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Happy Valentine's Day, belatedly! And even more importantly, a belated but no less sincere and gigantic thank you to Roz for giving me this great award! It made my day - and the last couple weeks too. I've been swamped with work, travel (for pleasure and work), kid stuff, snow days, and now a miserable virus too (probably inevitable after spending a full day with a class of snuffling kindergartners plus about 7 hours on planes at the beginning of the week, not to mention all the time I've spent standing in snow and slush this week, scraping and chipping to clear paths and vehicles).

Anyhow, to pass on the award, here are the details:
1. Write a post with links to 5 blogs that make me think and/or make my day.
2. Acknowledge the post of the award giver.
3. Display the “You Make my Day Award” logo
4. Tell the award winners that they have won by commenting on their blogs with the news.

It's hard to pick just five (kind of like choosing just five chocolates from the mega-assortment box), so I'm glad I don't have to count Roz's excellent blog as one of them (but make sure you check it out too, if you haven't already, especially if like me you adore fabric illustration). Anyhow, here are five blogs that spark my muse, all on different subject matter:

1. Julie Stiegemeyer of Jottings and Such (Julie introduced me to blogging and is the author of my Cheep books as well as tons of other charming children's books, and an incredibly dear friend and all around kind person).

2. Amy Karol of the much-read craft/mothering/interesting stuff blog Angry Chicken and author of the useful book Break-the-Rules Sewing. She's probably already received this award a zillion times, but it is one of my favorite blogs.

3. Danny Evans of the father-parenting blog, Dad Gone Mad. I recently discovered this blog, and I've been completely enjoying his male take on little people and parenting adventures. Warning for those with sensitive ears (eyes?) - he's a master of the irreverent phrase and creative use of four-letter words.

4. Kitty Griffin of Chocolate Ferrets and Writing for Kids which is a brand new blog (so it doesn't have many entries yet). Kitty is an amazing children's book writer (for all ages) as well as a screenwriter and some-time writing instructor in the MFA program in writing for kids at Chatham College in Pittsburgh. She's an outstanding teacher and mentor -- and she should consider this a gentle nag to post more! We want more! (says the, um, procrastinator/overwhelmed person who hasn't posted in more than 2 weeks....)

5. Susan vanHecke who's the talented author of the folktale I'm currently illustrating. I just discovered her blog recently too (I'm just plain embarrassed to say it didn't occur to me to look her up when I started working on her book), and I've really been enjoying it.

I also owe Susan a big apology (and some chocolate too) because I'm late with the art for her book (but I'm working hard on it! Really! It's just very complex and detailed!), so the pub date will have to be pushed back. I've been late with artwork before - I'm still new enough to book illustration that it's hard for me to gauge how much time I need - but this is the first time (and I hope only time) I've been so late that I screwed up a pub date. I feel terrible - but that just means I'll have to make sure the final art is as near to perfect as I can get it and thus worth the wait.

Okay, back to the drawing table. Well, to the kitchen table, where the sewing machine is parked and calling to me, snuffly nose and all.

by Renee Kirchner, teaching tips contributing editor

Learning doesn’t have to stop just because it’s summer. Not all learning occurs by reading books and solving math problems. Kids need adventures and new experiences to expand their view of the world. There are many great activities you can try that will bring your whole family together and teach your children something at the same time. Here are a few suggestions:

Take A Trip to the Zoo

Do your children like animals? Encourage their interest in animals with a trip to the zoo. Read a few books about zoos before you go. Go online and check out the latest attractions at your local zoo and decide which animals your kids want to see the most. Even if you went last summer and the summer before it doesn’t matter. Zoos animals have new babies, zoos add new attractions, and your kids are older and will notice different things. So, if you haven’t made it to the zoo this summer, you still have time.

Start a Garden

A family garden is a hobby that the whole family can enjoy. Go to the nursery together and let everyone choose what they want to plant. You could plant a flower garden or a vegetable garden. Even the smallest hands can help by watering seeds or plants. This is a great way for children to learn about nature. Gardening will also help nurture a love of the outdoors and keep kids off their electronic games and computers for an hour or more each day.

Plan Your Summer Vacation and Create a Travel Scrapbook

Is your family taking a trip this summer? Involve your kids in the planning process. Let them help you research hotels and restaurants on the internet. Get out a map and plan your route together. Travel is a great way to learn about geography in a relaxed, fun way.

When you come home with lots of pictures that need to be organized, spend an evening together creating a family scrapbook. Everyone in the family can add designs and special mementos from their trip. The scrapbook will become a treasured keepsake.

Go On a Weekend Camping Trip

If your family hasn’t taken a summer vacation, maybe you would have time for a short weekend camping trip. You could even do a daytime camping trip if mom and dad have to work in the summer. Load up the car with fishing poles, bathing suits, hiking gear, and great food to grill. Camping will also help nurture a love of the outdoors and keep kids off their electronic games and computers for an entire weekend. Don’t forget the marshmallows!

Try Stargazing

Summer evenings are perfect for gazing at the stars. Your family could lie out in the backyard on a blanket and point out the various constellations. You could also purchase a reasonably priced telescope and a book about the stars. It’s a nice way to reconnect with each other and have a chance to talk.

I hope your family enjoys one or more of these activities. Have a great summer!