy, the little skink snaps off its tail—and it keeps on wiggling. And the tail grows back! The inspiration to have Little Skink daydream about wearing the tails of other animals came from watching my four children—and now my four grandchildren—play dress-up and pretend. As I wrote the story, I pictured my granddaughter dancing about, showing off each tail.

A favorite part of writing Little Skink’s Tail was figuring out the fun thing Little Skink would say about each tail that she tried on. I’ve always enjoyed language and playing with words. I love finding a unique and poetic way to say something.
The book has two pages of learning activities at the back. In addition, there are many more educational resources for the book online at sylvandellpublishing.com. They include free audio in both English and Spanish, twenty-five more pages of educational activities, interactive reading and math quizzes, alignment to state and national standards, and much more.

LITTLE SKINK’S TAIL RECENTLY WON THE 2009 TEACHERS' CHOICE AWARD AND WAS NAMED BOTH BEST PICTURE BOOK AND BEST OVERALL BOOK FOR 2008 BY THE FLORIDA PUBLISHERS' ASSOCIATION. HOW DOES THAT MAKE YOU FEEL?
I am excited beyond belief. I hope that more kids get to enjoy the book because of the awards. And it means a lot to me that the Teachers’ Choice Award was judged by classroom teachers and the Florida Publishers Association awards by librarians. These are the people that work closely with children and books every day.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR UPCOMING BOOKS.
I have two nonfiction picture book stories coming out from Soundprints/the Smithsonian Institution. The first, Narwhal: Unicorn of the Sea (January, 2009), is about the adventures of a narwhal, a whale that has a nine-foot-long tooth and lives most of its life in the Arctic. The second, Little Black Ant at Park Street (Spring, 2009), features the typical picnic ant. These are my 10th and 11th books for Soundprints. For these books, the text, illustrations, and even the stuffed animals, must be approved by Smithsonian curators.
I also have a bedtime story, Good Night, Little Sea Otter, coming out in Spring, 2009, from Star Bright Books. I wrote this story after falling in love with sea otters while writing a magazine article about two girls scuba diving in the kelp forest off California’s Catalina Island.

Two more books will be coming out from Orchard House Press. Bewitching the Chickadees is a picture book about a Grandma, her granddaughter, and the chickadees in their yard, and Sunflower Princess is a chapter book for ages 7-9. Both of these books are being illustrated by my daughter.

WHAT'S IT LIKE TO BE ABLE TO WORK WITH YOUR DAUGHTER?
It’s very exciting. Usually, the publisher chooses the illustrator. But in this case, the publisher needed more illustrators, so my daughter submitted a sample drawing and the publishers loved it and wanted her to illustrate both of my books. My daughter is an artist, but this is her first illustrating job, so she is a little nervous. But I know she’ll do a terrific job!

Usually, the author and illustrator don’t even meet. I think this is done so that both are free to do their own creative thing. So even though my daughter is illustrating my books, I am letting her create on her own, and I only comment if she asks me a question. I have learned from my other books that when illustrators are given the freedom to create their own vision, they often add wonderful touches that never entered my mind.

WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE FOR ASPIRING BOOK AUTHORS?
First, they should read lots of children’s books, especially the kind they want to write. Then they should write, write, write, and revise, revise, revise until every word shines. Once the manuscript is finished, the writer should study publishers to see who does that kind of book, and send it out. After mailing the manuscript, the writer should forget about it and move on to a new project (Most writers have a huge file of rejection letters).

I also strongly advise joining writers groups, such as the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and its regional chapters. Our group in Wisconsin has a listserv where writers of all experience levels ask questions and share information. There is so much to be learned from other writers’ experiences.

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Seven Miles to Freedom: The Robert Smalls Story

Author: Janet Halfmann
Illustrator: Duane Smith
Publisher: Lee & Low Books (April 30, 2008)
Reading level: Ages 4-8

Growing up a slave in South Carolina, Robert Smalls always dreamed of the moment freedom would be within his grasp. Now that moment was here.

Robert stood proudly at the Planter’s wheel. Only seven miles of water lay between the ship and the chance of freedom in Union territory. With precision and amazing courage, he navigated past the Confederate forts in the harbor and steered the ship toward the safety of the Union fleet. Just one miscalculation would be deadly, but for Robert, his family, and his crewmates, the risk was worth taking.

Seven Miles to Freedom is the compelling account of the daring escape of Robert Smalls, a slave steamboat wheelman who became one of the Civil War’s greatest heroes. His steadfast courage in the face of adversity is an inspiring model for all who attempt to overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges.


Hop over to Anastasia Suen's picture book of the day blog for the Nonfiction Monday roundup!

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Seven Miles to Freedom: The Robert Smalls Story by Janet Halfmann, illustrated by Duane Smith

Continuing with this week's theme of nonfiction children's books for classrooms, today, I'm bringing you a biography of a hero about whom I'd never heard until I read Betsy Bird's review at Fuse #8. So, when I saw this book sitting on the "new nonfiction for kids" shelf at my library last week, I immediately picked it up.

The book tells the story of Robert Smalls, who was born a slave in 1839 on a South Carolina plantation. All his life, he dreamed of freedom. When his daughter, Elizabeth was born in 1858, he worked out a deal with his master to buy his wife's and daughter's freedom for $800 even though he would remain a slave. It would take a long time, but when the Civil War begins and Robert becomes a wheelman on a Confederate steamer, he devises a plan to escape, knowing that if he's caught, he, his entire family, and every other slave on the steamer would be killed. The rest of the book focuses on Smalls' daring escape that will leave readers on the edge of their seats. The back of the book includes an afterword with more information about Smalls, including a photograph, as well as a list of sources.

I really love Lee & Low's books because they choose to publish books that tell the stories of virtually unknown heroes and role models. I've been impressed with every one of their biographies that I've read: A Song for Cambodia (my review), Louis Sockalexis: Native American Baseball Pioneer (my review), Hiromi's Hands (my review), Surfer of the Century: The Life of Duke Kahanamoku (my review).


Seven Miles to Freedom: The Robert Smalls Story is no exception. From the moment I opened the book, I was drawn into Smalls' story, and by the time, I got to the escape, I was tense and nervous and almost afraid to turn the page. What if he got caught? What if his wife and children were killed?

On my first read, I was so entranced with the story that I didn't even look at Duane Smith's oil paint impressionistic illustrations, and as I looked at the book a second time, I have to say that they really aren't my favorite. Don't get me wrong. They're not bad; it's just that I couldn't really tell what the story was about by just looking at the illustrations. They merely accompanied the story rather than tell it.

That aside, the story is fascinating, and I think children will truly admire Robert Smalls' courage and tenacity. They'll also appreciate learning about a Civil War hero they may have never heard of, and I'm sure teachers will also find this refreshing.

Classroom Recommendations:

• This would go nicely with units on biography, the Civil War, African American history, heroes, slavery, US history, and more
  
• While it's a true account, the story itself is an excellent example of building excitement and tension and developing conflict and could be used in a writers' workshop or creative writing class
  

More info:

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
• Hardcover: 40 pages
• Publisher: Lee & Low Books (April 30, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1600602320
• ISBN-13: 978-1600602320
• Source of book: Local Library

What Other Bloggers are Saying:
Fuse #8: "As it happens, the story of Smalls' escape and bravery is particularly ideal for a picture book. There's danger and suspense and a clear-cut hero involved. Now all that remains is for someone to write a full-length biography of the man for kids." (read more...)

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