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by Amy M. O’Quinn

Like most other Americans, I did some major goal setting at the beginning of the year for the next twelve months. I have some good intentions, and perhaps this will be the year I have the satisfaction of completing them by December 31st.

I have often heard that writing down the things you want to accomplish is the first key to success. I recently read a book called Write It Down, Make It Happen by Henriette Anne Klauser, and while I don’t necessarily endorse or plan to do everything she recommends, I do think it’s a good resource for anyone who is interested in goal setting. It is a book that really helps the reader “focus” on what he/she wants to achieve, and how to take the necessary steps to move forward.

However, another important key is visualizing or having a clear picture in our minds of exactly what it is that we want to do or be. It is a driving factor to keep us motivated through the whole process. We can “see” the prize or outcome, and that picture keeps us going.

Is Visualization Effective?

I recently heard of two stories that illustrate how effective visualization can be. The first was about an experiment done where two groups of basketball players were shooting free throws. The first group of players actually practiced shooting free throws for at least an hour a day for several days that week. The other group of players was not allowed to actually shoot the ball at all. However, they were required to picture themselves shooting free throws for the same amount of time as the first group—but only in their minds. They had to ‘incorporate’ all five senses as they visualized themselves shooting the perfect free throw. At the end of the experiment, when both groups actually got on the court to shoot, the ‘visualizers’ outperformed the other group!

Another story involved a POW during the Vietnam War. Before capture, this young man had been an avid golfer, so to pass the time in his small cell, he ‘played’ the game of golf in his mind every day. He’d go through every course he ever played, and visualize each and every detail. After his release some ten years later, he played his best golf game ever! As one writer commented, his body carried out what his mind already knew how to do!

Visualization for Writers

So what does visualization have to do with writing success? It’s the same principle as if we wanted to lose weight, redecorate a room, or eliminate debt—we “see” the outcome in our mind’s eye. We are able to recognize the benefits, advantages, and rewards that will be ours if we reach the goal. In addition, that vision spurs us on to action to get the job done.

Do you picture yourself holding a book with your name on the cover, or perhaps simply reading a story to your children that you wrote with them in mind? Do you see yourself doing an author visit or presentation at a school or library, or maybe even passing out copies of the family history you compiled to your loved ones? What will it take to make those images into reality? One thing is for sure—you’ll already be motivated!

Story or Scene Visualization

There is also another type of visualization, called story or scene visualization. When I am writing a manuscript, I must first “see” the different segments of my story played out, much like a movie, in my mind. I need to picture the characters—what they look like, how they sound, how they move, etc. I also need to smell, touch, and perhaps even ‘taste’ these parts of my story as much as possible.

When we as writers immerse

by Amy M. O’Quinn

Classical music. Art Appreciation. Nature Study. Poetry and Shakespeare. These areas of study may sound like complicated courses that are best left alone until the high school or college years, but young children can certainly benefit from an acquaintance with the fine arts as well. As parents, we all want our children to be well rounded and educated to the best of our abilities. We expect teachers (or ourselves if we homeschool) to cover the basics such as reading, writing, and arithmetic, but there is also something so satisfying about recognizing a Monet or a Cezanne, or hearing and identifying music composed by Mozart or Tchaikovsky.

There is joy in taking a walk, finding a special leaf to sketch in a nature journal, and later discovering in a field guide that it belongs to an aspen tree. And who hasn’t heard or read a common phrase (such as green-eyed monster) that can be traced back to the pen of William Shakespeare?

Why Study Fine Arts?

Charlotte Mason, a 19th century British educator, believed that exposing children to great ideas and beauty in all areas inspired them to greatness as well. She theorized that by letting them become familiar with the best artists, composers, and writers, they would be less willing to settle for mediocrity in themselves. As Elizabeth Gutman said in her book, The Story of Art, part of The Bookshelf for Boys and Girls series:
“The magic power of art can arouse all kinds of emotions in us, from simple joy to much deeper feelings. And artists are great people whose works can gladden our eyes, enrich our thoughts, and deepen our feelings.”

I think these words can apply to ALL areas of the fine arts. And with today’s norm of following the crowd or being happy with the status quo, we should want our children to be inspired and motivated to strive for more—to reach for excellence instead of being content with the marginal.

In my monthly contribution to the “Parenting and Teaching Tip” column over the next few weeks, I’d like to explore some of these areas in more depth. But for this particular column, I will focus on “picture study”, which is one facet of art appreciation.

Picture Study

Introducing a new artist or a specific piece of art is very easy to do. Many websites have lists of suggested artist rotations, but it’s better to choose one artist’s work to study at a time so the child can become familiar with the style and at least four of his/her pieces of artwork. My twelve-year-old son recently studied the work of Mary Cassatt, and he can now easily recognize her paintings.

We began our study of Mary Cassatt by reading more about her life in a biography. Then I had him focus only on her painting, Children On the Beach (1884). I let him study the picture for several minutes, then I turned it over and asked him to describe what he remembered about the painting, even the little details. Afterwards, we turned the picture back over to see how well he’d seen it all in his ‘mind’s eye.’ We talked about the medium used, the colors, the subjects, etc. We did this for several days, and each time he remembered more and more about the painting. On another occasion, I had him try to re-create the painting himself from memory. Although not a natural artist, he did quite well! We went on to study three more of her paintings before moving on to a new artist.

On another note, I had a large framed poster of Children On the Beach hanging in my children’s bathroom. When my little ones (ages 2 and 4) took a bath, we would look at the painting and talk about it. It’s amazing how much they learned about Mary Cassatt’s work in just a few minutes each night! They remembered almost as much as their older brother, and it was just that simple.

Some people choose to make artists t

Reviewed by Amy M. O’Quinn for the National Writing for Children Center

Title: What’s New At the Zoo?
Author: Suzanne Slade
Illustrator: Joan Waites
Reading Level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Sylvan Dell Publishing (June 10, 2009)
ISBN-10: 1607180383
ISBN-13: 978-1607180418

Want an easy way to introduce or reinforce basic addition while also getting a nature lesson to boot? Then check out Suzanne Slade’s fantastic book, What’s New At the Zoo?, one of Sylvan Dell’s Fall 2009 titles, for an educational, yet entertaining, resource.

What’s New At the Zoo? has the subtitle “An Animal Adding Adventure,” and young readers will indeed enjoy learning basic addition as they combine sets of different sets of zoo animals for a total sum on each full-color, two-page spread. They’ll also discover what the babies of various animals are called, what they eat, and about some of their activities.

The colorful illustrations and fun rhyming verses mesh together to create a first rate picture book—one that will have children eagerly turning pages. And at the end of the book, readers will be able to count the total number of animals featured at the zoo.

Sylvan Dell does an outstanding job of producing books that combine math and science concepts with an interesting story to carry the action or simply provide the background for the lessons that are taught or introduced. What’s New At The Zoo? is no exception.

And as always, the ‘For Creative Minds’ section at the back of the book provides extra activities and/or information. In fact, this particular book includes two methods of teaching addition, a section on using fact families, and an animal matching activity. But there are tons more resources and even ebook versions on the Sylvan Dell website at SylvanDellPublishing.com for this book and many more.

About the Author: Suzanne Slade is the author of more than sixty books for children, both fiction and non-fiction. One of her favorite parts of the writing process is researching and learning about new topics. Ms. Slade lives near Chicago with her husband, Mike, two children. You can visit her website at suzanneslade.com.

About the Illustrator: Joan Waites, a former neo-natal intensive care nurse, has been a freelance illustrator for over eighteen years. In addition to What’s New at the Zoo? Joan has illustrated nearly 40 books for the educational and trade marketplace. She is also an adjunct faculty member of The Corcoran Museum School of Art and Design in Washington, DC. Her website is joanwaites.com.

Visit Amy O’Quinn at amyoquinn.com or homeschoolblogger.com/picketfencemom.

Reviewed by Amy M. O’Quinn for the National Writing for Children Center

Title: Moose and Magpie
Written by: Bettina Restrepo
Illustrated by: Sherry Rogers
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Sylvan Dell Publishing (June 10, 2009)
ISBN-10: 1607180421
ISBN-13: 978-1607180425

Moose and Magpie is one of the new books in the Sylvan Dell Fall 2009 line-up, and young readers will be double-served by this witty anthropomorphic tale by Bettina Restrepo as they learn fascinating facts about moose while also having their funny bones tickled. Mrs. Restrepo uses a clever play on words to create jokes and riddles within the text that are sure to garner a few giggles throughout the book. Educational material with a humorous twist—definitely a win-win choice for this age group!

Readers will discover all sorts of interesting information as they follow Moose, Magpie, and several of their friends on their adventures and activities through the seasons of one year and find out what changes happen during that time. For example:

How do moose antlers grow and why do they fall off? Then what happens to the antlers?

What is a girl moose called? A boy?

What is a moose’s bell?

What does a moose eat?

How is a moose’s hair different from the hair of other animals?

Does a moose migrate?

Is a moose a good swimmer?

How does a moose get a mate?

Of course, since Magpie is Moose’s joke-telling sidekick, we also learn more about magpies as well—and why the two animals get along so well. Do you know the reason? It’s a good one!

Sherry Rogers has done an outstanding job on the illustrations as well, and children will enjoy perusing all the hilarious and whimsical pictures on the full color two-page spreads. The illustrations of the “literally interpreted” antics of the raccoon, beaver, and skunk are wonderful!

I also like how the publisher has added in ‘fact boxes’ on certain pages to highlight pertinent facts throughout the story. And as always, the ‘For Creative Minds’ section at the back of the book is excellent, as well as helpful for parents and teachers. Included are: Is It For Real: Moose and Birds, What Do Moose Eat?, Moose Antlers, Moose Life Cycle, Match The Moose Body Part to Its Adaptation, and Moose Fun Facts. You can also find more activities and free online resources and support for Magpie and Moose, as well as other titles, at www.sylvandell.com.

About the Author: Bettina Restrepo lives with her family in Texas, and this is her first picture book. However, her writing has appeared in Highlights for Children, Nature Friend, and Boys’ Life magazine. Restrepo loves nature and traveling.

About the Illustrator: Sherry Rogers lives with her family in Northern California. She spent twelve years as a corporate graphic designer and artist before becoming a freelance illustrator. She has also illustrated several other books for Sylvan Dell.

Visit Amy at amyoquinn.com or www.homeschoolblogger.com/picketfencemom.

Reviewed by Amy M. O’Quinn for the National Writing for Children Center

Title: Henry The Impatient Heron
Author: Donna Love
Illustrator:Christina Wald
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Sylvan Dell Publishing (February, 2009)
ISBN-13:978-1934359907
ISBN-10: 1934359904

Henry just cannot be still! He’s here, there, and everywhere, driving his parents and siblings crazy. And while other Great Blue Herons can stand still for hours, then strike out and catch a fish or salamander, Henry can only itch, twitch, scratch and flap. There’s just too much to do and too much to see to be still—at least until his tummy starts to grumble and rumble and he finds himself separated from his family and on his own. Then he quickly realizes that he must feed himself.

Henry has no luck as he wades, darts, twists, and bobs, frightening the fish away. Next, he tries to catch a salamander, then a frog, with comical results as he runs smack into a log. Poor Henry! Feeding himself is no easy task. However, the “log” he ran into is not a log at all. In fact, it’s the leg of The Great Blue Heron, the heron of all herons, and the true King of Camouflage.

Before he flies away, the kind older bird reveals to Henry his secret for staying still. The Great Blue Heron’s advice? The trick is to look like a stick! A fish is afraid of a heron, but not a stick. If Henry can stand very still, the fish will think his legs are sticks and he will have a chance to snag a meal.

Henry decides to give The Great Blue Heron’s suggestion a try. He finds an inlet and thinks to himself, I must think like a fish. I must look like a stick. Even though it’s getting dark and he’s cold and tired, he stands very still. And finally, just before daylight fades, a fish swims by. Quick as a flash, Henry strikes and catches his supper! Full, content, and proud of himself, he settles down to sleep. The impatient heron has learned a valuable life lesson. Sometimes we have to be patient and disciplined to get the result we desire!

Small children are wiggle worms as well! They are always on the move, and the word “patience” has yet to be added to their vocabulary. So they will certainly be able to identify with and be delighted by this wonderful tale about Henry, the Impatient Heron. And parents and teachers will also appreciate all the great educational information that is seamlessly interwoven into the captivating story—a trademark of all Sylvan Dell titles. Readers are exposed to interesting facts about herons and their habitats, yet entertained by the charming story in the process.

And as always, there is a section in the back of the book called ‘For Creative Minds’ that provides optional educational activities, facts, and information. The illustrations by Christina Wald are exceptional and add lots of interest to the book. Learning at its best!

About the Author:
Donna Love is an award-winning author who lives in Montana with her ranger husband in the Lolo National Forest. They have three children. Her book, Awesome Ospreys, became a Skipping Stones Press Honor Award Winner in 2006 for promoting ecological understanding and cooperation around the world. In addition to the gift of writing, Donna has a background in art education and enjoys substitute teaching at the elementary and high school level.

About the Illustrator:
Christina Wald has illustrated for a wide variety of toys, games, books, and magazines. She enjoys research, and she says each new book is a fascinating new learning experience. In addition to illustrating, she enjoys movies, travel and reading. She and her husband live in Cincinnati. Henry the Impatient Heron is Christina’s first book with Sylvan Dell.

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Visit Amy at amyoquinn.com or www.homeschoolblogger.com/picketfencemom.

Reviewed by Amy M. O’Quinn, contributing editor, the National Writing for Children Center

NOTE: Linda Gramatky Smith, the daughter of Hardie Gramatky, will be the guest on Book Bites for Kids this Wednesday, LIVE at 2:00 CDT. Listen to the show at www.blogtalkradio.com/bookbitesforkids or call in during the show at 1-646-716-9239 to ask Linda a question or to make a comment about the book!

Title: Little Toot (The RestoredClassic)
Written by: Hardie Gramatky
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 104 pages (with dust jacket)
Publisher: Putnam Juvenile (September 6, 2007)
ISBN-10: 0399247130
ISBN-13: 978-0399247132

A picture book that’s been in print for over seventy consecutive years and loved by generations of children everywhere has certainly earned the title ‘classic’—and Hardie Gramatky’s book, Little Toot, has most definitely achieved that distinction!

First published in 1939 by G.P. Putnam’s Sons, Little Toot is about a fun-loving, energetic tugboat who likes to blow smoke balls from his candy-stick smokestack, glide across the water, play thread-the-needle around the piers and cut figure 8’s across the width of the river. And understandably, Little Toot’s antics annoy the other tugboats terribly! In addition, since his father and grandfather have such fine reputations as hardworking tugs, one would think Little Toot would have his mind on hard work too. But no—he would rather play than work. He sees no sense in pulling ships fifty times his size down to the ocean. And in truth, he’s scared of the wild seas that lay outside the channel, beyond where the harbor empties into the ocean!

But one day after an embarrassing encounter with a large, unfriendly tug named J.G. McGillicuddy, Little Toot finds himself the object of teasing when the other tugboats laugh and call him a sissy who only knows how to play. Ashamed and angry, Little Toot starts moping and heads down to his favorite hiding spot alongside the wharf.

But at that moment, he sees his big, fearless father in the lead, along with three other tugs, pulling a huge ocean liner down the channel. He begins to think about the brave, bustling work he sees going on around him. Suddenly an idea bursts over him and he’s inspired to work hard and make his father, Big Toot, proud of him. He will work like the best of them and show them all!

Unfortunately, Little Toot’s lazy reputation is well known, and none of the big ships will heave a towline to him, and the other ships are too busy to pay him any attention. They all think he’s still up to his silly antics. Poor Little Toot! He tries so hard to help and no one will let him. Drooping in spirit, lonesome, miserable and sad, he begins to float aimlessly down the river, letting the tide carry him where it wills.

In his despair, Little Toot fails to notice that a terrible storm has come up—or that he’s floated all the way to the Great Ocean where the waves dash and pound against the rocks with a roar. But that isn’t all! He sees a brilliant, flaming rocket climbing in the black sky, a signal that someone is in trouble and needs help! And when Little Toot looks hard, he sees an ocean liner jammed between two rocks. What will he do? How can a little tug like him help a great ship like that? And all the other tugboats are still way up the river, too far away to see the ocean liner.

He has a brilliant idea. He begins puffing up an ‘SOS’ with smoke balls from his stack so that the other tugs can see and come to help. And way up the river, they see it. SOS! SOS! SOS! They have no idea who is making the signals, but they know it means ‘come quickly.’ And they do!
But unfortunately, the boats can’t make much headway against the fierce, stormy sea. Even old Grandfather Toot is bellowing that he’s never seen such a storm.

Little Toot, even though scared green and tossed to and fro by the angry waves, knows he must do something to help the stuck ocean liner since the other boats are being swept backwards by the force of the seas. Helplessly, the big tugs can only watch what is happening through their binoculars. But Little Toot must take action!

Not wasting his strength fighting against the waves like the other tugs, he uses his playful skill of bouncing from crest to crest, like a bouncing ball, to make his way to the stranded ocean liner. The crew of the great vessel is able to throw a line to Little Toot, who pulls the line tight. He waits for a long moment. Finally when a huge wave sweeps under the liner, lifting it free of the rocks, Little Toot pulls with all his strength—and pulls it free! And, at the insistence of the whole tugboat fleet, he gets to escort the great ocean liner back into the harbor! From that day forward Little Toot is known as the hardworking hero that he is!

About the Author and His Work:
Hardie Gratamky (1907-1979) was a master storyteller who wrote and illustrated fourteen children’s books and won over eighty prizes as a fine artist. He began his art career as an animator for Walt Disney, but later moved to the East Coast to set up his own studio. From this studio, he could see all the boats passing on the East River in New York. One little tugboat that seemed to have a mind of its own and never seemed to be in the right place at the right time caught Gramatky’s eye and was the inspiration behind the book, Little Toot.

The book has been translated into seven languages and with its sequels, has sold more than six million copies worldwide. But in 2007, Putnam re-released a restored version of this delightful story. Linda Gramatky Smith, Hardie Gramatky’s only child and former freelance book editor, had purchased a first edition of Little Toot on Ebay and was amazed at how different and vibrant the colors were in the original book as compared to subsequent editions. After so many reprintings, the colors had faded from the rich blues, reds and yellows into grays and oranges. So she showed it to the folks at Putnam at a meeting that had been previously scheduled to discuss what would’ve been Gramatky’s 100th birthday—April 12, 2007.

Putnam decided to bring the art back to what it once was, and with the company’s access to Gramatky’s original art for Little Toot and the endpapers in the early books, a new edition was born! A new edition of an old beloved classic—certainly a great combination. According to Cecelia Yung, vice president and art director of Putnam and Philomel, the original art was “breathtaking to see. The paint still looks wet and leaps off the page.” And to make this re-release even more special was the fact that Little Toot was the very first picture book that Putnam ever published!

Linda says, “Dad’s life has come full circle, with a new generation of people loving his art and books.” She continues, “My hope is that the next generation will be inspired by the wonderful artist I was so fortunate to call Dad.”

Reviewer’s Note:
Little Toot is probably the very first picture book in my forty-one year old memory. I fondly remember my mother reading to me about the mischievous little tugboat who would rather play than work. And I distinctly remember the illustrations of Little Toot’s father, Big Toot, and Grandfather Toot as well. I think I identified with Little Toot because like most young children, I, too, would rather have fun than clean up my room or do other chores!

But just as Little Toot (and I) learned, there is a time when one must take responsibility and do what must be done! Hardie Gramatky cleverly interwove one of life’s most important lessons among brilliant, yet humorous and engaging, illustrations. The result? A timeless classic with substance.

I have enjoyed reading Little Toot to my own children over the years, and they too have been captivated by the book and the illustrations. As Linda Gramatky Smith hoped, a new generation has been inspired by her father’s art and his delightful story about the fun-loving tugboat named Little Toot!

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Amy M. O’Quinn is a pastor’s wife and former schoolteacher-turned-homeschool mom of six. She is also a freelance writer who enjoys jotting down ideas around the fringes of family life. She specializes in non-fiction, and her work has been published or acquired by various magazines including Jack and Jill, US Kids, Guideposts for Kids, Learning Through History Magazine, Highlights, GEORGIA Magazine, Homeschooling Today, International Gymnast, etc. She is also a product/curriculum/book reviewer for The Old Schoolhouse Magazine and a regular columnist for TEACH Magazine. The O’Quinns live on the family farm in rural south Georgia. You can visit Amy at amyoquinn.com or http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/picketfencemom.