JacketFlap connects you to the work of more than 200,000 authors, illustrators, publishers and other creators of books for Children and Young Adults. The site is updated daily with information about every book, author, illustrator, and publisher in the children's / young adult book industry. Members include published authors and illustrators, librarians, agents, editors, publicists, booksellers, publishers and fans. Join now (it's free).
Login or Register for free to create your own customized page of blog posts from your favorite blogs. You can also add blogs by clicking the "Add to MyJacketFlap" links next to the blog name in each post.
Blog Posts by Tag
In the past 7 days
Blog Posts by Date
Click days in this calendar to see posts by day or month
Viewing: Blog Posts Tagged with: lori calabrese, Most Recent at Top [Help]
Results 1 - 19 of 19
How to use this Page
You are viewing the most recent posts tagged with the words: lori calabrese in the JacketFlap blog reader. What is a tag? Think of a tag as a keyword or category label. Tags can both help you find posts on JacketFlap.com as well as provide an easy way for you to "remember" and classify posts for later recall. Try adding a tag yourself by clicking "Add a tag" below a post's header. Scroll down through the list of Recent Posts in the left column and click on a post title that sounds interesting. You can view all posts from a specific blog by clicking the Blog name in the right column, or you can click a 'More Posts from this Blog' link in any individual post.
As adults, it’s easy for us to get entrenched in the necessities of day-to-day living whether it be money, bills, work, deadlines, marketing, dinner, laundry, family time, and the list goes on… I know because I’m guilty. As a TV producer for World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. for ten years, I was immersed in work, concentrating on my career, traveling around the globe, and trying to hold my own alongside 7 foot, 400 lb. men.
But everything changed when I started to hang around two little guys who weighed less than 30 lbs. After the birth of my two boys, I realized the importance of seeing beauty in the ordinary and opening my eyes to things I hadn’t before. I became curious and observant and enjoyed to watch a caterpillar inch along the sidewalk or the clouds drift along the sky. I gained a renewed sense of humor in gas and poop jokes and rediscovered what fun it can be to blow bubbles in your chocolate milk.
As I began to think like a kid, ideas and creativity flowed in my head like Roaring Rapids at Six Flags. I found all of my inspiration for writing came from my two boys. As a result, I felt an urge to express myself on paper.
In fact, the idea for my first picture book, The Bug That Plagued the Entire Third Grade, came to me when one of my sons had that dreaded stomach virus that makes its way around a house until it’s hit every family member! When family and friends called to see how he was doing, I would say, “He caught the bug.” It’s something we all say when we’re sick, but it made me stop and wonder why we say that. Something clicked, so I expanded on the play on words of getting sick and catching an insect. Hence… “The Bug” was born.
The idea for my second picture book, Oh the Possibilities, a work-for-hire I wrote for John Hancock’s Back to School campaign, can also be credited to my two boys. John Hancock was looking for a children’s book about that age-old question, “What do I want to be when I grow up?” Everyone always takes the time to tell me how my boys are “all boy.” And they truly are, fascinated by everything from super-heroes to dinosaurs to trucks to dragons. I was thinking about professions and thought, what boy doesn’t dream of being a dragon, right? I built off that, so when my character, Miles, realizes he only has human genes and must decide on something soon, he runs through all the possibilities.
As my writing career was starting to take shape, I discovered one of the most dramatic shifts we can make as picture book writers is to see life through a child’s eyes. After all, who are our readers? Picture books are targeted toward 4 through 8 year olds and the rule of thumb is that children want to read about characters their own age or a bit older. So how do you get inside the head of a five year old? I don’t know about you, but I’m the type of person who can’t remember what happened yesterday, so there’s not much chance of me tapping into my own childhood memories and bringing to the surface what I was feeling when I was five. So the best way for me to identify with my main characters is to hang out with my readers. There’s nothing like picking up a crayon and coloring, blowing bubbles, whizzing down a slide, and running my fingers in a sandbox for inspiration.
Chances are, if we’re writing for children, we like
11 Comments on PiBoIdMo Day 11: Lori Calabrese Finds Inspiration From Her Readers, last added: 11/11/2010
Really wonderful to share your thought process. There are so many great sayings out there “like catching The Bug” that we use all the time and don’t consider all the possibilities of the great stories that we can weave from them.
M. G. King said, on 11/11/2010 8:43:00 AM
It is great fun to climb inside the heads of our kids and experience it through their eyes. Can’t grownups be dragons, too? Great post!
ccgevry said, on 11/11/2010 9:24:00 AM
How wonderful to see you blogging here today. Lori. My kids are my inspiration too. One of my girls is all girl and the other is a tomboy with girllike moments. It makes for some interesting ideas.
Congrats on both your books. Wishing you the best.
Cheryl
Melissa Liban said, on 11/11/2010 10:13:00 AM
Nice post, I have two small boys myself, they’re always insipiring me (my 3 year old is all about poop jokes:).
Loni Edwards said, on 11/11/2010 10:19:00 AM
Thank you Lori! I agree, children are some of the greatest inspirations. I have always said my daughter was my muse.
Congrats on your books and thanks for posting!
Loni
Jessica Stanford said, on 11/11/2010 11:45:00 AM
Lori, minus the wrestling part, we’re a lot alike. I also started writing after the birth of my two boys. I refer to it as my ‘early mid-life write this’. There’s just something about having children (especially boys) that has away of catapulting us back into our past. Everything suddenly becomes fresh and new,and all the things that we take for granted become interesting again. And you’re right, poop and gas have never been funnier. LOL! Thanks for sharing your story with us!
Christie Wright Wild said, on 11/11/2010 12:33:00 PM
I came across your books online just the other day. That’s pretty cool. My children are 4 and 6, (girl and boy) and they certainly provide lots of inspiration. Thanks for sharing.
Shannon O'Donnell said, on 11/11/2010 1:51:00 PM
Great advice! My current chapter was completely inspired my one of my kids, and so was one of my PB’s.
Lynne Marie said, on 11/11/2010 3:37:00 PM
How inspiring that you have taken real life and made it into fun fiction! Thanks for sharing your story behind the story and writing advice
Michelle Dennis Evans said, on 11/11/2010 5:47:00 PM
Great post. Kids give us so much inspiration. thanks for sharing such great advice
Lori Calabrese said, on 11/11/2010 6:33:00 PM
I enjoyed reading everyone’s comments. I’m glad to see that many others find inspiration from their own kids as well.
Let’s face it, kids are so much fun and everything from their smiles to their questions to their laughter brighten our days. (Okay–maybe not their temper tantrums, but even those can be a source of inspiration!)
Hope everyone’s finding their inspiration from somewhere and I can’t wait to read about the books that all started right here at PiBoIdMo!
The Bug That Plagued the Entire Third Grade is a delightful picture book written in rhyme about a boy who wants to win the school's Bug-A-Fair and become Student of the Year.
It all starts when Matt finds a strange-looking bug on his Dad's car. He takes it home, puts it in a jar, and tries to find out what kind of bug it is. But no matter how many books on insects he checks, he can't find it anywhere. Finally, a chance of being recognized at school! Why, the bug could even be a Mighty Bug! Then things get complicated when Matt catches a different kind of bug--the flu! His mom tells him to stay home, but nothing will stop Matt from going to school and winning the fair. Of course, now that he's sick, it isn't only the newly-found bug he brings with him, but also the microscopic one inside his body!
What I really enjoyed about this story is the way the author skillfully combines verse and a complete plot with a clear beginning, middle and end. Each line of verse is essential in moving the tale forward. The book also has a melodic rhythm that young kids will enjoy listening to again and again. The cartoon-like illustrations are simple and colorful. I particularly enjoyed the clever way the author weaves the two types of 'bugs' by playing with the language. This is Lori Calabrese's first children's book but based on this talented debut, I'm sure it won't be her last.
If you're interested in purchasing this book or finding out more about it, visit the author's website at http://www.loricalabrese.com.
Watch the trailer:
5 Comments on Review of The Bug That Plagued the Entire Third Grade, by Lori Calabrese, last added: 11/3/2010
This sure sounds like a fun picture book for kids. I am sure that kids everywhere would love it. Did you say this was her first book? Well I see a great childrens book author coming then...
Being the owner of a pest control company...the title is adorable! i sent your link to several homeschool groups that I attend for events! Loved your post! Genma The Bug Lady www.genmaspeaks.com
Fantastic!! I am always looking for fun new books to read my kids. This one sounds right up our alley. Bugs are a favorite around here!! Thanks for sharing a great review with us.
Welcome to Day One of The Bug That Plagued the Entire Third Grade Virtual Book Tour! Many people still ask--What is a virtual book tour? It's simple...it's a lot like a physical book tour where authors visit bookstores to connect with their readers, but instead of visiting bookstores, I'll be traveling the blogosphere all month long to talk to you guys!
I hope you can follow along, enter some of the great giveaways, and be sure to leave a comment at these amazing blog stops (did I say how it's a great way to discover some new blogs?). And guess what--if you do just that, you could win a The Bug That Plagued the Entire Third Grade Prize Pack that includes...
-a tote bag -t-shirt -Make your own bug jar craft kit -Make your own bug magnifying glass craft kit -Calendar magnet -pen -bookmark -and an autographed HARDCOVER copy of The Bug That Plagued the Entire Third Grade
So make sure you leave me a note at some of these great blogs, make sure your email is in your profile or comment, so I can reach you and you'll automatically be entered (Contest open to U.S. Only/ Winner will be announced December 1st)...
I'm honored to be one of the featured authors and will talk about my new picture book, The Bug That Plagued the Entire Third Grade and why giving books as gifts for the holidays is a good thing!
Hope you can join me!
(If you're unable to listen at 4 p.m., there will be a recording of the show, so you can listen whenever it's convenient for you. I'll be sure to put the link up for everyone who's interested)
0 Comments on Join me today at Robin Falls Kids! as of 11/1/2010 2:00:00 PM
I had the pleasure of being interviewed today by Erin Moulton over at The Day Job: A Writer's Inquiry. The blog explores the day to day jobs of writers and authors. I don't know about you, but I'm always intrigued and a bit envious of writers who are able to keep up their writing with a day job!
It was fun thinking of some of the past jobs I've held and how I made the dive into freelance writing.
Hope you get the chance to stop by and leave a comment.
0 Comments on Visit me at the Day Job as of 1/1/1900
Lori Calabrese is an award-winning children’s author. Her first picture book, The Bug That Plagued the Entire Third Grade, was named Dragonfly Publishing Inc.’s 2009 Best Children’s Book. She writes for various children’s magazines, is the National Children’s Books Examiner at Examiner.com, and enjoys sharing her passion for children’s books at festivals, schools and events. Visit her website to learn more, loricalabrese.com
Lori–you’re a member of Indie-Debut 2010, a group that supports small presses. How did you find your small press and why did you choose to publish with them?
I found my publisher, Dragonfly Publishing, Inc., online. Since 2008, DFP has held a children’s picture book contest. DFP has to keep their submissions closed most of the time because they get too many and just can’t physically handle the volume—a testament to the truth that small presses are growing. As a result, Senior Editor Pat Gaines came up with the wonderful idea to give aspiring authors and illustrators an opportunity to get their books in print by holding this contest. I had learned of the contest and entered each year. Unfortunately, the manuscript I sent in 2008 didn’t make the cut, but I was pleasantly surprised to learn my entry for 2009 (The Bug That Plagued the Entire Third Grade) won 1st place for Best Children’s Book and came along with a book contract. Needless to say, I was buzzing.
I know that The Bug That Plagued the Entire Third Grade is out just in time for back to school. One of the topics covered is germs. How did you come up with the play on words of catching a bug?
The Bug That Plagued the Entire Third Grade took a long time to evolve into what it did. It all started when one of my sons got that dreaded stomach virus—ya’ know the one every parent cringes at when they realize their kid has it. When everyone asked how he was doing, I would say, “He caught the bug.” It made me stop and wonder why we say that. Something clicked, so I expanded on the play on words of getting sick and catching an insect. But then I needed an insect. What would it be? I researched and researched and discovered The Hines Emerald Dragonfly. I knew it was the right one!
The Hines Emerald Dragonfly is the only dragonfly placed on the Federal Endangered Species List. Why was it important for you to educate young readers about The Hines Emerald Dragonfly?
I’ve always been amazed at dragonflies and enjoy when one pops up in my backyard. I usually find myself mesmerized because they’re like little helicopters. Dragonflies can fly at speeds up to 35 miles per hour. They can hover, fly backward
1 Comments on Interview with children’s author Lori Calabrese, last added: 9/15/2010
Tweets that mention Cheryl Rainfield: » Interview said, on 9/15/2010 2:28:00 PM
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Cheryl Rainfield, Lori Calabrese and Lori Calabrese, IndeDebut2010. IndeDebut2010 said: RT @CherylRainfield: Interview w children's author @lcalabrese on her new book & more! http://ht.ly/2Dj20 #kidlit [...]
The road to publication for many is often a bumpy one, and it’s ultimately up to you the writer, to decide which way you want to steer. Should you turn that wheel and head toward the bright lights of New York City, gleaming skyscrapers and huge corporations? Or should you turn that wheel toward the cottages and bed & breakfasts that line rural America? Unfortunately, there isn’t a road map or GPS guiding an author to their destiny. It’s up to you, the writer to decide which direction you’d like to go.
Sure, we would all love an urban oasis where our books are abound, line endcaps across America’s bookstores, and grace the bestseller list, but not every author has the same fate as Suzanne Collins or Stephanie Myer. Just as in any business, you must start somewhere, and not only are small presses accessible to beginning writers, they also provide opportunities during a fickle economy. The odds of getting published by a “major” publishing house are dwindling because of a failing economy. But there are so many wonderful stories that need to shared and that’s where small presses come in.
While the big publishing companies have been merging, the number of small presses has been increasing. Small presses are independently owned; they are not part of a corporation, and many if not most of them are devoted to a specific mission other than, or in addition to, maximizing profits.
Small presses tend to fill the niches that larger publishers neglect. They can focus on regional titles, narrow specializations, niche genres, and books that do not fit neatly into a commercial mold. And big presses seem to have a pretty specific set of molds right now. In a troubling economy, some big publishers are leery of taking on an unknown author, but it’s small presses that are taking a chance on new authors and championing new voices.
In the little-guy economy, the personal wins and this is one of a small press’s strengths. There’s a premium on the individual and getting an e-mail from somebody who says, ‘Hey, check this out,’ means a lot more to the recipient than a mass e-mail from the publicity department of a large corporation.
A writer can expect to work closely with the publisher, editor, and perhaps cover artist of a small press. Getting more personally involved with the publishing experience, having more input and control, dealing directly with their own contracts, and marketing their books provides a learning experience, one that provides a great stepping stone for eventually working with the Big Guys.
And last but not least, there’s the reward of seeing your work in print. As in any endeavor, writers need encouragement, one of the reasons why most of us continue to write. If your book is accepted by a small press, chances are they’ll be extremely enthusiastic and carry that enthusiasm all the way through to publication. In other words, you won’t be competing with 1,000 other books for in-company attention.
Small businesses face considerable challenges, and you don’t get any more small business than a small press. Big publishing houses can’t possibly publish all the books out there which is why the small press is an important engine for writers. So when you rev your own engine and hit the pedal to the metal, be sure to analyze your dreams of publishing and your goals for literary success. You might find yourself off the beaten path, but at a small stop that offers BIG rewards.
==========================
Lori Calabrese is an award-winning children’s author.
6 Comments on GUEST POST: Publishing with a Small Press by Lori Calabrese, last added: 9/2/2010
Tweets that mention Cheryl Rainfield: » GUEST POS said, on 9/2/2010 1:56:00 AM
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Cheryl Rainfield, Crystal Wilkinson. Crystal Wilkinson said: RT @CherylRainfield: Publishing with a Small Press by @lcalabrese http://ht.ly/2ylsa #kidlit #writers [...]
Lori Calabrese said, on 9/2/2010 6:19:00 AM
Cheryl,
Thanks so much for letting me share my guest post. It’s a pleasure to be at your blog!
All the best,
Lori
Donna McDine said, on 9/2/2010 7:33:00 AM
Lori:
What a wonderful and informative guest post at Cheryl’s blog. Best wishes for your continued success.
Warm regards,
Donna
Kristi Bernard said, on 9/2/2010 9:22:00 AM
This is great information Lori. I would love the opportunity to start with a small press. I think the challenge of large corporations can be a bit scary.
Kai Strand said, on 9/2/2010 9:26:00 AM
Lori, great post about the highlights of publishing w/a small press. Thanks for hosting her, Cheryl.
Beth Reinke said, on 9/2/2010 10:43:00 AM
Nice summary of working with a small publisher, Lori. Love your writing style. )
Time once more for Featured Blogger Friday. This week's wonderful bloggy visitor is Lori Calabrese. Welcome Lori!
Firstly, why do you blog?My name is Lori and I have a blog problem. No, seriously—I blog because I’m addicted. If I don’t blog, I get cranky! There used to be a time when I never really understood the blog thing. Imagine that! It was when blogs first started. For some reason, it
7 Comments on Featured Blogger Friday: Lori Calabrese, last added: 6/26/2010
Wow, I learned so much about Lori. Wonderful interview!<br /><br />Lori, you really DO forget to mention your own writing - LOL. I don't think your book, The Bug That Plagued the Entire Third Grade, was even mentioned. ;o)
Ever wonder what goes on in the amazing brains of the world's "whiz kids"? No one knows exactly. What we do know is that throughout history some young people have shown amazing abilities. Meet them in this month's issue of APPLESEEDS.
There are so many fascinating articles in this jam-packed issue, including my article on Maria Agnesi. Agnesi was an amazing woman to research because she was educated at a time when females were expected to take care of the house. She was the eldest of 21 children (yes, you read that right--how times have changed!), tutored her brothers and wrote the first mathematics book by a woman that still survives.
Definitely check out this issue to learn about an amazing group of child prodigies!
0 Comments on Meet the Witch of Agnesi as of 1/1/1900
I've always been amazed at the fact that the water in the ocean is the same water that rains on us. I could sit on the beach for hours just staring at the huge blue ocean and I don't know why, but it always has such a calming effect. Today is World Ocean Day. Created in 1992 at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro - although not yet officially designated by the United Nations - World Oceans Day is an opportunity each year to celebrate our world ocean and our personal connection to the sea.
Be sure to check out my latest article in the June 2009 issue of Stories for Children Magazine titled, An Ocean of Caring. Today's a wonderful day to teach young readers about the importance of our ocean, what it offers us, and what we need to do to protect it.
You can read my article for FREE, but you should really consider downloading the entire issue now for only .99 cents! It's worth it!
Nonfiction Monday takes place at various wonderful blogs throughout the Kidlitosphere! Today, you can check out the Roundup at Charlotte's Library. To see the blog schedule for Nonfiction Monday, please visit Anastasia Suen's Picture Book of the Day.
4 Comments on An Ocean of Caring, last added: 6/23/2009
I didn't know about World Ocean Day or I would have participated in some way! That will teach me for reading blogs late. Thank you for enlightening me, Lori. I loved your article, "The Ocean of Caring." I didn't know that seaweed is used to make ice cream so I learned something new! What a wonderful and informative blog you have!
Congratulations on your Kreativ Blogger Award too - you definitely deserve it!
Congratulations on your award, Lori! Well done! I hope that I will get to red "The Bug That Plagued The Entire Third Grade" some day. All the best, Christine
I'm thrilled to announce I won 1st place in Dragonfly Publishing, Inc.'s 2009 Picture Book Contest for my manuscript, The Bug That Plagued the Entire Third Grade! What a way to celebrate Children's Book Week! I'm happy and excited to work with Dragonfly Publishing, Inc. who publishes amazing books! (If you haven't checked out last year's winner, Alley Loo: A Spooky Swamp Tale, it's a fun, spooky tale for young children!
When I made the decision to be a stay-at-home Mom, I had no idea where it would take me. I'm grateful to be able to spend everyday with my two sons and I'm also grateful that a new set of doors has opened for me. Reading tons of children's books from the library inspired me to write my own, and I enjoy seeing what stories and worlds magically appear on my computer. I look forward to sharing them with children and love to see their faces light up when they're entertained. I love being a writer, especially for children!
I enjoyed working on this manuscript and seeing it evolve has truly been an adventure! I cannot wait to share this book with everyone. I'll keep you posted as things unfold here at my blog and my official author website at http://loricalabrese.com.
Lastly, I would like to thank all of you for your support and I look forward to sharing with you the emotions that will come on this road to publication!
P.S.: Watch out for The Bug!
10 Comments on BIG News! The Bug That Plagued the Entire Third Grade is Abuzz!, last added: 5/18/2009
Google Alert brought me the news via a press release, so i dropped by to congratulate you "in person". Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful! I'll look forward to seeing your book!
Thanks so much for recommending the article, Mayra!
Your recent review for Examiner.com of Beautiful Moon, Bella Luna makes me want to rush out and get the book. The cover is amazing! Thanks for the recommendation! :)
Ever wonder about those little square pieces of paper you stick to your envelopes that allow you to send them from one place to another? That's right, those same square pieces of paper that, beginning today, cost .44 cents! If so, be sure to check out my latest article in the May 2009 issue of Stories for Children Magazine titled, "Big Jobs for Little Stamps."
Writers go through so many stamps, it got me thinking...when did we start using stamps, how are they made, and who decides what's pictured on a stamp?
This article was tons o' fun to write and I can't say enough positive things about the entire May 2009 issue of Stories for Children Magazine. You'll be amazed at the amount of articles, stories, crafts, puzzles, and games that the magazine offers. You can read my article for FREE, but you should really consider downloading the entire issue now for only .99 cents! It's worth it!
Nonfiction Monday takes place at various wonderful blogs throughout the Kidlitosphere! Today, you can check out the Roundup at Book Scoops. To see the blog schedule for Nonfiction Monday, please visit Anastasia Suen's Picture Book of the Day.
3 Comments on Big Jobs for Little Stamps, last added: 5/13/2009
Okay, it might be one small step for man, but it's one giant leap for Lori Calabrese Writes! I'm excited to announce the official launch of
If you get the chance, I'd love for you to stop by and check out the new digs.
As part of the brand new Lori Calabrese website launch, I have a book giveaway and all you have to do to enter is head on over to LoriCalabrese.com and...
1. Sign up for my free newsletter (you'll probably only receive 2-3 newsletters a year)
Then, come back here to the Lori Calabrese Writes! blog and leave me a comment, letting me know what you think!
That simple and you're in the running to win a hardcover of Bird by Zetta Elliot. The deadline to enter is April 1st!
While you're there, don't forget to sign my guestbook!
Just when you thought that was all! We've been busy, and we have another announcement coming soon. Keep stopping by to see what's happening at Lori Calabrese Writes!
And hopefully, Houston, we won't have a problem!
7 Comments on 10...9...8...7...6...5...4...3...2...1, last added: 4/6/2009
Hey Everyone! I hope everybody's enjoying the first full week of the New Year. Everybody's back to blogging, we're flooded with end of the year reading lists, and everyone's made their New Year's Resolutions, right?
Some of my resolutions are to write more, submit more, and stay on top of the market. One way to stay on top of the market is to subscribe to a few of the newsletters that are available out there. (I say a few because frankly, there are just too many and who has the time to read them all? I wish there was more time in the day, but unfortunately, that's just not the case).
If you're going to read any newsletter, make sure you read the February '09 issue of the "Write What Inspires You" Newsletter. I have two great reasons for you- 1. It's FREE! 2. I had the pleasure of being interviewed by Donna and it will be featured in that issue!
The newsletter was just launched in December and has already had two awesome issues! Donna provides author, illustrator, and editor interviews, book reviews, reflections, and a proclaim your successes section. You can read an interview with Donna at J. Aday Kennedy's blog to find more about the newsletter, how it started, and answer any questions you might have about starting your own.
Please visit Donna's website to sign up (it's in the top right corner) now, so you won't miss the February issue and won't miss reading my interview. It was a lot of fun!
Also in the February issue... Illustrator Interview with Jeff Miracola Book review of Welcome to Monster Isle Reflections or Dreams article by author L. Diane Wolfe. Editor Interview with Jon Bard of Children’s Book Insider
I can't wait to read the interview with Jon Bard. Children's Book Insider has revamped their look and created the CBIClubhouse for subscribers! It's a community for children’s writers packed with audio, video, special features and ways to connect with fellow writers worldwide.If you want to check out the great community of Fightin’ Bookworms, all you have to do is visit http://cbiclubhouse.com.
0 Comments on I'm Being Interviewed in the February 2009 issue of the "Write What Inspires You" Newsletter! as of 1/6/2009 9:29:00 AM
Stories for Children Magazine is a wonderful online children's magazine. It's loaded with fun stories and articles based on age-appropriate reading levels. There are also puzzles, games, children’s book reviews, crafts, and poems to inspire the imagination.
I'm pleased to have my nonfiction article titled "What is Weather?" for ages 3-6 in this month's issue.
HOP over to their website to read the jam-packed issue!
0 Comments on What is Weather? is in Stories for Children Magazine! as of 8/4/2008 4:46:00 PM
Stories for Children Magazine is a wonderful online children's magazine. It's loaded with fun stories and articles based on age-appropriate reading levels. There are also puzzles, games, children’s book reviews, crafts, and poems to inspire the imagination. A Children's Author or Illustrator is also known to stop by, hoping to make a new friend along their journey into the World of Ink. This month is children's author, Laura Purdie Salas.
Middleworld The Janguar Stones: Book One by J&P Voelkel
Fourteen-year-old Max Murphy is used to getting his own way. So he's dismayed to learn that his parents, who are archaeologists, are heading to Central America for a dig and that they've signed Max up to spend the summer at a camp that builds character in teenagers through survival training. But when Max's parents disappear, Max finds himself heading to San Xavier (a fictional Central American country) to search for his parents, instead. In San Xavier, Max is caught between factions seeking the Jaguar Stones, ancient Mayan stones of power. Accompanied by Lola, a Mayan girl who can communicate with monkeys, Max tries to find the Jaguar Stones, summon an ancient Mayan king, and rescue his parents from the Mayan Lords of Death, before the evil Count Antonio DeLanda can collect the stones and take over the world.
Middleworld is a fast-paced, unique, and fascinating story. The non-stop action drives the story along, while at the same time the book provides a fascinating look at Mayan culture, both ancient and modern. While some elements of the story are fictional - notably the country of San Xavier and the Jaguar Stones themselves, the authors go to a great deal of effort in both a preface and in the appendices to separate fact from fiction. Those appendices provide a great deal of information about the Maya for anyone interested in learning more, and a bibliography gives an extensive list of sources.
The only problem I had with the book was that because Max is spoiled, selfish, and petulant at the beginning of the book, he's not a very likable character. These flaws are important to the story, and he does develop and grow as the story progresses, but it makes it very hard to identify with him for the first part of the book, which tends to yank you out of the story. By halfway through the book, he's become a much better character, and the the second half of the book is much enhanced by the addition of two ancient Mayan royals in the form of howler monkeys, who provide a welcome comic relief.
All it all, Middleworld an enjoyable book that should appeal to adventure-loving reluctant readers, as well as young people interested in ancient cultures.
0 Comments on Book Review: Middleworld as of 9/1/2007 5:20:00 PM
by 
In fact, the idea for my first picture book, The Bug That Plagued the Entire Third Grade, came to me when one of my sons had that dreaded stomach virus that makes its way around a house until it’s hit every family member! When family and friends called to see how he was doing, I would say, “He caught the bug.” It’s something we all say when we’re sick, but it made me stop and wonder why we say that. Something clicked, so I expanded on the play on words of getting sick and catching an insect. Hence… “The Bug” was born.
.jpg?picon=1267)
Welcome to Day One of The Bug That Plagued the Entire Third Grade Virtual Book Tour! Many people still ask--What is a virtual book tour? It's simple...it's a lot like a physical book tour where authors visit bookstores to connect with their readers, but instead of visiting bookstores, I'll be traveling the blogosphere all month long to talk to you guys! 
Prize Pack that includes...
.jpg?picon=980)
Lori Calabrese is an award-winning children’s author. Her first picture book, 
, was named Dragonfly Publishing Inc.’s 2009 Best Children’s Book. She writes for various children’s magazines, is the National Children’s Books Examiner at Examiner.com, and enjoys sharing her passion for children’s books at festivals, schools and events. Visit her website to learn more, 
The Bug That Plagued the Entire Third Grade took a long time to evolve into what it did. It all started when one of my sons got that dreaded stomach virus—ya’ know the one every parent cringes at when they realize their kid has it. When everyone asked how he was doing, I would say, “He caught the bug.” It made me stop and wonder why we say that. Something clicked, so I expanded on the play on words of getting sick and catching an insect. But then I needed an insect. What would it be? I researched and researched and discovered The Hines Emerald Dragonfly. I knew it was the right one!
6 Comments on GUEST POST: Publishing with a Small Press by Lori Calabrese, last added: 9/2/2010
)
, it's a fun, spooky tale for young children! 
Really wonderful to share your thought process. There are so many great sayings out there “like catching The Bug” that we use all the time and don’t consider all the possibilities of the great stories that we can weave from them.
It is great fun to climb inside the heads of our kids and experience it through their eyes. Can’t grownups be dragons, too? Great post!
How wonderful to see you blogging here today. Lori. My kids are my inspiration too. One of my girls is all girl and the other is a tomboy with girllike moments. It makes for some interesting ideas.
Congrats on both your books. Wishing you the best.
Cheryl
Nice post, I have two small boys myself, they’re always insipiring me (my 3 year old is all about poop jokes:).
Thank you Lori! I agree, children are some of the greatest inspirations. I have always said my daughter was my muse.
Congrats on your books and thanks for posting!
Loni
Lori, minus the wrestling part, we’re a lot alike. I also started writing after the birth of my two boys. I refer to it as my ‘early mid-life write this’. There’s just something about having children (especially boys) that has away of catapulting us back into our past. Everything suddenly becomes fresh and new,and all the things that we take for granted become interesting again. And you’re right, poop and gas have never been funnier. LOL! Thanks for sharing your story with us!
I came across your books online just the other day. That’s pretty cool. My children are 4 and 6, (girl and boy) and they certainly provide lots of inspiration. Thanks for sharing.
Great advice! My current chapter was completely inspired my one of my kids, and so was one of my PB’s.
How inspiring that you have taken real life and made it into fun fiction! Thanks for sharing your story behind the story and writing advice
Great post. Kids give us so much inspiration. thanks for sharing such great advice
I enjoyed reading everyone’s comments. I’m glad to see that many others find inspiration from their own kids as well.
Let’s face it, kids are so much fun and everything from their smiles to their questions to their laughter brighten our days. (Okay–maybe not their temper tantrums, but even those can be a source of inspiration!)
Hope everyone’s finding their inspiration from somewhere and I can’t wait to read about the books that all started right here at PiBoIdMo!