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Reviewed by Carma Dutra, Picture Book Reviewer for the National Writing for Children Center
Title: Camille and the Sunflowers, A story about Vincent van Gogh
Author/Illustrator: Laurence Anholt
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Publisher: Barron’s Educational Series; 1st edition (August 1, 1994)
ISBN-10: 0812064097
ISBN-13: 978-0812064094
This is a factual story about an encounter between a boy named Camille and the famous painter Vincent van Gogh. Camille’s father was the local postman and every day after school Camille would help his father unload heavy sacks of mail from the train. One day Camille noticed a strange looking man getting off the train. The strange man introduced himself to Camille as Vincent the painter.
As the story goes, Camille and his father noticed Vincent did not have any money or know any one in town, so they befriended him with some old furniture and some pots and pans. Sunflowers grew tall and wild where Camille lived and they looked like real suns bursting with light in the fields. Camille picks a huge bunch for the painter and puts them in a big brown pot. In return for their kindness, Vincent offers to paint each member of their family.
Through out the book, author/illustrator, Laurence Anholt, uses pen and delicate watercolor illustrations that also show reproductions of some of van Gogh’s famous paintings including “Portrait of Camille Roulin” and “Vase with 14 Sunflowers” and some famous scenes like van Gogh’s bedroom in the yellow house. The townspeople never accept Vincent and they make fun of him all the time. Eventually they will force van Gogh to leave town. However, van Gogh leaves a special painting for Camille.
This simple story delivers a strong message to young readers about tolerance and compassion. Vincent van Gogh had a sad life and it is evident by this story he was a sad person. However, the strong point of the story is about friendship and acceptance. “Listen Camille,” said his father, “people often laugh at things that are different, but I’ve got a feeling that one day they will learn to love Vincent’s painting.” Camille never wavered in his friendship toward Vincent and his father was right. Through this important message Anholt is also able to introduce young readers to fine art.
About the author: Laurence Anholt was born in London and brought up mainly in Holland. He studied art at several schools including the royal Academy. Both he and his wife write and illustrate children’s books.
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For more reviews of awarding winning children’s books, plus other resources for children’s writers, visit CarmasWindow.blogspot.com
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Reviewed by Carma Dutra, Picture Book Reviewer for the National Writing for Children Center
Title: The Magic Kerchief
Author: Kirby Larson
Illustrator: Rosanne Litzinger
Hard Cover: 32 pages
Ages: 4 to 8
Publisher: Holiday House - First edition (September 2000)
ISBN-10: 0823414736
ISBN-13: 978-0823414734
Kirby Larson has written a captivating original folktale with a message everyone can relate to. The story may be set in the past but is all too timely today. Everyone in the village avoided Griselda, the town “grouch”. One day Griselda reluctantly offered a stranger a place to stay after this stranger mysteriously appeared at Griselda’s door. In fact, Griselda was quite snappy with the visitor and was ready to have her sleep on the floor by the fire. However, while Griselda built a fire the visitor fell asleep in Griselda’s bed. The next morning, the kind visitor insisted on repaying for Griselda’s kindness with a magical scarf, promising it held great riches.
Crabby Griselda did not believe the stranger, but nevertheless, the scarf was charming so she tied it on and went to market. What happened at market was truly miraculous. Griselda lost the sting of her tongue when she shopped at the bakery and when she passed by the Lord Mayor. The only words she usually muttered to the Lord Mayor were “Paah, a donkey on two legs is still a donkey.” Instead, wearing the special kerchief, she greeted the Lord Mayor with “My aches and pains vanish when I greet an old friend.” No one was used to Griselda saying nice words. Everyone was surprised. Griselda learned through the kindness of a stranger that to have a friend you must be a friend.
The charming folk-art illustrations by Roseanne Litzinger are done in soothing pastels and all the characters are rounded like stuffed pillows, which lends to the entertaining flavor of Larson’s words. Two page spreads dominate the book and depict an original scene with bright background color. This book is worth owning yourself and for gift giving.
About the author: Kirby Larson is the acclaimed author of the 2007 Newberry Honor Book, Hattie Big Sky, a young adult novel she wrote inspired by her great-grandmother, Hattie Inez Brooks Wright, who homesteaded by herself in eastern Montana as a young woman. In addition, Kirby has written three books for children, including the award-winning picture book, The Magic Kerchief. A frequent speaker, Kirby has presented at more than 200 schools, workshops, and seminars.
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For more book reviews and articles and other resources for children’s writers, visit Carma’s Window.
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Reviewed by Carma Dutra, Picture Book Reviewer for the National Writing for Children Center
Title: The Cobbler’s Holiday or Why Ants Don’t Wear Shoes
Author: Musharraf Ali Farooqi
Illustrator: Eugene Yelchin
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press (September 16, 2008)
ISBN-10: 1596432349
ISBN-13: 978-1596432345
We’ve all heard the term “Chick Flicks.” Well, I think The Cobbler’s Holiday is “Chick Lit.” Any fan of dress-up will fall in love with this beautifully illustrated Chick-Fashion Story.
Who wouldn’t be in heaven when wearing three pairs of shoes at one time? The story goes that once upon a time, ants had closets full of shoes. This is a dream come true for any fashionable ant. Because the ants wore so many shoes at one time, it was more than likely they had to mix and match their pairs. In addition, all the ants were obsessed with fashion and dance. The dance rage of the day was “Tick-Toe-Hip-Clog-Tock-Hop”. It took thirty-six hundred steps for a pair of ants to make a full turn. Of course, no one ever completed a full turn so they would start over. This created a lot of wear and tear on the their shoes.
The ants were always too busy to think about running out of shoes. It didn’t take long for shoes to pile up and need repair but with only one cobbler ant in town, the unthinkable was bound to happen. Soon cobbler ant realized he was very rich and had enough money to never work again. The cobbler shop was closed for the first time ever, and cobbler ant decided to travel. None of the ants knew what to do, so they kept walking and dancing until all their shoes wore out. Now what? How can they be stylish without new shoes?
One day a brave Red Ant walked in barefoot and created such a scandal shocking everyone and eventually created a new fashion trend. Up until then, no ant had ever walked or even danced barefoot.
Musharraf Farooqi tells a witty tale of change and how it is OK to be different. Eugene Yelchin illustrates ant fashion shoes and clothes with wild colors and flair. Ants’ clothes are illustrated with beads, top hats and pearls. Their bodies are a golden glow. Children will delight in this make-believe fable.
About the Author: Musharraf Ali Farooqi is an author and translator. He was the translator for THE ADVENTURES OF AMIR HAMZA. Born in Hyderabad, Pakistan, he now lives in Toronto, Canada.
About the Illustrator: Eugene Yelchin studied art and theater design at the Leningrad Institute of Theater and is the illustrator of THE HOUSE OF A MILLION PETS. He lives in California.
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For more reviews of great children’s books and other infromative articles for children’s writers, visit Carma’s Window.
Carma Dutra,
Eugene Yelchin,
Musharraf Ali Farooqi
Reviewed by Carma Dutra, Picture Book Reviewer for the National Writing for Children Center
Title: I Lost My Kisses
Author: Trudie Trewin
Illustrator: Nick Bland
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Orchard Books; 1 edition (January 1, 2008)
ISBN-10: 0545055571
ISBN-13: 978-0545055574
This is a beautiful book with Matilda Rose, a young black and white calf, who loves to give kisses. In fact, she kisses morning and night, hello and goodbye. But one morning she wakes up and cannot find her kisses. This presents a dilemma because her father is coming home soon, and he always asks Matilda Rose to give him a big “smoocheroo.” If Matilda Rose cannot kiss her Daddy hello she will be sad.
Matilda Rose knows what her kisses taste like. “They can be yummy like a chocolaty candy-kiss.” They can also sound like “mwa” but no one has ever seen them. Everyone asks Matilda “What do kisses look like?” Matilda looks in the closet, in the grocery store, behind the milk, but she cannot find them anywhere. I Lost My Kisses has a comforting message with a happy ending that makes children smile. Her simple search begins by asking her mother and continues until she goes to the airport where she is to meet her daddy.
My granddaughter spent a long time looking at the illustrations. Illustrations by Nick Bland are in charcoal sketch with colored highlights and an air of cartoon type graphics. Also, a little yellow chick appears in every picture of the story. At first my granddaughter thought it represented the missing kisses. In fact the last picture of Matilda Rose shows her kissing the little yellow chicken with a “Mwa” sound. Adorable.
About the author: Trudie Trewin’s is a children’s writer from Tropical North Queensland, Australia and I Lost My Kisses is her first picture book of a kiss-loving cow.
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Carma Dutra is a children’s writer. To learn more about her writing and for tips, information, and other resources for children’s writers, visit www.carmaswindow.blogspot.com.
Carma Dutra,
I Lost My Kisses,
Nick Bland,
Trudie Trewin
Reviewed by Carma Dutra, Picture Book Reviewer for the National Writing for Children Center
Title: How I Learned Geography
Author and Illustrator: Uri Shulevitz
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR) (April 1, 2008)
ISBN-10: 0374334994
ISBN-13: 978-0374334994
How I Learned Geography is Caldecott Medal winner, Uri Shulevitz’s, newest picture book. Uri Shulevitz draws on his memories of escaping from Poland to Turkestan during World War II.
Written as an autobiographical story of a time when he was four or five years of age, Shulevitz’s recount is touching and yet simple in its meaning. At first you may wonder how a picture book about war time can be suitable for young children. Aren’t picture books supposed to be lively, entertaining and educational? Yes, How I Learned Geography is no different. It serves up a powerful set of lessons about how a child deals with hunger, scarcity of basic necessities and poverty.
The first two pages are very stark. One is without pictures and the second shows three stark figures running on a gray colored ground and a red sky in the background. Yes the story is about survival and loss but in the end it is about redemption and freedom. The rest of the book has two page spreads with vivid color and cartoon type features. Shulevitz expertly weaves his story of hunger and poverty into a story of imagination and wonder that is learned from a map.
One day the boy’s father goes to the market to buy bread but comes home with nothing but a map. The boy and his mother are furious because they are hungry and now they have to listen to their neighbors eat loudly while they themselves go hungry.
“The next day, Father hung the map. It took up an entire wall. Our cheerless room was flooded with color.” Without ever leaving their dim room, the boy is transported to sandy beaches, snowcapped mountains and exotic places all over the world. He takes imaginary journeys far away from his hunger. “And so I spent enchanted hours far, far from our hunger and misery.”
How I Learned Geography is also a book with social studies content that young readers can understand. This is a valuable benefit teachers and parents will enjoy. The Author’s Note in the back of the book is directed at adults with a few more background details.
About the Author: In 1939, when Uri Shulevitz was just four years old, wartime turmoil forced his family to flee from their native Poland. They eventually settled in Paris in 1947, but left soon after for Israel, a country that Mr. Shulevitz would call home for the next ten years. After coming to New York City in 1959, he continued his education at the Brooklyn Museum Art School. Eventually, while looking for freelance work, he came in contact with an editor who encouraged him to write and illustrate his own children’s book. His first book, The Moon in My Room, was published in 1963.
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Reviewed by Carma Dutra, Picture Book Reviewer for the National Writing for Children Center
Title: Mr. Pusskins and Little Whiskers
Author and Illustrator: Sam Lloyd
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers (May 20, 2008)
ISBN-10: 1416957960
ISBN-13: 978-1416957966
The story begins with Mr. Pusskins and Emily singing and thinking that life couldn’t get any better. One day, Mr. Pusskins’ world is shattered when his owner, Emily, brings home a fabulous surprise named Little Whiskers who happens to be a baby kitten! Mr. Pusskins doesn’t want a kitten around. He is perfectly happy being an only pet. However, Little Whiskers has other ideas as most young kittens do. Mr. Pusskins wants to send Little Whiskers a way ASAP. The plot thickens when Mr. Pusskins writes a letter “To whom it may concern,” to get rid of Little Whiskers. But Mr. Pusskins is accused of making hideous noises and of waking up Little Whiskers. Emily banishes Mr. Pusskins outside in the cold rain.
Author and illustrator Sam Lloyd does a marvelous job of depicting emotions with Mr. Pusskins’ big frowning eyes and his orange scruffy coat. In opposition, Little Whiskers is cute, small and white. This wonderful and funny story shows children that jealously can cause trouble while forgiveness has great rewards. As the end of the story says “And now life is perfect!” Mr. Pusskins and Little Whiskers is a great love story for the young set.
I read this story to my six year old granddaughter and she laughed out loud several times. This is what a picture book with good illustrations should be about. Lloyd’s illustrations cover the full page with a few that spread across two pages. Action words like BAM and CLUNK are drawn in broad black strokes and much larger than the text.
About the Author Sam Lloyd was born in the north of England, but migrated to sunny Brighton. She works on art projects with children at a local school, and paints large murals. Sam’s great passions range from swimming in the Brighton Sea and gardening to traveling to far parts of the world, where she has found much inspiration for her writing and illustrating of children’s books.
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Carma Dutra is a freelance writer and children’s writer. Get children’s writing tips and reviews of award winning books by visiting Carma’s Window. Download the free EBooks, Tips for Children’s Writers and Illustrators, and Unite to Write, a compilation of thirteen top expert authors as read on Ezine article directory.
Atheneum Books,
Carma Dutra,
Mr. Pusskins,
Sam Lloyd
By:
Karen Cioffi,
on 1/5/2009
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Vivian Zabel honored me with the Prémio Dardos - or Darts Prize. Thank you, Vivian.
The Prémio Dardos is given for recognition of cultural, ethical, literary, and personal values transmitted in the form of creative and original writing. These stamps were created with the intention of promoting fraternization between bloggers, a way of showing affection and gratitude for work that adds value to the Web.
From what I can gather, the origin of the Prémio Dardos began in Portugal or Brazil and this is the closest rendition of the original intent available:
1) Accept the award by posting it on your blog along with the name of the person that has granted the award and a link to his/her blog.
2) Pass the award to another 15 blogs that are worthy of this acknowledgment, remembering to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been selected for this award. So, I am passing the torch to:
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Reviewed by Carma Dutra, Picture Book Reviewer for the National Writing for Children Center
Title: The Sugar Child
Author: Monique De Varennes
Illustrator: Leonid Gore
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 40 pages
Publisher: Athenaeum/Anne Schwartz Books (October 5, 2004)
ISBN-10: 0689852444
ISBN-13: 978-0689852442
The Sugar Child is a delightful story for the kindergarten through second grade bunch. It has all the makings of a “wish upon a star” fairy tale. However, this story is more unique than Cinderella or The Gingerbread Boy. The Sugar Child is made with love by a childless baker and his wife.
The setting takes place in a small Quebec town where a little girl is formed from marzipan and magically comes to life overnight. Her name is Matine. The baker and his wife dance for joy because they now have a child they can love. The couple takes great care to protect Matine’s fragile, sugary skin. When it rains, Matine is not allowed outside because her fragile skin would be washed away. She becomes sad and wants to cry but her parents talk her out of it. Matine’s parents want to protect her from the sorrow that sometimes happens in life.
Although they are able to stop her tears this time they are not so successful when Matine wants to visit her best friend who is seriously ill. Matine knows the importance of her condition but she doesn’t let her friendship with Jean-Paul stop her from risking her own life to visit him at his home. She covers herself with a cape and hood then runs in the down pouring rain to Jean-Paul’s home.
This story is about friendship and love. Illustrated by Leonid Gore with full page pastel art, giving the story a soft and delicate structure it needs. The characters and landscape have a soft glow and Matine shimmers where you can almost “feel” the sugary glaze surface of the marzipan pastry. The illustrations are dream like with soft and billowy characters.
As you would expect, magic happens. Matine sheds tears of sadness for her fragile friend’s health and her marzipan shell is washed away. Matine is transformed into a real girl. However, the story does not make it clear if Jean-Paul recovers so miraculously but illustrations demonstrate that his spirit is lifted.
Young children will love this imaginative tale and the happy ending. I think it deals with the possibility of death in a unique way. The reader doesn’t know if Matine is going to melt or not so to a five year old the act of Matine running out in the rain is a suspenseful moment.
About the author: Monique de Varennes put in thirteen years at boarding school, then went to Cornell University, majoring in English Literature, and then to Johns Hopkins University, receiving an M.A. from the Writing Seminars. She worked in publishing for a number of years, and took great joy in raising her children, Chris and Kate. Gradually she began writing again, both books for young people, edited by the gifted Anne Schwartz, and short fiction for adults. Her fiction has appeared in literary magazines, and has received a Pushcart Prize.
About the illustrator: Leonid Gore immigrated to the United States from the Former Soviet Union, where he trained at the Art Institute of Minsk and illustrated over fifteen books for children. Kirkus praised Jacob and the Stranger by Sally Derby for Gore’s “stunning black and white illustrations … evanescent, dreamlike.” He lives in Brooklyn, NY.
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Carma Dutra is a children’s writer and freelance writer. Learn more about children’s writing tips and read award winning book reviews by visiting Carma’s Window at http://carmaswindow.blogspot.com. Download the free EBooks, Tips for Children’s Writers and Illustrators, and Unite to Write, a compilation of thirteen top expert authors as read at Ezinearticles.com, an online article directory.
Carma Dutra,
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Monique De Varennes,
The Sugar Child
If you’ve been wondering how to get started writing and publishing your own stories and other work for kids, then you won’t want to miss this special FREE teleseminar next Monday night, December 1, 2008, at 7:00 central time.
Carma Dutra will host this teleseminar with special guest, Suzanne Lieurance, author of over a dozen published books for children, instructor for the Institute of Children’s Literature, and found and director of the National Writing for Children Center.
Sign up for this free teleseminar right now, and ask your most pressing question about writing or publishing for kids. Then, attend the LIVE teleseminar Monday night to learn the answer to your question.
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Writing For Kids
Reviewed by Carma Dutra, Picture Book Reviewer for the National Writing for Children Center
Title: While Mama Had a Quick Little Chat
Author: Amy Reichert
Illustrator: Alexandra Boiger
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 40 pages
Publisher: Atheneum/Richard Jackson Books (May 17, 2005)
ISBN-10: 0689851707
ISBN-13: 978-0689851704
“While Mama has a quick chat with Uncle Fred, Rose is supposed to be getting ready for bed.” Yeah right. All children know how quick these “quick little chats” can be when they try to get Mama’s attention. Rose’s Mama gave her detailed instructions what to do while she was on the phone.
“Brush your teeth. Wash your face. It’s getting late! I want you in bed by half past eight.”
Rose thought “No problem,” but then the door bell rings and four muscley men appear with a load of party supplies. To no avail Rose calls and calls out to her Mama but she keeps saying she will be through soon, so Rose lets them in.
More people begin to arrive and Rose tries to slam the door but people keep coming with waiters and trays of hors d’oeuvres. Rose can not stop this big party no matter how hard she tries so she decides to join in the fun. Something odd happens when a magician appears.
“Mama!!!” shrieked Rose “Come right now and see!”
“Rose, dear,” said Mama. “Stop Pestering Me!!!”
Finally the band arrives and they need a drummer so Rose steps in and begins to play a boogie beat. When Mama warns she is ready to get off the phone Rose makes sure everyone leaves and take their mess with them. Everyone left and thanked Rose for a fun time. Mama finds Rose fast asleep in her bed and none the wiser as to the big bash that had just happened in her living room.
The story is told in rhyme with an upbeat and steady rhythm and characterizes the impatience children often exhibit while waiting for attention from the parents. Children will appreciate the humor because they will be able to relate to Rose. On the flip side parents will relate to Mama when she becomes irritable as Rose shrieks and begs for attention.
Mama and Rose both have skinny legs and pointy toes with red hair going everywhere. The cartoon type illustrations add a lot sparkle and life to the story. The addition of Rose’s cat in the illustrations adds a bit of amusement as a spectator to the party. This is a splendid book to share with everyone.
About the author: Amy Reichert has a home phone, a cell phone, a speakerphone, a headset phone, and call waiting. She can cook, clean, work in the garden, check e-mail, help with homework, brush her cats, eat, read, exercise, drive, watch TV, feed her fish, and write a book — all while having a quick little chat! She lives with her husband and two children in Bethesda, Maryland.
About the Illustrator: Alexandra Boiger is the illustrator of While Mama Had A Quick Little Chat by Amy Reichert; and Roxie and the Hooligans by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor, as well as Doris Orgel’s Doctor All-Knowing, coming in 2008. She lives in San Anselmo, California.
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Carma Dutra is a freelance writer and children’s author. Learn more about children’s writing tips and reviews of award winning books by visiting Carma’s Window at http://carmaswindow.blogspot.com. Download the free EBooks, Tips for Children’s Writers and Illustrators, and Unite to Write, a compilation of thirteen top expert authors as read at ezinearticles.com, an online article directory.
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Amy Reichert,
book review,
Carma Dutra,
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Quick Little Chat
Reviewed by Carma Dutra, Picture Book Reviewer for the National Writing for Children Center
Title: Mama’s Milk
Author: Michael Elsohn Ross
Illustrator: Ashley Wolff
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hard Cover: 32 pages
Publisher: Tricycle Press; Bilingual edition (March 2008)
ISBN-10: 1582462453
ISBN-13: 978-1582462455
Mama’s Milk is wonderful, educational, and entertaining for the picture story book-age and their parents. Michael Ross describes different ways mothers of all creatures nurse their babies. This provides parents a wonderful opportunity to discuss how and why mothers nurse and the benefits of breast milk.
The author begins with a human mother cuddling and nursing her child. “Cuddle little baby warm and tight Mama’s going to feed you day and night.” The story continues with pigs and their piglets, “She’ll fatten you up in a sunny pig sty.”
Every page depicts a different animal nursing their babies and also gives the correct name of each animal and offspring. For example: A Mare and her fold; An elephant and calf. In the back of the book a classification and illustration of each highlighted animal is added with factual statements about nursing practices. Foals nurse every thirty minutes. Kangaroo milk is pink. My granddaughters grimaced with a “Ewwwwww!” giggling all the while. Also, a dolphin calf holds its breath while feeding underwater. Can you imagine?
Michael Ross’ book is a celebration of the beauty of natural breastfeeding and a reminder how much humans and other creatures on this planet earth have in common. The rhyming tone is gentle, comforting and loving. Parents will learn a lot, too, when they read along with their children.
The illustrations contribute greatly to the message by providing a way for young children to learn and identify animals. The two page spreads are illustrated in deep, rich, velvet looking colors giving off a warm glow.
About the Author: Michael Elsohn Ross has worked as a naturalist and environmental educator in Yosemite National Park for over three decades. He is the award-winning author of more than forty books for young people. Over the years he has acquired the nickname “bug author” Visit his website at www.bugauthor.com
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Carma Dutra is a freelance writer and children’s writer. For tips about children’s writing and reviews of award winning books visit Carma’s Window at http://carmaswindow.blogspot.com. Download the free E-Books, Tips for Children’s Writers and Illustrators, and Unite to Write, a compilation of thirteen top expert authors as read on Ezine article directory.
Ashley Wolff,
Carma Dutra,
Mamas Milk,
Michael Elsohn Ross,
picture book review
Reviewed by Carma Dutra, Picture Book Reviewer for the National Writing for Children Center
Title: Hurty Feelings
Author: Helen Lester
Illustrator: Lynn Munsinger
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardback: 32 pages
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin/Walter Lorraine Books; 1 edition (March 26, 2007)
ISBN-10: 0618840621
ISBN-13: 978-0618840625
An emotionally fragile hippo named Fragility and a rude elephant named Rudy will delight children from ages four to eight. Fragility is over sensitive and Rudy is overly rude. Author Helen Lester begins her humorous tale with Fragility was a solid piece of work. When she walked her world wobbled.
Fragility is very happy in her own world, she has strong jaws that could munch grass faster than any lawn mower, she never cries when she stubs one of her toes or all sixteen. However, something did bother Fragility and it was injured feelings. When her friends would give her a compliment like “Fragility, you have such cute little ears,” she would wail, “You hurt my feeeeelings! Cute little ears? Do you know what else has cute little ears? People have cute little ears. So you think I resemble a people?” Flop. Weep.
Fragility’s drama-queen flopping and weeping became a regular routine until she became lonely. No one could talk to Fragility without making her cry. One day Rudy, the neighborhood bully, tries to intimidate Fragility as she protects the goal in the soccer match. “Step aside, Big Solid Thing!” Rudy bellowed at Fragility. “You’re blocking me lunch.”
Fragility comes through with shining colors. She learns to be strong on the inside and finds her confidence. She even teaches Rudy a thing or two by learning to like her self and accepting compliments. This is a great read-aloud book and the funny, expressive water color illustrations bring out the characters zany personalities. Children will want to read this story again and again.
About the Author: Helen Lester is the author of sixteen children’s books. Her background with children includes being a mother of two and a former elementary school teacher of ten years. While at home with her children, Helen realized the importance of quality children’s literature. Helen started her writing career as a struggling author facing many rejections by publishing companies. Her first book was finally published in 1979.
About the Illustrator: Lynn Munsinger was born in Greenfield, Massachusetts. She attended Tufts University and graduated in 1974. The following year she enrolled at the Rhode Island School of Design, majoring in illustration.
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Carma Dutra is a freelance writer and children’s writer. Learn more about children’s writing tips and reviews of award winning books visiting Carma’s Window. Download the free EBooks, Tips for Children’s Writers and Illustrators, and Unite to Write, a compilation of thirteen top expert authors as read on Ezine article directory.
Carma Dutra,
Helen Lester,
Hurty Feelings,
Lynn Munsinger,
picture book review
Reviewed by Carma Dutra, Picture Book Reviewer for the National Writing for Children Center
Title: Blabber Mouse
Author and Illustrator: True Kelley
Harcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Dutton Children’s Books (division of Penguin Young Readers Group) 2003
ISBN-10: 0439441994
ISBN-13: 978-0439441995
Blabber mouse likes to talk about everything but mostly he tells other people’s secrets and spreads gossip. He doesn’t mean to. He just loves to talk. His words just pop out. Like the time when he was hungry and his friend LuLu gave him a cheesy-chip cookie from her secret supply. Before you knew it, Blabber told Kate, then he told Charlotte and then he told Jo-Jo. The next time LuLu went to get a cheesy-chip cookie, they were all gone.
It is bad to gossip but worse to get the story wrong. Once, Blabber’s friend Charlotte told him that her mom was a nervous wreck from running around the house getting ready for her twenty-eight cousins. Blabber told all his friends that “Charlotte’s mom wrecked their house last night.”
The last straw was when Blabber reminded the teacher that she forgot to assign homework after she had dismissed the class. Blabber’s friends knew they had to stop Blabber from his compulsive babbling and gossiping. They decide to give Blabber a surprise party. Something happens that never happened before. Blabber becomes speechless.
The author addresses gossiping and excessive talking, which is so common in the four to eight year-old age group, with lightheartedness. Also, Blabber Mouse offers a compassionate solution instead of concentrating on negative effects. Animated illustrations are drawn in bright cartoon vividness and provide humor with details on a positive path. I found myself laughing out lout several times because of Blabber’s enthusiasm to share everything he knows or hears. He even shared the end of his favorite scary movie, “Kitties at Play” that he had seen sixteen times.
About the author and illustrator: True Kelley. When I was about four years old I published my first illustrated story (about chickens) in CHILD LIFE magazine. It was very helpful to my early career that my dad was the art director there. I illustrated my first book for Little, Brown, I SAW A PURPLE COW, now in a 25th anniversary edition. In 1980 I illustrated and wrote my first book with Steve, THE MOUSES’ TERRIBLE CHRISTMAS. What a feeling it was when I held that first published book in my hands! Over one hundred books later, I still get excited when I hold a first printed copy.
******
Carma Dutra is a freelance writer and children’s writer. Learn more about children’s writing tips and reviews of award winning books visiting Carma’s Window at http://carmaswindow.blogspot.com. Download the free EBook, “Tips for Children’s Writers and Illustrators” and “Unite to Write,” a compilation of thirteen top expert authors as read on Ezine article directory.
Blabber Mouse,
book review,
Carma Dutra,
picture book,
True Kelley
Reviewed by Carma Dutra, Picture Book Reviewer for the National Writing for Children Center
Title: Velma Gratch & the Way Cool Butterfly
Author: Alan Madison
Illustrator: Kevin Hawkes
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 40 pages
Publisher: Schwartz & Wade (October 9, 2007)
ISBN-10: 0375835970
ISBN-13: 978-0375835971
It’s hard to be expected to live up to a big sister’s reputation. But it is doubly hard to have to live up to TWO big sisters with amazing reputations. Velma Gratch wants to be noticed now but people at school can hardly recall Velma’s name.
Still, Velma is unique in her own way with poofy orange colored pony tails and round horn rim glasses. But when her first grade teacher, Mr. Plexipuss, fondly remembers older sister Frieda for her miraculous math and older sister Fiona for her spectacular spelling, Velma becomes discouraged.
She desperately tries to get noticed by singing too loud in chorus, running the slowest and refusing to read. The only thing Velma gets noticed for is being sent to the principal’s office. This was not cool. Who wants to be remembered for that?
One day everything changes when the first grade takes a class trip to the butterfly conservatory, a place neither of her sisters have been. Velma’s favorite subject was science and she practiced learning new words like “metal-more-for-this” (metamorphosis) and “can-serve-the-story” (conservatory). The conservatory was a magical place for Velma. There were tall trees, water gurgling over rocks and butterflies of every variety flying “up to forever.” Velma longs to touch a monarch butterfly but it is time to leave. In a flash, a monarch roosts on Velma’s finger and refuses to budge. She was in heaven.
Kids will enjoy reading and looking at everything butterflies, from migration to metamorphosis. The adventure of Velma and the monarch butterfly is expertly captured in the books’ vibrant illustrations by Kevin Hawkes. The illustrations on the front and back inside covers are appealing to any young scientist yearning to know about butterflies. Also, young girls will have fun learning some science facts which is a positive “model” about girls liking science.
The message from this book also addresses sibling rivalry and the importance for everyone to feel unique and special no matter who they are related to. I highly recommend this fun story.
About the author: Alan Madison was once voted the single silliest Little League player in the state of New Jersey. Now he is extremely happy to sit in the park and watch his son play. He and his family attend minor- and major-league games wherever they travel, except in Italy. They live in New York and have a special place in their hearts for the Yankees. Visit him on the Web at www.madisonia.com.
********
Carma Dutra is a children’s writer and freelance writer. Learn more about children’s writing tips and award winning book reviews by visiting Carma’s Window at http://carmaswindow.blogspot.com. Download the free EBook, “Tips for Children’s Writers and Illustrators” and “Unite to Write,” a compilation of thirteen top expert authors as read on Ezine article directory.
Alan Madison,
Carma Dutra,
Kevin Hawkes,
picture book review,
Velma Gratch
Reviewed by Carma Dutra, Picture Book Reviewer for the National Writing for Children Center
Title: The Bugliest Bug
Author: Carol Diggory Shields
Illustrator: Scott Nash
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: Candlewick (April 12, 2005)
ISBN-10: 0763622931
ISBN-13: 978-0763622930
The news spread through the bug colony like wildfire. A contest for insects was happening and one lucky bug would be crowned the bugliest bug of them all. The main character, Damselfly Dilly, was nothing but a plain bug and knew she didn’t have a chance to win yet she still wanted to see who would be named the bugliest bug. Dilly crept down to get a closer look at click beetles clacking, crickets singing and lady bugs curtsying.
Fireflies and glowworms lit up the stage. All the bugs where there hoping for prizes. “There were more bugs than Dilly could ever have dreamed. From tiny no-see-ums to fat termite queens.” But when Dilly notices that the contest judges look suspicious with strings tied around their bodies she yells “We’ve been flim-flammed, bamboozled, distracted. Those judges aren’t insects,” she cried…” They’re Arachnids!” The contest judges were just trying to get a good night’s supper.
Once Dilly uncovers the spider’s dastardly plot she rallies the bugs together to do what each one can do best. The army ants marched, the mantises prayed then a real crowd pleaser… the stink bugs unite and give off their worst smells. “P.U. we give up!” the spiders all yelled. Children will love this ending and the illustrator’s drawing of stink bugs doing their best.
What five or six year old doesn’t love bugs? Children will derive great pleasure looking at the inventive illustrations by Scott Nash. The cartoon like bugs are drawn with pop-eyes and many of them have only four legs but they all have some kind of human expression. The story is written in verse with a steady pace. Also, colors of bright yellow, green and orange peeks a young reader’s interest. What’s more, kids get a kick out of the ending and they learn the scientific name for spiders.
About the author: Carol Diggory Shields is a poet, librarian and a published author. In addition to The Bugliest Bug some of her published credits are Saturday Night At the Dinosaur Stomp, I Am Really A Princess (Pbk), Monday, Monday, Rise and Shine.
******
Carma Dutra is a children’s writer. Learn more about children’s writing tips and read reviews of award winning books by visiting Carma’s Window at http://carmaswindow.blogspot.com. Download the free EBooks, Tips for Children’s Writers and Illustrators, and Unite to Write, a compilation of articles from thirteen top expert authors.
Bugliest Bug,
Carma Dutra,
Carol Diggory Shields,
picture book review,
Scott Nash
from Carma Dutra, contributing editor for The National Writing for Children Center
Kirby Larson’s portfolio includes the 2007 Newbery Honor Award book, Hattie Big Sky (Delacorte); and Junior Library Guild and IndieBound Next List selection, Two Bobbies: A True Story of Hurricane Katrina, Friendship and Survival, (Walker), co-written with her good friend, Mary Nethery and illustrated by New Orleans resident, Jean Cassels. She is at work on a middle-grade historical novel, as well as a second nonfiction picture book with Mary.
Recently, Kirby Larson talked with me about her career as a children’s book author.
Carma: When did your professional writing career begin?
Kirby: Define professional! 
I sold my first piece, a personal essay about wilderness camping with my husband when we had two kids in diapers, to Signposts magazine for $12 in 1984. I began writing for children in the early 90s.
C: Can a children’s book be published without an agent?
K: Though I now have an agent, I had 6 books published without one, and I have friends who are selling successfully without agents. I think the key is to make sure you’re putting out the best work possible.
C: What is the best route to an agent?
K: See above. Do your best, be professional. And go to conferences where agents you’re interested in are presenting to suss out whether or not they might be a good match for you and for your work.
C: Do you have a favorite source of inspiration?
K: My son’s college loans, which we’re still paying off. Seriously, if I waited for inspiration, I’d be in big trouble. To paraphrase Madeleine L’Engle, the writer who waits for inspiration doesn’t get much writing done.
C: Describe what you like most about writing for children.
K: The fact that writing, reading and daydreaming are essential elements of my job, and the joy of connecting with my readers, young and old.
C: Did you have an “Aha moment” when you knew you were going to write for children or did the realization happen gradually?
K: Most of the short fiction I was writing — the stuff I cared about — featured kid characters. Then, one day, I read the picture book MING LO MOVES THE MOUNTAIN (written and illustrated by Arnold Lobel) to my then-young children and I knew what it was I wanted to do for the rest of my life: write books for children and young adults.
C: At the recent SCBWI event in Davis, California, you mentioned five years passed before Hattie Big Sky was written and published. Did you write any novels or stories during that time and if you did do you plan to publish them?
K: Hattie was a time-consuming labor of love. I did some revising of old manuscripts and note-taking on new ones on off days during that period, but that book was my primary focus. After I sold it, in the two year gap before it came out, I co-wrote TWO BOBBIES: A TRUE STORY OF HURRICANE KATRINA, FRIENDSHIP AND SURVIVAL with my dear friend, Mary Nethery. That nonfiction picture book, illustrated by Jean Cassels (a New Orleans resident), was published by Walker in August.
C: Have you ever experienced writer’s block? If so how did you break it?
K: I have definitely experienced writer’s block this past year — thanks to the Newbery Honor. I broke it by running away from home to Mexico for 2 weeks in March with another good friend. She had a book due on April 1 and so we wrote like maniacs after our morning Spanish classes every single day for each of those 2 weeks. She finished her book and I nearly finished a draft of a middle grade historical novel. Since my return home, I have finished it. Now it’s time to revise.
C: Have revisions ever changed the original intent of your story? In what way?
K: This is an intriguing question but I’m not sure how to answer it. I think revisions have changed the shape of a story and maybe individual story elements but I can’t think of a time where the intent was changed because my intent is always to tell a given story the best way I can.
C: Do you visit schools outside of Washington State? How often?
K: I’ve been on the road a lot this past year, visiting schools all around the country. I’ve even been invited to speak to an international school in Qatar in April! I do love to visit schools, but am working on slowing down the pace of my travel.
C: What projects are you working on now?
K: I am working on the revision of the middle grade historical referred to above and Mary and I are writing another narrative nonfiction picture book which will be coming out from Little Brown in Fall 09.
**************
NOTE: Last week, Kirby Larson and Bonny Becker were guests on Book Bites for Kids. Listen to a recording of that interview here.
Carma Dutra,
Hattie Big Sky,
Kirby Larson,
Two Bobbies
Reviewed by Carma Dutra, Picture Book Reviewer for the National Writing for Children Center
Title: Sneakers, the Seaside Cat
Author: Margaret Wise Brown
Illustrator: Anne Mortimer
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Harper Trophy (April 26, 2005)
ISBN-10: 0064436225
ISBN-13: 978-0064436229
Sneakers is a plump and handsome black and white cat. If you’re a cat lover, illustrations by Anne Mortimer make you want to reach through the page and snuggle with Sneakers. He accompanies his human family to the seaside for the first time. Sneakers can hardly wait to explore the sea. He smells fish and envisions he can catch them like he catches mice. Boy does he get a surprise.
“But when he dipped his careful little white paw into the blue sea, the water was wet. And it was cold. So Sneakers decided to go out in a field and look for mice instead.”
Sneakers explores the beach all by himself. He is curious as any four or five year old would be, especially when he discovers a sea shell that is yellow and pink on the outside. He has never seen anything like it so he creeps up and listens. He hears a roar like the ocean but nothing is in it. Uninterested, he moves on and walks along the beach some more. However when he experiences something very unusual, like the seaweed popping, he says “My, I’m glad I heard that.”
Sneakers’ childlike adventures will thrill children because he is not followed around by adults or told not to wander off. He experiences the wonders of the seashore without constraint. This allows readers to use their imagination to explore the seashore.
Anne Mortimer’s illustrations are just spectacular. She captures the naturalisms of a cat so well you can almost feel the fur when you touch the picture. The expressions are the best and incredibly naturalistic. I highly recommend this for young readers.
About the Author: Margaret Wise Brown (1910 – 1952) best known for her classic “Goodnight Moon” book, was a prolific author. Sneakers, the Seaside Cat is just one of Brown’s books that has been reprinted of late with new illustrations. Brown’s gift of envisioning the world through a child’s eyes is said to be responsible for transforming children’s book writing into the art form it has become today.
*****************
Carma Dutra is a freelance writer. Learn more about children’s writing tips and reviews of award winning books by visiting Carma’s Window at carmaswindow.blogspot.com.
Anne Mortimer,
book review,
Carma Dutra,
Margaret Wise Brown,
Seaside Cat,
Sneakers
Reviewed by Carma Dutra, picture book reviewer for the NWFCC
Title: Around the House the Fox Chased the Mouse: A Prepositional Tale
Author: Rick Walton
Illustrator: Jim Bradshaw
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Gibbs Smith, Publisher; 1 edition (July 14, 2006)
ISBN-10: 1423600061
ISBN-13: 978-1423600060
Everybody and everything on the farm gets disturbed when the fox chases the mouse around the house. The chase is not only around the house, it is all around the barnyard, chicken coop, where all the chickens go cross-eyed and up trees, tractors and so on. The text is simple and precise while the illustrations are hilarious. I believe children will laugh out loud when they see the fox chase the mouse between signs and the mouse tries to hide. The exaggerated postures and facial expressions clearly support the text.
This picture book is also a language lesson for early readers. As the subtitle, A Prepositional Tale implies, the words are written in a clever way introducing early readers to prepositions. Phrases like “beside the river, over the rocks” adds to a young child’s vocabulary. There is a surprise ending that is not really an ending because the young reader will be able to use his imagination and make up more chases all around the house.
About the Author: Rick Walton is the author of over sixty books for children. His works include joke books, picture books, a collection of poetry, activity books, mini-mysteries, and educational software. He loves to read, travel, play the guitar, study foreign languages, and write. Rick was born and raised in Utah, and lives in Provo with his wife and their five children. Find out more at www.rickwalton.com
***********
Carma Dutra is a freelance writer. For children’s writing tips and reviews of award winning children’s books, visit her blog,Carma’s Window.
Around the House the Fox Chased the Mouse,
Carma Dutra,
Gibbs Smith,
Jim Bradshaw,
Rick Walton
Reviewed by Carma Dutra
Title: The Candy Shop War
Author: Brandon Mull
Ages: 8 – 12 years old
Hard Cover: 407 pages
Cover Illustration: Brandon Dorman
Publisher: Shadow Mountain
ISBN: 978-1-59038-783-2
Publication: 2007
The old saying “too much candy can be bad for your health” rings true in this fast paced, action packed story. Nate and his family are new in town, which means a new school and new friends. Nate is not too happy about this but the three young friends he makes will soon become the type that last forever.
One warm afternoon on the way home from school, the four young friends decide to try out the new candy shop. However, they are short on money and are in hopes the owner will give them a sample. Belinda White, owner of the Sweet Tooth Ice Cream Candy Shoppe, offers free candy if they will perform odd jobs around town. Not only is the candy free, it’s magical too!
What kids can resist eating magical rock candy that will make them fly through the air, and sucking on jaw breakers in order to become unbreakable? Throw in a little body shifting, shock bites and talking animals and you have all the ingredients for a wild adventure.
Soon Nate and his friends Summer, Trevor and Pigeon discover the real cost of this addictive candy. Belinda White’s true identity as an evil magician begins to unfold and Nate and his friends try to turn her own power against her. It takes all the wit and imagination the quartet can conjure up with a little help from Mr. Stott the ice cream truck driver who has some magical tricks of his own. The mystery deepens and doesn’t stop until the last piece of candy has been eaten. This magical fantasy story will make any 8–12 year-old turn his imagination up a notch or two.
New York Times bestselling author Brandon Mull travels the country visiting schools, promoting literacy and sharing his message that “Imagination can take you places.” Mull teaches lessons with all his stories by adding a reading guide at the end of each book. Questions like “Between Nate, Summer, Trevor, and Pigeon, who would you most want as a friend? Why?” and “What is the best approach for handling bullies?” are designed to stimulate the readers’ deductive reasoning skills.
Also, New Regency has acquired the movie rights for The Candy Shop War so keep an eye out for this exciting project. Visit the author at www.Shadowmountain.com and his website at www.Fablehaven.com.
***************************
Carma Dutra is the owner of Carma’s Word, a creative writing and editing service a freelance writer and children’s writer. Visit her blog at http://carmaswindow.blogspot.com to read about tips on writing, author interviews, and a variety of topics regarding children.
Brandon Mull,
Carma Dutra,
childrens book review,
The Candy Shop War
Reviewed by Carma Dutra
Title: The Locket, Surviving the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire
Author: Suzanne Lieurance
Hardcover: 160 pages
Cover Illustration: Original Painting by Corey Wolfe
Ages: 9 - 12
Publisher: Enslow Publishers, Inc.
ISBN 13: 978-0-7660-2928-6
ISBN-10: 0-7660-2928-X
The Locket, Surviving the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire is a historical novel written for ages 9 to 12. It tells the story of Galena, an eleven-year-old Russian-Jewish immigrant who lives in New York City in 1911 with her family and works at the Triangle Shirtwaist Company factory with her older sister, Anya. The factory pays low wages, has horrendous working conditions and employs underage children like Galena.
In the early 1900’s, joining the union is a dangerous thing to do, but Anya longs to improve working conditions for abused workers. Soon a horrible fire erupts and destroys the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory and shatters a young girl’s dream.
Author Suzanne Lieurance weaves together the fictional and non-fictional aspects of this historical story with ease. By blending dramatic factual accounts of a historical event with realistic fictional characters, Lieurance brings the reader inside the ill-fated factory. Lieurance’s account is truly a step back in time to understand how a young Jewish immigrant girl uses the support of her Jewish traditions, family and friends for inspiration to fight for workers’ rights.
The Locket also has an educator’s guide available for teachers and parents. This guide is a fantastic supplement with additional reading suggestions, discussion questions and other activities.
******************
Carma Dutra is a children’s writer. She offers author interviews, book reviews, writing tips, and other information for fellow children writers at her blog.
Carma Dutra,
childrens historical fiction,
Suzanne Lieurance,
The Locket,
Triangle Shirtwaist
by Carma Dutra
Have you been wondering what your writing needs?
Are you talking to yourself… out loud?
Do you wonder what it would be like to talk to someone else about your writing?
Do you yearn for the passion of other writers?
If you answered Yes, you’re ready to join or create a writers’ critique group.
Critique members are supportive, critical, and attuned to the work and not the personality of an individual member. Also, they intend to publish their work.
You can find critique groups online through organizations such as the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), Children’s Writers Coaching Club (CWCC) or you can form a person-to-person group where you live. If there is no writing group in your local area, check with bookstores and libraries. Create flyers; post them in coffee shops and bookstores. Network with local organizations.
Here are 10 tips for a successful critique group:
1. Find a group with similar goals and focus. Is your group open to all genres or is it specific? Memoir? Do people want to publish? Explore character? Having similar goals and a focus will create commitment and synergy.
2. Limit the number of members. Four or five is a good starting place. If one person leaves the group, replace him/her with a new writer. Fill empty spots by invitation and agreement by the group. This builds trust and respect in your group.
3. Establish a time and day that is suitable to everyone. For example, one evening every two weeks or a weekend day. Twice a month is usually better than weekly because it gives the writers a chance to write and edit in between meetings.
4. Establish a meeting place that works for everyone. Find a coffee shop or meeting space that can accommodate the size of your group or take turns meeting at members’ homes.
5. Create a deadline for submitting work to each other by email. This way, every member should have time to read the work before the critique session.
6. Critique the writing, not the writer. Find what works and what is good. Be objective, as if the writer is absent.
Example critique: “There is a POV shift in this section…I want to know more…perhaps another word would work better here…”
Get the picture? Give the writer time to explain unanswered questions.
7. When receiving critiques…sit back and take notes. Be quiet. Let the questions and comments fly. Don’t throw heavy objects. Also, don’t spend time defending your work or explaining why you wrote things the way you did. Your writing needs to work on its own, without explanations.
8. Critiques must have a time limit. Calculate the critique time based on the length of the meeting and numbers in the group. If you have a large group you can divide up critiques every two weeks.
9. Don’t socialize too much. Your purpose is to get feedback about your work. Be reasonable. You can get to know each other in many other ways.
10. Most importantly, respect confidentiality. Make an agreement with the whole group. Don’t steal ideas, and don’t talk about the work outside the group except in general terms if necessary.
Follow these tips and soon you’ll be enjoying the support and constructive feedback that a strong writers’ critique group can provide.
********************
Carma Dutra is a children’s writer. She offers author interviews, book reviews, writing tips, and other information for fellow children writers at her blog.
Carma Dutra,
Childrens Writers Coaching Club,
critique groups,
SCBWI
So many books. So little time. I'm sure you all know the feeling.
But I've been reading up a storm the last week or so. Here's my little list:
Twisted by Laurie Halse Anderson. Comment: Wow! What a voice. I hope someday I can write a book with such an authentic male protagonist.
Life as we knew it by Susan Beth Pfeffer. Comment: I hope this wins the Prinz. I couldn't put it down. I'm trying to get my son to read it so we can discuss it. Brilliant idea, cleverly executed and incredibly thought-provoking.
The Sunflower: On the possibilities and limits of forgiveness by Simon Wiesenthal. ![[info]](http://stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif)
the_webmeister's aunt Pauline was reading this for her book club when we were in Canada, and I was so intrigued I had to order it the minute I got home. Another thought-provoking read. saramerica used it in a recent column which you can read
here.
Those who save us by Jenna Blum. My friend Malaine recommend this and as I was reading it I realized I'd already read it a while back, but it is so engrossing I didn't mind reading it again, especially given my recent visit to Germany and after reading The Sunflower and Life as we knew it. How would we react in a given life -threatening situation?
Would we be able to hold on to our deepest moral values? Or would the will to stay alive trump all?
Currently reading:
Impulse by Ellen Hopkins. I'm amazed at how much she is able to convey about the characters in verse in a short time (although I guess having read Sonya Sones' books, I shouldn't be) and how much I have come to care about these kids in a short period of time. I've got a sinking feeling that one of them isn't going to make it, and but I'm not sure which one - keep changing my mind about who is going to be the one whose demons get the better of them.
I was hoping to finish it last night but fell asleep. Note to self: go to bed to read earlier tonight!
The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick. This one's been sitting on my nightstand since my new editor extraordinaire, David Levithan, handed me a copy when I visited Scholastic HQ. I kept putting off reading it because there was so much hype and I wasn't sure what to make of it. But I picked it up this morning and Bam! I'm already engrossed. I was afraid the number of pictures would detract from my ability to get into the story, but not true. I'm already on part two and dying to know the mystery.
OK, back to the books. What are *YOU* reading these days?
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Title: Camille and the Sunflowers, A story about Vincent van Gogh
For more reviews of awarding winning children’s books, plus other resources for children’s writers, visit CarmasWindow.blogspot.com
Title: Sandlot Summit
[…] Original post by The National Writing for Children Center […]