By: Roberta Baird,
on 5/25/2012
“Nine o clock… Dad comes home today!”
As he waited, he listened to the sound of thunder and watched as the raindrops landed and then joined together in a trail that raced to the bottom of the window pane. A year is a long time to wait!
All fear faded away when he saw his Dad, dressed in army green, spotted with the weather, open the front gate and smile as he ascended the stairs.
By: nicole,
on 7/6/2011
as many of you who follow my blog already know, i did this painting for a sweet little girl named josie basta who was waiting on a heart down at AI DuPont hopsital. www.thebeatgoeson.org this was done for a silent auction that took place back in april of this year. this painting has changed my life in so many ways that if i state them i will surely start to cry while typing. (yes, it's that good:))
well, even better, is the news i received tonight...that josie's long awaited and much needed heart is finally on it's way to her. her long and harrowing journey may be coming to an end...a happy end...and in turn a beautiful beginning!:)
prayers and love to this little girl, her family and the amazing donor family willing to take part in this miracle!
By: Laurel Gaylord,
on 7/29/2009
By: Ginger Nielson,
on 10/16/2009
......with fear!
By: Paula Becker,
on 5/3/2010
By: ARIS,
on 5/27/2010
By: Kelly Herold,
on 8/14/2007
Best read with Vegemite!
Welcome to the One Shot World Tour taking us to Australia.
Today I'd like to introduce--or reacquaint--you with the Tashi books, written by mother-and-daughter team Anna and Barbara Fienberg and beautifully illustrated by Kim Gable.
I'd submit that writing early chapter books is the most difficult task of all for a writer. Kids this age, say 4-8 depending on reading skills, like predictability and the feeling of safety when venturing out on their own as new readers. I'll admit, though it pains me, that my daughter read every single MaryKate & Ashley book at this age and that I bought them for her.
The Tashi series is a breath of fresh air for the early chapter book market in the U.S. The first fourteen Tashi books have been beautifully reissued this year by Allen & Unwin. (The first Tashi books were published beginning in 1995 in Australia.) I've read all fourteen, one after the other, to my six year old and he's ready to start again from the beginning. And, guess what? I'm not dreading it--because the Tashi books are lively, entertaining, and, most importantly, literary at their core.
Indeed, most important to the Tashi series is storytelling. Each book is framed in exactly the same way: Tashi has a story to tell to his best friend Jack. Sometimes, Tashi tells his story to Jack and Jack's parents. And, sometimes, Jack himself is the narrator--retelling Tashi's story to his parents. Each story (except for the first) is framed in exactly the same way, providing the familiarity children of this age so desperately desire. When Tashi launches into each thrilling tale, he begins, "it was like this."
Tashi himself comes "from a place very far away" and dresses quite a bit like a young elf. His stories--and this is what I like most about the series--are all modified versions of fairy tale classics and take place in Tashi's home village. Tashi is a trickster character--forced to use his smarts to overcome the Baba Yaga, giants, ghosts, demons, dragons, and all manner of mythical creature. Each Tashi volume--again, except for the first--contains two stories, each perfectly sized for a bedtime reading. Be careful, though, or your youngster may trick you into two.
Kim Gable's illustrations are also perfectly suited to early chapter books. Each volume is graced by a full-color cover, while pencil sketches illustrate nearly every page of the text. Gable's style is friendly, but lush: forests are appropriately scary, but monsters--like The Big Stinker to the left here--have just enough humor to them to save young readers from nightmares.
The Fienbergs' style is lively and entertaining, and their authorial intent clear: There's always time for a good story. Sit down, listen, and enjoy.
Tashi
Tashi and the Giants
Tashi and the Ghosts
Tashi and the Genie
Tashi and the Baba Yaga
Tashi and the Demons
Tashi and the Big Stinker
Tashi and the Dancing Shoes
Tashi and the Haunted House
Tashi and the Royal Tomb
Tashi: Lost in the City
Tashi and the Forbidden Room
Tashi and the Stolen Bus
The Tashi books are perfect for the classroom as well and will find their best use in the first through third grades. Consider donating the series to a classroom or library today. (The publisher has Teacher's notes, as well as coloring sheets and activities, available here at the Tashi page.)
=============================
Other Aussie authors saluted today:
The Seven Imps interview Margo Lanagan after reviewing her new book, Red Spikes, yesterday.
Kelly Fineman talks Melina Marchetta.
Jenn at Not Your Mother's Bookclub interviews Simmone Howell
Chicken Spaghetti reviews Kathy Hoopmann's award winning All Cats Have Asperger Syndrome. (How totally true is that title?)
Gwenda at Shaken and Stirred is busy. She discusses How Sassy Changed My Life, The Red Shoes, by Ursula Dubosarsky, and talks with Margo Lanagan.
Jen Robinson discusses John Marsden's Tomorrow series.
Finding Wonderland talks Penni Russon and Jaclyn Moriarty. (They also have a bonus feature up today: Top Five Reasons for Vegemite.)
Little Willow discusses Finding Grace by Alyssa Brugman
Liz at A Chair, a Fireplace & a Tea Cozy it is all about Catherine Jinks and her four Pagan books.
Jackie at Interactive Reader posts about Randa Abdel-Fattah's Does My Head Look Big in This? and John Flanagan's The Icebound Land.
Trisha at The Ya Ya Yas interviews Queenie Chan.
Betsy talks more about John Marsden (and his amazing book, The Rabbits) and also highlights a new Hot Man of Literature: Andy Griffiths.
Jenny Davidson has interviewed mystery author Peter Temple.
Mother Reader posts on Am I Right or Am I Right? by Barry Jonsberg.
And, our organizer extraordinaire, Colleen Mondor, discusses Nick Earls' books at Chasing Ray.
Enjoy Australia, mates!
By: yesisedit,
on 1/12/2009
No matter how hard through the window to the future I look, alas tis always the past I see looking back at me in the glass and by the time the future comes around there is no way to change the things I should have done. Only a static rush of things gone by, a passing sound.
By: Ginger Nielson,
on 2/6/2009
By: Rebecca,
on 3/23/2009
We are in week four of our Word Window series in which we display an Oxford Word of the Week, culled from The Oxford English Dictionary in the widows in front of our NYC office on Madison between 34th and 35th street.
Last week’s word was: Rashomon n.: Designating something resembling or suggestive of the film Rashomon, esp. in being characterized by multiple conflicting or differing versions, perspectives, or interpretations.
In case you aren’t in NYC or didn’t get a chance to walk by the office here is what it looked like:
This week’s word is: Mondegreen
Stop by the window to see its definition or check back on the blog next week!
By: Rebecca,
on 5/18/2009
We are in week twelve of our Word Window series in which we display an Oxford Word of the Week, culled from The Oxford English Dictionary in the windows in front of our NYC office on Madison between 34th and 35th street.
Last week’s word was: Big Apple. n.: 1. Something regarded as the most significant of its kind; an object of desire or ambition. 2. Horse Racing. The New York racing circuit, considered as the pre-eminent one. 3. The city of New York
In case you aren’t in NYC or didn’t get a chance to walk by the office here is what it looked like:
This week’s word is: Cruciverbalist.
Stop by the window to see its definition or check back on the blog next week!
Oh what a bummer about moving. What a horrible thing to do to you. Hope things work out. so much fun to move. NOT. Love this kitty of yours looking out the window. Your work is so wonderful in its simplicity. Your colors make the things you paint.
Love this cat! Sure, if I were a cat, I will have lots of good dream too:)
OMG! that is so wonderful that Bliss is happy, but the prospect of moving again? how awful. I know, because we just moved recently, and it takes a great toll on the soul, finances and sanity! Maybe the new owners will be looking for a tenant??
Oh good grief lolo, I'm sure the cat reflects your settled in feelings and then to have this happen. How dam rude is that!!
Maybe there is something better on the horizon. I sure hope so.
Big hugs!
and HAW
Ohh I love this picture!
Poor Bliss having to move again, poor you.........
Just like Teri I hope that in the end you find something even better, that that you are happy this happened afterwards........ I really hope so!
HAW!!
i can't help it. you are my friend and i want to protect you. i know you don't like swearing on your blog so i will refrain slightly:
the landlord is a f---- a-----.
unlike this drawing, which is
t---- t----- (totally terrific)
if love matters, and we know it does, your riches will carry you and bri to a state of all-is-well-again.
xoxoxo!
aaaw poor little kitty. got your e mail, will answer...what a f...cow!!! happened to us once too.
It's funny how long it takes cats to adjust to their new surroundings. But they do eventually, in their own time.
I hope you will be a to settle in as well...moving is tough on the nerves...
You have got to be kidding?
Love Renee xoxo
We are both thinking kitties today.
Your white one is a beauty.
So happy to hear he is happy at the new window. How sad he will have yet one more adjustment to make when you have to move again.
And so will you. Shame on that landlord. Not nice at all to get you there when she had to know she was thinking of selling that house.
I wonder if you can sue her!
Thanks everyone. This is really small potatoes compared to people who are battling illness or losing their homes. But I'm pissed and hurt that she'd even consider this. I think we'll be able to work things out so we can stay because I have all of her emails and cancelled checks stating her intentions when we agreed to take the place.
We don't want to live here under duress however, so if we need to move on, we will.
We don't want to take matters to court, but if we have to move I'll try my best to get moving costs from her as well as the money I've already paid her.
I'm glad to know most people are true to their word most of the time. It's people like her that make trusting so hard sometimes.
The only thing I'll unpack next is my printer until I know where my permanent address will be.
I'll keep you posted!
xoxo
~L~
OH NOOOOO I can't believe it - that really SUCKS...
but HAW to you anyway...
poor lolo...I just don't like that. Bad karma for that lady.
official notice:
push laurel around, give her a hard time, or hurt her feelings and i will punch you in the nose.
officially yours,
kj
Dear Laurel I started reading such a a sweet post - darling little kitty picture - but then, oh no, you have to move again? How awful for you all - I sincerely hope you'll have success in getting your expenses paid in full.
Caroline
x
Naughty landlady...and poor Bliss having to get settled all over again - and you of course.
I feel outraged. This reminds me of why I want to buy a house as opposed to rent (which i did for many years). One is always at the whim of a landlord. I think we local folks should make some placards and march up and down the street in protest.
Sending you good vibes for the situation to turn out for the highest good for all involved. at least if you do have to move it wont be 2000 miles!
be well, suki
Poor Kitty. Pasht took a long time to settle in to this house, because in her mind it's two houses (she owns my parent's too) and there is a house in between....what a mess for a cat who doesn't care to roam.
She rules the garage and a side yard that the dogs don't go in, and the front porch and pergola. Dogs are on the pergola by invitation only, and she will circle it, trying to get them in trouble so I will put them back in the back yard. She moves outside in the spring, and back inside when the temp drops below 40.
I rarely allow her in the snake room any more because Elvis, her friend, is gone, and the other snakes are disturbed by her. She's most fascinated by Sonny, who is big enough to eat her.
A new comment for the landlady situation. Maybe that house you are in isn't where you are supposed to be right now. Don't fight too hard for it, your real home may be waiting.
Oh-you might ask the cat where your real home is-they know those things.
Oooooh noooooo! So sorry! Dangit! That is really rediculous! Well, I suppose better now then once you really got settled... and maybe it just means there is something way better out there for you. Fingers crossed!!!
Sweet little Bliss painting, by the way.
I would love to sit in the window in front of your drawing table too...What a wonderful, soul enrichening spot that would be.....Ahhhhhh!
HAW and Pshaw on the landlady. What a kick in the pants.
Dearest Lolo,
Hello, my wonderful friend. I've missed your beautiful, gentle-yet-emotional-filled art. Thank you for your good wishes and thoughtfulness. And thank you for your box of hugs. It is a gorgeous gift that will sit on my desk, always within view. Your friendship and love has made this transition all the easier to bear.
I hope everything works out with your new home and landlady. I'd hate to see you and Bliss having to readjust yet again.
With love,
bella