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In 1868, May 30th became the official Memorial Day to remember those Americans who gave the ultimate sacrifice of their lives, while serving their country, so that all people living in the United States of America can enjoy freedom.

The first Memorial Day was called Decoration Day and was celebrated by placing flowers on the graves of fallen soldiers.

Currently the last Monday of May is the national holiday to celebrate and honor our U. S. soldiers by placing flowers or small U. S. flags on their graves. Red Poppy flower boutonnieres are worn as an aide-memoire of our soldier’s blood shed while protecting our country. The American flag is flown from sunup to sunset. Many cities and towns throughout the nation have special events to celebrate freedom and appreciate their veterans.

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I am excited to welcome acclaimed children’s author Wendie C. Old this week to talk about her book on a family’s experience with Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) titled, STACY HAD A LITTLE SISTER.


Among Wendie’s writing accomplishments she has written several biographical books for middle school, one early elementary and three picture books. She has won many outstanding awards, honorable nominations and is found among notable children’s literature lists. Starting with her latest book titles and awards, they include: THE HALLOWEEN BOOK OF FACTS AND FUN, Albert Whitman 2007; THE GROUNDHOG DAY BOOK OF FACTS AND FUN, Albert Whitman 2004; and BUSY FINGERS, Charlesbridge 2003 (under the pen name of C.W. Bowie) which won 2004 Great Books Celebration, Committee's choice, 2005 Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Book Award and ABC Best Books for Children.

TO FLY, THE STORY OF THE WRIGHT BROTHERS, Clarion 2002 won the Boston Globe - Horn Book Honor Book, Orbis Pictus Honor book, 2003, ALA Notable Children’s Book 2003, BCCB -- Blue Ribbon List of Best Books of 2002, NCSS/CBC Notable Book, NSTA -- Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students K-12, Capitol Choices -- Best Books for Children 2002;

Old’s honorable nominations and children’s literature lists are the South Carolina -- 2004-2005 Children's Book Award nominee; Michigan -- 2005 Great Lakes Great Books Award Nominee;--2nd and 3rd grade, New Jersey: Garden State Children's Book Award Nominees: 2005, Bank Street College of Education--Best Children's Books of the Year, 2003; The Children's Literature Choice List, 2002; School Library Journal Book Review Stars, October 2002 and R-Star in Bulletin for the Center of Children’s Books.

Wendie Old has the best of both worlds! She has worked with children for over thirty years, both as a Children’s Librarian and a writer. When she is not writing or working at the library she spends time with her family of two daughters, two hairy dogs, a horse and SEVERAL cats!

Welcome Wendie and thank you for taking time to be with us today.

I am happy to be here.

I have a special interest because I too have written a children's book about Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, titled Flying Hugs and Kisses. I didn't know about your book until I was published and someone emailed me to ask me if I had read your story. My story was inspired by the loss of our infant grandson, Brennen.

I'm so sorry for your loss. There's nothing worse than when a baby just slips away.

Thank you Wendie for you kind words.

I would first like for you to share with us a little about the first story you remember writing.

I may have written before high school, but I remember doing a loooong involved story with my best friend called "Beware the Babysitting Job." It was about her going to an ordinary babysitting job which turned into a kidnapping and she had many adventures. Never published, of course, but it was fun to write.

I also wish my Junior year English teacher were still alive, Mrs. Schroder. She kept assigning us to write about various things and one time I just dashed off this slice-of-life about getting ready for a dance. I was so afraid that it was too off-beat and didn't really meet the assignment rules. However, she loved it and encouraged me to keep writing.


Now you have award-winning published books! Where did your inspiration for STACY HAD A LITTLE SISTER come from?

I am a children's librarian in a large public library system. All my co-workers knew I had been writing and submitting and getting rejected. We got several requests for books that could be read to a child who had had a sibling die of S.I.D.S. No matter where we looked, we could not find one. (Our library system even has a special collection of books to help children (and parents) deal with the problems of life such as: moving, a new baby, death, divorce, etc. We could find books about death of a tree, death of a grandparent, death of a pet, but no death of a baby from S.I.D.S.

"You're a writer, Wendie," my co-workers said. "Why don't you write one?"

Well, you actually cannot write to order. BUT, you can shove an idea into the back brain to cook for a while.

That back brain is a marvelous thing for writers. It keeps working on a problem long after you and your front brain have stopped.

Suddenly, one Sunday, a sentence kept going through my head. "Stacy had a little sister." Over and over again. (Past tense, of course, because I knew the kid dies, but you know -- nobody who picks up the book realizes that the title is in the past tense for a reason.)

I began writing things down.

I had a little sister. Description of a sudden trip to the hospital and mama coming back with a baby.

I had a little sister. Description of normal jealousy by the older child -- inspired by the reaction of my oldest child to my next child. (the editor removed some of this. She considered the scene where the older child takes the newborn picture and jabs holes in it with a pencil was too violent. But that's what my oldest did.)

I had a little sister. Description of strange worries of parents and sudden removal of baby.

Confusion of child. Funeral. No more baby. Sadness

I had a little sister. Child thinks it's all her fault because she had been angry about the attention the baby got. Will she get this too, and die? Real worries that the older child often has.

When the parents realize what the child is thinking, they reassure her and give many hugs.

The book ends with positive memories.

Anyone who has read the book will realize that there is NO repeating phrase "I had (or Stacy had) a little sister." That's because that is the first thing the editor removed. And yet, repeating that phrase is what kept me going with the flow of the book when I was writing it.

It is interesting that you discovered there were no books about SIDS for children. That is one of the reasons why I wrote Flying Hugs and Kisses. Our books are similar in that a baby dies and the children ask questions surrounding the issue of loss. But just like families are different in the number of children and how they cope with loss, our books show children how two families deal with their grief in completely different ways. Two great resources to have for Kids.

I love the family hug concept in your book. Where did this idea come from?

That's our family. We have a tradition of doing family hugs. In fact, our kids LOVE a sandwich hug -- where the parents are the bread and the kid is the jelly being hugged (squashed?) by the bread. They'll even grab us and shout, "Sandwich hug!" It makes them feel secure, I guess, to have both of us hugging them.

Interestingly enough, that's what the rejecting editors noticed, too. Hugs. Then complained that there was too much hugging in the book. I didn't remove it because a child in that situation NEEDS hugs.

What was the best part about writing this story? What was the worst part?

The best part was how quickly this story came to me. But it was after months of frontal thinking and months of letting the back brain mull it over. I find that things that come to me and I get down in a "white heat" are often the best things I write. (The annoying part of having a 'white heat' come is that it comes when it will -- sometimes coming at 5 am in the morning and waking me up and forcing me to get to the computer to get it down.

I used to have a pad of paper on a bedside table and would just turn on the light and write these things down, but nowadays I go to the computer. Probably because I can type almost as fast as I think, but writing it down is slower. (mainly because I have to be able to read what I wrote. Too many times I've written something down in the night and couldn't even read it in the morning, I was writing so quickly trying to get it down.

The worst part was the fact that I had the wrong viewpoint. It wouldn't sell with a first person viewpoint. Finally I had it critiqued and the agent/editor who critiqued it told me to back off. It was too close to the reader and they couldn't stand it emotionally. Put it into third person. So I did. Still, major publishers wouldn't handle it. They complained that it made them cry. That it didn't fit their needs.

Was it hard to find a publisher?

Yes it was hard. Finally I discovered that Albert Whitman did this type of book. They call this sort of book, concept books, because they discuss the concepts of moving, new baby, disasters and events in children's lives. They loved it. Offered me a contract. And told me to get rid of that annoying repeating phrase. I think it's only in the title and the first line, now.

It is eye opening to learn your book had changes after your manuscript was accepted by the publisher. I too had requests for changes to my manuscript. Sometimes as writers we are too close to our story to see that the changes will bring forth a quality book.

Are there any ideas or nuggets of wisdom you would like to share with SIDS families about helping their children through grief?

My book covers most of it. It's very sad for the whole family. I know that parents are fully involved in grieving for the baby, but please be aware that the older child/ children are feeling sad -- and wondering if it were any way their fault because they didn't love the baby enough -- and wondering if this could happen to them.

In fact, one of my co-workers had a very sick child for several years and suddenly realized that the older children were feeling neglected when one of them said, I'm still here, ya know.”

Indeed a parent or caregiver can get easily side-tracked and not fully understand their children need them. Children need their parents or caregivers to reassure them, keep their daily routine consistent, to hug or hold them and to listen to them.

One more question, are there any funny or unexpected incidents that have happened while doing a book signing, school visit, or attending a writer’s conference?

Besides the fact that I was totally embarrassed when I signed one of my books for a school library and wrote -- For the students at the Holy Angle....? Yikes! It was supposed to be Holy Angel. Luckily the school librarian just laughed and said that many of the students did the same thing when they tried to write the name of the school.

I learned quickly to ask how to spell everything. I carry post-a-notes with me just for this. I don't care if you are angry or disgusted with me for asking you how to spell your name. If it can be spelled wrong, I'll do it. It's just safer for me to have the correct way already written out in front of me. (and beside, there are often several ways to spell a name.)

I always carry goodies with me, especially at convention book signings. I have a groundhog puppet. (Our hero for the book THE GROUNDHOG DAY BOOK OF FACTS AND FUN.) As people walk by the publisher's booth, I'll say, "You can pet the groundhog." They look. And are startled to see that it looks like an actual groundhog. The braver ones will come over and pet it and we'll get into a conversation about how real it looks, and where to get a puppet like that and, by the way, could they get one of my books and will I sign it. Works every time.

I finally managed to find a black cat for the HALLOWEEN BOOK OF FACTS AND FUN. I hand out orange pencils, too.

In my blog, Wendie’s Wanderings, I have a post that discusses why I/we used a pen name for the two picture books -- Busy Toes and the companion book, Busy Fingers. (Three co-writers, no room on the spine for three names.) I'm just the "W" part of that name. These books also come in Board Book format.

As for individual funny incidents, I can't think of just one. I simply have great fun doing school visits and book signings. I enjoy working with kids and talking with them about books and writing and research and....

Thank you Wendie for stopping by Jewel’s Sand Box News today. Please visit us again and let us know what you are up too!


Thank you for the great discussion on writing for children.

For more information about Wendie C. Old's adventures as a writer and a children’s librarian please visit Wendie’s Wanderings.

Jewel Sample is an award-winning children’s author of Flying Hugs and Kisses (2006), also translated: Besos y abrazos al aire (2006, Spanish edition) and Flying Hugs and Kisses Activity Book (2007).

For more information about Jewel's background and publications visit her at Jewel’s Sand Box News

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Stacy Had A Little Sister
By Wendie C. Old
ISBN: 0807575984-1995
Fiction: Children, Death, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, Siblings
Contact Reviewer: jmsample[at]aol.com
Publisher: Albert Whitman & CO
Publisher site: http://www.awhitmanco.com/
May 10, 2008


Stacy demonstrates mixed feelings about her new little sister Ashley. When Ashley dies from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Stacy has another set of mixed feelings and questions about Ashley; and how things have changed in her family. Stacy even wonders if she will get “peanut butter sandwich hugs” now that Ashley is gone. Stacy learns how to cope with the loss of her little sister with her parents help.

When a baby dies suddenly the family is overcome with shock and tremendous grief. The concept of death is very hard for young children to understand, however it is important to provide them with simple answers to their questions. Old provides straightforward and factual answers to questions SIDS families tend to have when this type of tragedy occurs.

When read with my grandchildren they became sad because they wanted the story to have a happier ending. However Stacy Had A Little Sister helped them to understand that SIDS families cope just as differently as they live in diverse communities. There are many ways to grieve over the loss of a loved one.

Reviewer recommends Stacy Had A Little Sister as a bereavement resource for educators, families, churches and mental health professionals to read with children.

For more information about her books visit Wendie C. Old

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Not too long ago I spoke with Dr. Kent Gustavson of Sound Authors to discuss what prompted me to write Flying Hugs and Kisses. I also shared my ideas on how to write about death for children.

To listen to the interview click here Jewel Sample at Sound Authors

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A public awareness campaign to educate parents and other caregivers about the first five years of childhood development is available at The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's "Learn the Signs Act Early" section of their website. The new information is including early warning signs of autism and other developmental disorders, and encourages developmental screening and intervention. There are free resources, including fact sheets, milestone checklists, posters, growth charts, and flyers. All materials are free and are available in both English and Spanish.

For more information, please visit: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Check out the Resource Box on right hand side of their page.

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I am EXCITED to welcome back author Lori Z. Scott this week to talk about the newest releases in her Meghan Rose series—Meghan Rose All Dressed Up and Meghan Rose Has a Secret.

Since 2000, Lori has published over fifty short stories, devotions, puzzles, poems, and articles for children, teens, and adults. She has been published in Focus on Your Child, MOMSense Magazine, Spirit Led Writer, Pockets, and Devozine. She is the author of Busy Moms’ Devotions to Go and four Meghan Rose titles. In addition, Lori has contributed to over a dozen books including Real Moms, Cup of Comfort Book of Prayers, and 2007 Eppie Award winner Infinite Space, Infinite God.



A graduate of Wheaton College, Lori has worked with children for over twenty years, both as a teacher in the classroom and as a volunteer for local churches, museums, and schools. When she’s not busy driving her two children to various church, sporting, and artistic activities, she moonlights as a speaker for women’s groups and schools.






Lori, welcome. Thanks for taking time to be with us today.
My pleasure.


You often introduce yourself as first a mother, then a teacher, and finally a writer. Why is that?


I feel like being a mother is my highest calling in life. And that means I’m a caregiver, nurse, tutor, cheerleader, counselor, transportation expert, and nutritionist. Doing all those mommy things is a bit like filling a jar jam-packed with marbles. I pursue my own interests in the empty spaces around those marbles because being a mommy trumps all.

I call myself a teacher second because working with kids has been such a huge part of my life. Just as God gifts different people for different tasks, I feel like God has given me a special ability to understand and work with children. Or maybe I’m just not ready to give up playing and comics yet.


I call myself a writer last because I often feel like writing too much fun—and pays too little—to be a real job. But then again, writing is another interest in my life I have felt called to pursue. God blessed me there too. When I decided to start writing, my first submission won second place in a science fiction writing contest. My second submission won MOPS International story writing contest.


I guess what I want moms to realize is, it’s okay to put the mommy part of our lives first and to trust that God will still bless, fulfill, and lead us in other areas as well.


Why would parents like your series?


A good question—one that I have to answer from my own experience. When my daughter was in first grade, her teacher started reading the Junie B. Jones books in class. Since Meghan liked them, I picked up a few copies.

Well, I enjoyed the humor in those books, but had to edit out some of the grammar slips, name calling and attitudes. I thought there had to be an alternative choice—a book that was just as funny, but also had a good take-away value. I scoured the Christian bookstores. I couldn’t find any fiction for that age group, only devotional books and Bible stories.

When I asked about it, bookstore owners often commented that they wished they could offer such a book. In fact, they’d had numerous parents come to the store, all asking the same thing: Do you have a fiction book my young child will enjoy reading? And, like them, I walked away empty handed.

So I wrote the book I couldn’t find—a book for my daughter AND for all those other mothers just like me. I put in everything she wanted—an interesting story filled with giggles and characters worth rooting for—and everything I wanted—good moral values (but with nothing preachy about the story at all). And because I don’t believe I’m alone in those desires, I’m convinced other parents (AND THEIR KIDS!!!) will like the series too.


Why did you include discussion questions and activities at the end of each book?
That’s the teacher part of me flaring up big time! (Lori Laughs Out Loud). But seriously, how many times have you as a mother read a book and thought, “There’s a good lesson in here” but didn’t know how to draw your child into a discussion about it? I remember reading Where the Red Fern Grows with my daughter and wanting to talk about the tender topic of death that book touches on. Since I didn’t know where to start, I couldn’t fully take advantage of that teachable moment. (Instead we both just cried all the way through the last few chapters.)


That’s why I included questions for parents or teachers to use after they read the story, so they can capitalize on the book’s underlying message. (Although I hope people laugh through the last few chapters of Meghan Rose instead of cry!)


And the activities are all for the kids. They love extending the story experience by creating their own volcanoes or whatever. I also put a ton of other ideas for parents and kids on my website under the BLAM (Brilliant Little Activities to Make) link at http://www.meghanroseseries.com/.

So each book has an underlying message? Tell us about that.

As I mentioned, I wanted the stories to do more than entertain. I wanted them to have takeaway value. Each book’s message is very subtle but still evident throughout the book. While Meghan Rose on Stage! talks about discovering your talents, it’s ultimately about friendship.


Meghan Rose Has Ants in Her Pants explores the idea of patience—a difficult area for most kids to deal with. The newest two books—Meghan Rose All Dressed Up and Meghan Rose Has a Secret—address inner beauty and kind words. But again, none of it is preachy. It’s heavy on the humor and very, VERY light on the lesson…yet neither quality is lost on the child.

Are the books just for girls?


Not at all! One mother of two boys emailed me about how much her sons enjoyed reading them with her. She said they could hardly read for laughing so hard—they were all HOWLING!! The youngest one loved it so much he started sleeping with the first book under his pillow at night.
In fact, the comment I hear most from people who read the books is, “I laughed out loud.” The second comment I hear most often is about how much kids (and parents) like the discussion questions and activities. How can all that just be for girls?

Where do you get the inspiration for the humorous parts of the books?
Most of that comes from my upbringing. My dad was always coming up with puns and jokes. He made them up on the spot, and they were hilarious! I can’t tell you how many hours we spent laughing around the dinner table. I think dad influenced all my sisters. In fact, one of my sisters was part of an improvisational comedy team. (She’s also a pastor’s wife—it’s a fun combination.)
I also grew up on a steady diet of comic books. Peanuts and Garfield were my favorites, and later Calvin and Hobbes. And we’d also watch comedy on television, especially The Carol Brunette Show.


That said, some of my inspiration just comes from everyday life. My kids crack me up. They both have a great sense of humor.

The main character in the Meghan Rose series shares your daughter’s name. Why is that?


She was the foundational basis for the character. When I started the series, I needed someone likable, outrageous, clever, spunky, and sensitive all rolled into one. Well, that’s my Meghan. And since I originally wrote the books just for her, I simply used her name. You’ll also see the names of other people I’ve met, although the character they’re named for is totally fiction. Mrs. Arnold, for example, was the name of Meghan’s real first grade teacher. But she’s not like the Mrs. Arnold in the book.

Are any of the characters like you?


I think maybe there’s a little bit of me in all of them. Certainly a lot of me is reflected in the teacher, Mrs. Arnold. Then Ryan shows the jokester side of me, Kayla has the goofy side, Lynette has the rule-following, show-off side, and Meghan’s Mom has the practical side. The Meghan character herself is about 80 percent of the “real” Meghan, 10 percent of me and my creative musings, and 10 percent total fiction.

Do you ever visit schools to talk about the books?

Yes! I’ve visited several schools and talked about the steps a writer goes through to get from idea to published book. I’ve also shared ways to boost everyday creativity and develop writing ideas. All three presentations seem to fire up everyone, even the reluctant writers. Kids tell me that what they enjoy most about the time we spend together is learning my two-handed drawing trick and discovering how to write their own jokes.

As a teacher, I value school visits. I think it’s important to inspire and encourage all children…to help them see opportunities and possibilities. As a mom, I can’t help seeing my own children reflected in the faces I meet. That gives me extra incentive to make kids want to reach their dreams, whatever they might be.

Can you share one idea for mothers to help their children be more creative?

Sure. Hmmm. Hard to pick one. I guess one great idea is to encourage your children to be involved with artistic endeavors. That can include a whole variety of options, like drawing, painting, or making things out of shoe boxes. Children can listen to or dance to music. Or make their own music. They can dress up and put on a show for family or friends, or memorize a silly poem. And it should be fun, not work.

Where can readers learn more about you and the Meghan Rose books?

They can visit my website at www.MeghanRoseSeries.com. My award-winning illustrator, Stacy Curtis, designed it. It offers jokes, puzzles, and activities for kids and great ideas for teacher and parents (on Mrs. Arnold’s BLAM page). It also introduces the books and characters, provides links to book reviews, and gives ordering information. I posted a retold fairy tale reader’s theater that gives visitors a good feel for the style of humor found in the books at www.meghanroseseries.com/teachers_LittleRed.asp.

You can also purchase a copy at most major bookstores and on Amazon.com


That sounds great. Well, thank you for stopping by Jewel' s Sand Box News to bring us up to date on what you've been up to!

Thank you for letting me visit with you.


Here is your chance for Two (2) more of Lori's books!


Lori is offering Meghan Rose All Dressed Up and Meghan Rose Has a Secret this week!

Just leave a comment about our interview or her book covers!!

The comment drawing will take place on May 1st

The WINNER 'S name will be posted May 2, 2008.

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Writing for Children Blog Fest contributors posted some educational and thought provoking articles. Lea Schizas is offering this valuable writing for children information FREE in an e-book at www.thewritingjungle.blogspot.com

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This week I am excited to welcome back author Lori Z. Scott.





Last summer Lori Z. Scott’s first children’s chapter book of her new Meghan Rose series titled, Meghan Rose On Stage, made a hit with my grandchildren. We read the book in one sitting because it was as my grandchildren phrased it, “So cool!” After reading this book that captivated our minds, I wanted to learn more about this amazing author’s writing journey. This is what Lori Z. Scott had to say:

Q: How did you get started in writing?

I started my writing career in a roundabout way! I taught elementary school for nine years, then retired to raise my children. One day, while the kids and I were at the library, I saw a flyer for an amateur science fiction/ fantasy writing contest. I decided to enter…and in the process of writing my tale, something sparked to life in my heart. My pulse raced, my mind wandered, and a whole new world opened up to me! I was hooked.

In the past, I enjoyed writing—I wrote for my high school newspaper and yearbook, and even had a poem published when I was sixteen. But I never really thought about freelancing until I spied that flyer and re-experienced the thrill of playing with words on paper.

At any rate, I entered the contest and won second place. Encouraged by my success, I entered a MOPS International story writing contest…and WON!


After that, I joined a writer’s group, started learning more about the publishing industry, and eventually landed a contract from Standard Publishing for a new children’s fiction series. The first two titles in that series—MEGHAN ROSE ON STAGE and MEGHAN ROSE HAS ANTS IN HER PANTS—are on the bookshelves. The books are funny (I figure, if it doesn’t amuse me, why write it?) and bursting with energy. The main character, Meghan Rose, is a strong, out-spoken first grader. Her bubble-gum blowing, best buddy Ryan and silly, duck-loving pal Kayla help round out the cast. So far, I’ve found that even though the stories are chapter books, most kids read them in one sitting because they just can’t stop!



Q: Meghan Rose On Stage is definitely full of humorous energy, what inspires or motivates you?

My children inspire most of my writing. I wrote the MEGHAN ROSE series because my daughter asked me to write them. In my publications, you’ll consistently find a touch of humor, a little bit of heart, and a lot of everyday faith…all inspired by my kids.

Q: Do you write other things besides children's themes?

Although my passion is for children’s writing, I also write for teens and adults. I have contributed to over a dozen books and published numerous devotions, short stories, poems, puzzles, and articles targeting various age groups from five to fifty years old. My first book is a devotional book, BUSY MOMS’ DEVOTIONS TO GO. Recently, I contributed a story to this anthology, a 2007 Eppie Award Winner in Science Fiction(although I attend a Protestant church), INFINITE SPACE, INFINITE GOD.

Q: You stated your passion is writing for children. Do you have a favorite children's story?


I have MANY favorite children’s stories. Remember, I’m a former first grade teacher! My list could go on and on and on and on… Of course I love books by my writer friends. That goes without saying! I also love fantasy books like The Hobbit (J.R.R. Tolkien) and The Chronicles of Narnia (C.S. Lewis), but I hold picture books close to my heart because I love the art.

Here are some of my favorites:

Jabberwocky (Lewis Carroll, illustrated by Graeme Base) (I love the illustrations in all Graeme Base books.)
The Very Hungry Caterpillar (Eric Carle) (I love Eric Carle books for K-1 students)
Toot and Puddle (Holly Hobby)
Leo the Late Bloomer (Robert Kraus, illustrated by Jose Ariego)
Tacky the Penguin (Helen Lester, illustrated by Lynn Munsinger) (I’m a big fan of all the books put out by this team.)
Dog Breath (Dav Pilkey—the book is little known, but I think it’s hilarious!)
Where the Wild Things Are (Maurice Sendak)
The Three Little Wolves and the Big Bad Pig (Eugene Trivizas, illustrated by Helen Oxenbury) The Polar Express (or anything by Chris VanAllsburg)
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day (Judith Viorst, illustrated by Ray Cruz) (I love the rhythm of the words in this story.)
Tuesday (David Wiesner) (I love all his books too!)
If comic books count, put Garfield and Calvin and Hobbes on the list too!

Q: Like most authors, the zeal for reading and writing seem to be a large part of your life. What do you do when you are not writing or reading?

I work part time supervising student teachers. I volunteer to work and teach in the classroom and at church. (Next year I plan on doing school visits—so please email me if you’re interested in an author visit!) I also enjoy running, swimming, and drawing.


One place you WON’T find me is in the kitchen. I’m a TERRIBLE cook! The kids are always happy when Dad cooks.

Q: What suggestions would you give to children who are interested in writing their own story?
Off hand, my suggestion is GO FOR IT!! On a more practical note, here are some ideas to get you going: First, THINK LIKE A WRITER. Writing is simply telling something. So lists, emails, poems, jokes, a report, a birthday card—these are all forms of writing. Some forms help us keep track of our thoughts. Others help us express our feelings, entertain, or learn new things. If you view writing as a valuable activity, you’re on the right track!

Second, COME UP WITH IDEAS to write about. The best ideas come from your own life. What is a regular day like for you? What foods do you like or dislike? What frightens you? These things can all serve as story starters. I would love to write a story sometime about all the different flavors of gum at a store, and what one flavor I would really like to try (chocolate)! Be funny too. Everyone loves to laugh.

Third, USE YOUR COMMON SENSES. You know…sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell. Including such details in a story makes a difference. For example, which do you find more interesting? “I went to a surprise birthday party” OR “When Michael clicked on the light switch, we yelled “Surprise!” so loud the windows rattled (sound). Michael gasped (sound), and his mouth fell wide open (sight).” Or how about this contrast: “We ate cake” verses “We ate chocolate cake covered with creamy frosting and those brown sprinkles that crunch in your mouth (taste/sight/touch). Michael’s mom plopped a big scoop of soft vanilla-scented ice cream on top of my cake, so my first bite tasted icy cold and warm-crumbly all mixed together (smell/touch/taste).”

Fourth, HAVE FUN with it! My children and their cousins like making up stories during long car rides. Each kid has a notebook and pencil; each starts a story, writing about three sentences. When everyone is ready, each passes his story to the person on his right, who reads the story and then adds three new sentences. The process continues until someone writes THE END. Each story is then read out loud. The kids laugh A LOT at all their crazy creations. (You can actually tell when someone stopped their part of the tale and another started.)

Fifth, SHARE your writing. Half the fun of writing is sharing your thoughts with someone else. Read your story to a stuffed animal, your dog, the fish, your parents, the piano, an old shoe…whatever handy thing you can pin down long enough to hear your tale. Which brings me to the final point…READ, READ, READ! The more you read, the better writer you are likely to be!

Q: How about teachers or parents do you have any suggestions on how to use your books as a learning tool?

Yes, yes, yes! Visit the web site http://www.meghanroseseries.com/ ! I have a whole page of ideas for teachers and parents to use with the book. Also, at the end of each book, I provide some discussion questions and activities for parents or teachers to use with children.

Q: Is there anything else you would like to share with your readers?

Readers might enjoy visiting my illustrator’s (Stacy Curtis) web site. He’s a talented, award winning artist with a great sense of humor. I love looking at his thumbnail sketches…he really has a flair for breathing life into the characters he creates. Go to http://www.stacycurtis.com/.

Thank you so much Lori for talking with me about your writing endeavors. I wish you MUCH SUCCESS with your new children's chapter book series.

Come on back next week

Lori Z. Scott will be back to bring us up to date on what she has been up to since last summer.

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(E. Setauket, NY April 7, 2008)


World Talk Radio broadcasted on the Modavox network features Sound Authors, a live interview talk radio show.

Each Friday at 1PM Eastern Standard Time, Sound Authors radio show features live interviews and readings from all varieties of authors, known and not-yet-known; all soon-to-be bestselling authors from all walks of life, from Hollywood actors to marathoners, to PhD therapists or life coaches. On this talk radio show, it is the story that counts. Authors sound off on every possible topic, from cuisine to culture, and from nature to nurture.

The show also podcasts each interview separately, and all archived podcasts can be searched from the Sound Authors website at www.soundauthors.com.

The first author guest this week will be Diane Dike Ph. D, author of The Adventures of Gracie & Diane: Gracie Comes Home and her soon to be released autobiography God Made Only One of Me. Diane Dike is a passionate and popular speaker, author and singer and her heartbreaking, heartwarming and courageous story will inspire you to overcome your challenges.

The second guest featured on the show will be author Jewel Sample. Her children’s book, Flying Hugs and Kisses is a sensitive story of grief recovery and is a great resource for parents to use to help their children understand and affirm their experience of the loss of a sibling. It is her hope this story gives insight into a family’s creative support and courage to move forward in the midst of their grief.

The third guest on the show will be Haider Ala Hamoudi, author of Howling in Mesopotamia. As an Iraqi-American who spent two years living and working in Iraq directly after the fall of Saddam, he brings a deep understanding of both the Iraqi and American cultures that enables him to bring fresh insight to the situation we are facing today.

The musical guest for the show this week will be jazz piano and clarinetist Butch Thompson. In a career spanning over 40 years, he has earned a worldwide reputation as a traditional jazz and ragtime master. He tours widely as a soloist or at the helm of any of his several ensembles, including his well-known trio, his eight-piece Jazz Originals band, the Butch Thompson Big Three.

Tune in next week, April 18th, to the live show or podcast to hear Don Saliers, co- author of A Song to Sing, A Life to Live. In this rich exploration of music, authors Don and Emily Saliers interweave their own stories as well as those of others to reflect on the what, the how, and the why of music as a key aspect of spirituality in our lives. As an Indigo Girl, folk-rock singer-songwriter, Emily performs in primarily secular settings, while her father, Don - composer, cantor, and church musician - writes and arranges for church congregations.

Sound Authors radio show each week is replete with authors from around the country and around the world, each telling their tales, from self-help to fiction, children’s books to thrillers, how-to books to corporate guidebooks. Original music is also featured, along with up-and-coming bands and singer-songwriters. Listen for musician interviews and fresh music each week!

No need to run out to your nearest bookstore to find the next great book or CD. Tune in to Sound Authors every Friday at 1PM EST on World Talk Radio. Or check out any of the interviews on the web – they are all podcasted within a day or two of the interview. Sound Authors - where authors sound off!

Sound Authors Host Dr. Kent Gustavson’s background is in music, but his career has been in publishing. He is the owner of an independent book publisher, and a publishing consultant around the world. His many CDs and his book are available from his website online, or through the Sound Authors website. www.soundauthors.com
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Sound Authors World Talk Radio NetworkVoice America NetworkModavox

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The morning that my mom died, my dad put all his children on the school bus, and sent them to school. His theory was that if you could just keep up the normal routine, and act fine, then you would be fine. A few years later, my dad was immobilized with depression, and I chose to use denial and substance abuse as a means to cope. Ten years down the road I was no closer to having grieved the loss of my mom than the day I started.

You wouldn’t think so, but there really are right and wrong ways to grieve. Here are some tips that I have learned from being a clinician, from doing lots of reading, and from losing other loved ones:.

Grief Waits – In essence, grief is a job that you are assigned. It has a beginning, a middle and an end (although you may always feel some sadness and loss). The process of grieving is like entering a storm, and coming out the other side. The image of what it looks like to move through grief reminds me of the song lyrics, “When you’re goin’ through hell, keep on walkin.’” Some people avoid the assignment, hoping if they distract themselves over a long enough period of time, the pain will go away. They resort to drinking, gambling, shopping, (the list goes on ad infinitum). All these coping techniques really do work in the moment, but over the long run, grief is still sitting there, waiting.

We heal in relationship – For some reason God created us as people who need people. I don’t understand it, but we need someone else to acknowledge what we are going through. Many of your friends and family won’t be able to help you, but many will. Find someone who is willing to see your pain, hear your stories, and feel your regret. Counselors can be a big help in this piece of the process.

Let your loved one be real – Often we tend to idealize the loved one that we have lost. After my mother died, I canonized her in my mind – I made her a saint who had never done any wrong. Part of grief means seeing the person as they really were. It might be helpful to journal about their flaws, or to make a collage that showed their character defects.

Grief takes time – You may feel that you will never get over the loss of your loved one. And you may even fear getting over him because that might mean you are forgetting about him. The good news is that you will never get over them. As one helpful counselor told me, “He will always be a part of you, and you get to keep everything he gave you.” Remind yourself that you really do want to move past this part that hurts so much, and then you will be able enjoy and remember the person without so much pain. Experts say the average length of time is about 18 months. For parents who have lost children, that time may extend into years.

Take time off from grieving – Make sure you are taking time off to go exercise, to go see a lighthearted movie with friends, and to get some sunshine. Make sure you are eating right and taking fish oils (studies are showing that fish oils help with depression). If you find yourself laughing, don’t feel guilty. Laughter has so many health benefits and actually releases endorphins into your body. Endorphins are the body’s feel-good chemical.

Find ways to memorialize your loved one – Planting a tree or creating a scholarship is a powerful way to ensure that the memory of your loved one goes on. Over the years you get to see the fruit and beauty that come from something tangible.

Grief Tips is written by Lucille Zimmerman ©2008 is a counselor, writer, and speaker in Littleton, CO. Feel free to view her blog at http://rumorsofglory.net/blog

This article was posted by Jewel Sample, award-winning author of Flying Hugs and Kisses (2006) also translated: Besos y abrazos al aire (2006, Spanish edition) and Flying Hugs and Kisses Activity Book (2007)

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It is funny how life events give you belly jiggling laughs and giggles when you least expect them. At least that is what happened to me this year.

I remember growing up enjoying my grandmother’s homemade sugar cookies around Christmas time. They were not fancy cookies, just lemon-flavored and sprinkled with granulated sugar. I would watch my grandmother cut the rolled white dough into simple round cookies cut from a juice glass, as she told me they were angel cookies made special with sugar sprinkles from heaven. Of course, I played along with the muse of her imagination with belly laughs and giggles. Without me realizing it for many years my Gramma taught me how to connect with people using cookie baking activities.

I have used my sugar cookie recipe for the past thirty-five years. I remember at my little preschool age sons’ first Christmas cookie baking they used their play dough cut outs for cookie cutters. It was their idea and a way to make sure they were using safe items to have fun in the dough. I had fun watching their faces light up as they peered through the oven glass door from a distance to watch their airplane, truck, car or wagon cookies become something fun to eat. I mixed up colored frosting in plastic margarine bowls and let them use their fingers to spread the color of icing they choose for their cookies. I must admit they had more icing inside of them and on their clothing then they had on the cookies.

It wasn’t long and I found myself sharing my sugar cookie recipe with extended family, community events, and friends. The Christmas sugar cookie baking event has become a favorite connection time with my grandchildren too.

This year I shared my sugar cookie recipe with Hallmark Magazine. Along with other inspiring recipes from across the nation they were chosen to be shared with their readers. When I received the news, much to my surprise those forgotten belly laughs and giggles of mine resonated throughout the room. Now this treasured cookie sharing occasion is enjoyed by not only my grandmother’s future generations, but also with friends of Hallmark Magazine.

My treasured Heavenly Sugar Cookie recipe can be downloaded free along with many other wonderful cookie recipes at Hallmarkmagazine.com. Enjoy reading the stories behind the recipes and creating your delicious holiday treasured recipes to pass along to your future generations.

This article is written and posted by Jewel Sample, award-winning author of Flying Hugs and Kisses (2006) also translated: Besos y abrazos al aire (2006, Spanish edition) and Flying Hugs and Kisses Activity Book (2007)

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MEDIA RELEASE



CONTACT: VS Grenier
Editor, Stories for Children Magazine
Email: [email protected]


Stories for Children Magazine’s editor VS Grenier was lucky to catch up with award-winning author Jewel Sample for an interview.

During the interview, Sample said, “I believe my sensitive story and activity book are great resources for professionals and families to use to help children cope with the loss of a young loved one.”

The National Parenting Center Seal of Approval report said, “Jewel Sample does a wonderful job of breaking down some of the confusing terms that children hear during times like these and celebrates the love and strength that family provides.” The National Parenting Center’s 2007 Seal of Approval full report is available at tnpc.com.

Sample’s book, Flying Hugs and Kisses, won The National Parenting Center 2007 Seal of Approval.

To find out more about award-winning author, Jewel Sample, and her newest book out, Flying Hugs and Kisses, visit Stories for Children Magazine in December 2007 at http:storiesforchildren.tripod.com

Stories for Children Magazine is a free monthly on-line magazine for children ages 3 to 12 years old. Children and their parents will journey into the World of Ink with short stories, articles, crafts, puzzles, and so much more.

Media Release posted by Jewel Sample with permission from Stories for Children Magazine, VS Grenier, Editor.

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Grandparents Gene Gee host of Psalm 95.5 fm Virtual Living Room and author Jewel Sample discuss going through all the pain, questions, and lack of answers surrounding the unexpected & unexplained death of a grandchild to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)?

To listen to their recorded discussion click on this link: Psalm 95.5 Virtual Living Room

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Communities around the globe will be joining in

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Hello Friends,

I had the opportunity to cyber-interview new children’s author and proud grandmother of three, Tina Perry the other day about her writing experiences. This is what Tina had to say:

Jewel: Thank you so much Tina for agreeing to converse with me about your writing experiences. Let’s begin by finding out how you got started in writing?

Tina: I can remember an assignment my 6th grade teacher gave. She wanted us to write a story about what we would have seen if we were at Plymouth Rock when the Pilgrims landed there. The voice of my story was from the perspective of one of the Indians. The first word of my story was “Ugh!” My teacher loved it and she said to keep writing.

Jewel: Now you have your first children’s book published and is called, Where do stars come from, Nana? Congratulations! What a wonderful accomplishment. Now tell me, do you juggle your writing with a job and if so, how do you balance your writing time?

Tina: Yes I work full time. Finding time to write can be difficult. Writing is such a very important part of who I am that I make time. I may only get 45 minutes at lunch or 30 minutes in the evening, I have to use whatever amount of time I can wisely.

Jewel: What is your favorite tool to write with?

Tina: I typically use a laptop. But I have a notebook in my purse that I can jot down ideas and transfer them to an “idea” folder on my computer.

Jewel: What inspires you or motivates you?

Tina: My inspiration comes from God. My motivation comes from my husband. We’ve been married for 28 years and I still want him to be proud of me. What’s so ironic about that is, if I never write another book he couldn’t be more proud.

Jewel: Becoming a published writer brings with it experiences along the way. What advice do you have for new writers?

Tina: Write. Write. Write. Each writer has to find his or her own writing style. It may take years of practice writing to find yours. So start now.

Jewel: Where does your writing ideas come from?

Tina: In my first book, Where do stars come from, Nana? the idea sprung from a conversation I had with my Grandson. Want to know a secret? Keep the greeting cards you receive. Study the pictures on the cards. All kinds of ideas can arise from one card.

Jewel: Greeting cards that is a fantastic idea for getting those creative juices flowing. Thank you for telling us one of your writing secrets.

My second grade granddaughter loved your book because it sparked her interest in how the star questions were answered that she had thought about as well. Her favorite part was when Hunter discovered shining stars in an amazing place, but to find out where readers will have to read the book.

Do you have a favorite children’s story?

Tina: It would have to be Good Night Moon written by Margaret Wise Brown. I love the way it reads like a lullaby.

Jewel: My grandchildren and I love that book too. Do you write other things besides children’s themes?

Tina: Yes I’ve written for church newsletters. I also have a couple of poems published.

Jewel: What do you do when you are not writing?

Tina: I love to quilt. My husband and I have 3 grandchildren; we try to stay active in their lives. But one thing that touches my heart is the love we receive from the residents of the assisted living home my husband I minister at each month.

Jewel: Many assisted living residents are grandparents. Do you have any grandparent advice on helping children through grief?

Tina: Just be there. There may be times when a child feels they can’t talk to their parents because the parents are grieving. As a grandparent you play an enormous roll in your grandchild’s life.

Jewel: Absolutely great advice Tina. Grandparents can help their grandchildren or someone else’s children through loss just by being available to listen to the child’s concerns. Do you have another book in your future plans?

Tina: I am working on a sequel to my first book. Cooking with Nana will have kid friendly recipes. This project has been fun because my grandson and I have tried all the recipes.

Jewel: That is great Tina. I look forward to seeing your next children’s book out. Thank you so much for chatting with me and I wish you great success in your writing endeavors.

Tina Perry’s new children’s book, Where do stars come from, Nana? is available through most major bookstores and her publisher, Tate Publishing & Enterprises; LLC. Reviews about Where do stars come from, Nana? can be found on Amazon.com.



Posted by Jewel Sample, award-winning author of Flying Hugs and Kisses (2006) also translated: Besos y abrazos al aire (2006, Spanish edition) and Flying Hugs and Kisses Activity Book (2007)

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The National Center for Education in Maternal and Child Health at Georgetown University has announced the new National Sudden Infant Death Resource Center (NSIDRC), funded by a three-year cooperative agreement with the federal Maternal and Child Health Bureau (MCHB).

The new NSIDRC will continue the work of the National SIDS/Infant Death Resource Center, serving as a resource on sudden infant death (including SIDS, miscarriage, stillbirth and other sudden infant deaths), on bereavement and on promoting healthy outcomes for infants from the prenatal period through the first year of life and beyond. A new website provides access to this information, and searchable databases and special issues of the MCH Alert will soon be available.

Expert selected Bereavement Resources to help parents, family members and friends deal with grief and loss are available in the bereavement selected resources link at the website or by clicking on the underlined titled in this paragraph.

Posted by Jewel Sample, Award-winning author of Flying Hugs and Kisses, also translated: Besos y abrazos al aire (Spanish edition) and Flying Hugs and Kisses Activity Book.

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