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Joy Preble, the author of Dreaming Anastasia: A Novel of Love, Magic, and the Power of Dreams, was the kid who loved reading, science, history, and even math, although she was always dreadful at it. She didn't so much read as she consumed books. Vats of them. Buckets full. Baskets. Well, you get the idea. Her debut novel is a young adult contemporary fantasy with a teen girl heroine, a mysterious handsome guy, and a famous Russian witch, all inspired by Anastasia Romanov's dissappearance.
I had the fortunate opportunity to ask Joy a few questions regarding her influences and inspiration...
To read the entire interview, please visit Examiner.com
0 Comments on Step into the world of Joy Preble and Baba Yaga as of 1/1/1900
Children's authors aren't only bombarding the National Mall this weekend. After you visit the National Mall this Saturday in Washington D.C. for the National Book Festival, head over to Tarrytown, NY for Children's Book Day on Sunday, September 27, 2009! Washington Irving's Sunnyside is the storybook setting for one of Historic Hudson Valley's most popular events, a day-long festival for young readers, families, and friends, who can meet more than sixty of their favorite authors and illustrators.
Authors and Illustrators include: Alan Katz, author of Going, Going Gone Howard Fine, illustrator of All Aboard the DinoTrain Mark Teague, author/illustrator of Funny Farm Hudson Talbott, author/ illustrator of River of Dreams Ed Young, illustrator of Wabi Sabi Nora Raleigh Baskin, author of The Truth About my Bat Mitzvah
About HHV: Historic Hudson Valley is a network of six historic sites in Sleepy Hollow Country and the Great Estates Region, including Washington Irving’s Sunnyside; Kykuit, the Rockefeller estate, a National Trust historic site; Philipsburg Manor; The Union Church of Pocantico Hills; Van Cortlandt Manor; and Montgomery Place Historic Estate. Educational programs are made possible through the generous support of individuals, foundations, corporations, and government agencies.
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Everyone is gearing up for The National Book Festival which will be held this Saturday (September 26, 2009) in Washington, DC.. The 2009 National Book Festival is organized and sponsored by the Library of Congress and takes place on the National Mall, between 7th and 14th Streets from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.. Over 70 popular authors and illustrators of books for children and young adults are expected to participate in the annual event.
An added feature this year brings the event direct to mobile phone users! To get all the latest festival news, schedules and information as they become available, text BOOK to 61399.
Festival fans can also download author podcasts, which can be accessed free of charge through the Library's website or on iTunes. The recordings feature candid interviews with award-winning authors George Pelecanos, James Patterson, Rickey Minor, Nicholas Sparks, and more.
Authors include: -Holly Black and Tony DiTerlizzi -Kate DiCamillo -Shannon Hale -Lois Lowry -Megan McDonald -Kadir Nelson -Jon Scieszka -David Shannon -Mo Willems -Judy Blume -Jeff Kinney -Rick Riordan -Sharon Creech -Jacqueline Woodson
Don't forget to check out the Young Readers' Toolkit, which brings the festival into libraries, schools and homes across the country. The Toolkit features information about National Book Festival authors who write for children and teens, podcasts of their readings, teaching tools and activities for kids. This interactive resource also shows educators, parents and children how they can host their own book festival. But that's not all. You can also get suggested reading lists, a list of books representing the literary heritage of the 50 states,suggested writing topics, and more.
In conjunction with the National Book Festival’s event, Reading Rockets is sponsoring a Prompt Response Writing Challenge inspired by The Exquisite Corpse Adventure. The writing challenge gives students in grades K–12 an opportunity each month of this school year to respond to writing prompts by the 18 authors and illustrators involved in The Exquisite Corpse Adventure.
Dawn Aldrich is a native to New England. She resides in Connecticut with her husband, Peter. Together they've raised two adult children and have one granddaughter. She holds an Associates Degree in Radio & TV Communications from Endicott College and a Bachelor's Degree in Christian Education from Houghton College.
Currently, she is enjoying writing books, writing and acting in dramatic presentations and public speaking to both youth and adults. Dawn's passion is to create a picture with words, whether it is written or spoken. It is her hope that her words encourage and impact her readers and audiences as they identify with her characters and reflect on their own lives. Told from the child's perspective, Auntie's House answers the universal questions of every child left in the care of someone other than a parent: "What will I do all day long? Are there fun things to do here? Will Mommy come back for me?"
To read the interview with Dawn, please visit Examiner.com
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Ryan SanAngelo grew up in Connecticut and received his B.A. in Media Communications at Western CT State University in December 2000. But as a sophomore in college, Ryan took a Children's Literature class that would forever change his life.
The result of the class was a wonderful picture book titled, Spaghetti Eddie, illustrated by the amazingly talented Jackie Urbanovic. Since the book’s publication, Ryan has conducted author visits at venues throughout New England and beyond. He has delighted audiences with his charismatic performances showcasing both his book, his discussions, and his music. Ryan is also a teacher, who has a masters degree in Elementary Education and is certified to teach grades K-6. I had the fortunate opportunity to attend one of SanAngelo's performances and asked him a few questions about his unique path to publication and musical background.
To read the entire interview, please visit Examiner.com
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Beginning today, students across the United States are celebrating Hispanic Heritage month . The first formal recognition of Hispanic Heritage was made by Congress in 1968. Originally designated as the week of Sept. 15, the celebration was centered around the Independence Days of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua, which are celebrated on Sept. 15, and Mexico, which is celebrated on Sept. 16. In 1988, the celebration was extended to 31 days, beginning on Sept. 15 and ending on Oct. 15. It now includes Chile’s Independence Day (Sept. 18) and el Dia de la Raza, or the Hispanic celebration of Columbus Day (Oct. 12).
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 44 million people in the United States are of Hispanic origin. That's why it's important to teach students about the ethnic diversity in our country and expose them to world traditions. National Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates people of various different races, from more than 20 different nations around the world who share a related cultural and ethnic heritage.
Check out a wonderful list of children's books to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at Examiner.com.
3 Comments on Celebrate Hispanic heritage month with children's books, last added: 10/3/2009
Oh, the irony! I knew September was Raol Dahl month, but I didn't know about National Hispanic Heritage Month. You'd think, being half Nicaraguan...thanks for letting me know!
Samantha R. Vamos was born in Madison, Wisconsin, where her parents met during graduate school. Vamos grew up on the East Coast, where she attended Georgetown University Law Center and practiced law in Washington, D.C.. She and her family now reside in the Pacific Northwest, outside Seattle.
Writing has always been a passion (along with Peppermint Patties, dogs, movies, reading, traveling, Halloween, music, family, shooting endless photos of her child, and much more). Vamos has been writing stories for over twenty years and publishing her writing has been one of her greatest dreams. Vamos was most influenced to write by her mother, but both parents, as well as her paternal grandfather and maternal grandmother, are and were excellent writers.
Vamos' first picture book, Before You Were Here, Mi Amor was voted Best for Babies by Parents Magazine. Her second book, The Cazuela That the Farm Maiden Stirred is being published by Charlesbridge in Fall 2010 and will be illustrated by Rafael López. I had the chance to ask Samantha R. Vamos some questions regarding her writing, and both books....
As a home-schooled child, Kaleb Nation had to be forced by his mother to write one page a week in creative writing. But by the time he finished his first story, no one could make him stop. Age twelve, Kaleb promptly telephoned the senior editor of a major publisher to pitch the book…and got to talk with security instead.
But as with most writers, not even that could stifle his dream. On the third night of the third month in 2003, Kaleb Nation, then age fourteen, suddenly had the idea of a boy and a banker sitting on a rooftop, waiting for a burglar to come. From that image was born the story of Bran Hambric, a teen boy who was found in a bank vault when he was six years old with no memory of his past. The novel would take most of Kaleb's teenage years to write. In early 2007, Kaleb finished the first book in his series Bran Hambric: The Farfield Curse, which releases tomorrow 9-9-09!
Bran Hambric: The Farfield Curse is a delightful read that will take readers to a magical world full of adventure, gnomes, and evil counterparts. I had the wonderful opportunity to interview Kaleb about his new book.
Backpack--check! Notebooks--check! Pens, pencils--check! Chances are you're stocking up or are already stocked up on school supplies, but have you remembered one of the most important school supplies of all? A library card. September is Library Card Sign-Up month.
Observed since 1987, Library Card Sign-Up Month is a time when the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries across the country remind parents that a library card is the most important school supply of all. The month encourages all libraries to focus for a month on extending its reach and message into the community it serves.
Library cards are generally free to those living in the library's service area. In most cases, borrowing privileges are granted on the spot. Some libraries may require some form of identification, proof of residency or the signature of a guardian.
Studies show that children who are read to in the home and who use the library perform better in school and are more likely to continue to use the library as a source of lifetime learning.
Young readers can head to the library to check out books, but they can also play games, check out music and DVDS, and use the Internet to help make after school life fun. There's a lot more happening at the library than you probably think from preschool programs, to arts and crafts sessions, to classes that teach you local history and how to use your computer more efficiently. And the best part of all is that it's all free with a library card.
Ways to celebrate Library Card Sign-Up Month:
1. Make a trip to your local library to make sure you have a library card. 2. Schedule a library tour to acquaint students with the resources available. 3. Get young readers/ students writing and publishing book reviews. 4. Invite a librarian to your school to talk to students about the advantages of owning a library card. 5. Have students create their own bookmarks. 6. Complete this lesson plan at Read-Write-Think that has students visit library websites from diverse places such as The Bahamas, and Hong Kong to discuss and compare library services throughout the world. 7. Attend pre-school story hour with your child. 8. Get to know your librarian. 9. Ask for a recommended reading list for your child. 10. Find a quiet spot, curl up with a good book, and enjoy!
I nominated YOU for a Kreativ Blogger Award, because I like what you do for children’s books and our shared artistic community! Check out my blog to claim the logo, http://saradobie.wordpress.com, and keep up the amazing work. Woohooo!
Jenna Bush Hager is assuming a new role, in addition to former first daughter, wife, teacher, and children's author...Jenna Bush Hager will now be a correspondent for the 'Today' Show on NBC.
Hager will assume her role on September 14. Hager says, ""It wasn't something I'd always dreamed to do," she said. "But I think one of the most important things in life is to be open-minded and to be open-minded for change."
As the world mourns Senator Ted Kennedy, many people have mentioned his work with the Washington-based reading program known as "Everybody Wins!" The Massachusetts Democrat was inspired to write his children's book, My Senator and Me, from his work with Everybody Wins! Everybody Wins! USA is currently holding a literacy auction that is now open! The auction will run until September 2, 2009, with proceeds going to Everybody Wins USA in order to help them expand their Power Lunch reading program to low-income children. Power Lunch is a lunchtime literacy and mentoring program that brings groups of adult volunteers into low-income elementary schools for one-on-one read aloud sessions with students.
Everybody Wins! was recently cited by the White House as "one of the countless hidden gems across the country that is successfully bringing together people from all sectors to address community challenges with solutions proven to work." Everybody Wins' work was also recently featured in the Chronicle of Philathropy, GOOD Magazine and by Education Secretary Arne Duncan.
Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein has been a positive psychologist in private practice for the past twenty five years. In the course of working with her clients, she originated the idea of the Enchanted Self, a positive psychology therapy where she teaches people how to recognize and utilize their strengths, talents, skills and even lost potential. Dr. Holstein has developed a number of methods, including using our memories to rediscover what is right about ourselves and our lives, rather than what went wrong, helping people to overcome adversity, experience positive emotions and live the good life!
Her recent book, The Truth: I'm a Girl, I'm Smart and I Know Everything, is a tender and charming read that helps all of us remember what it's like to be a child with the ups and downs that we, as parents, aunts, uncles and grandparents need to address to make the transition from child to teenager easier (if that's possible!). This book is written as a diary by a young girl. Through the course of the book, the reader learns the girl’s thoughts on everything from her first crush, her parents’ fights, how she will stay true to her dreams as a grownup. The pages are filled with simple truths, wise and innocent at the same time. Girls, tweens, and teens will love the reinforcement they gain The Truth’s diary entries, and their parents will love the opportunity to finally have a fun way to discuss with their kids so many issues around growing up.
The Truth is available on Amazon and those who buy it will also receive nearly $8,100 in free downloadable gifts. For more info, please visit http://thetruthbooklaunch.homestead.com
Read my exclusive interview with Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein at Examiner.com
0 Comments on Children's Book with $8100 in free gifts as of 8/28/2009 10:43:00 AM
Many around the U.S. are mourning the loss of Senator Ted Kennedy. Kennedy will be remembered as a lawmaker who spearheaded efforts to advance a number of liberal causes, but what many may not know about Kennedy was his love of animals--specifically Portuguese water dogs.
Kennedy owned two Portuguese water dogs named Splash and Sunny and also introduced the Obamas to the first dog, Bo--another Portuguese water dog.
Kennedy's love of Portuguese water dogs prompted him to become a children's book author, penning My Senator And Me: A Dog's Eye View Of Washington, D.C., a book on the political process for ages 4-8. According to Scholastic, Kennedy's book "not only takes readers through a full day in the Senator's life, but also explains how a bill becomes a law." Kennedy, a Massachusetts Democrat, was inspired to write the book from his work with a Washington-based reading program, "Everybody Wins!" The program connects adults with elementary school students who work together to develop reading skills. Senator Kennedy has been a huge supporter of the program and, even as a U.S. Senator, Kennedy read every Tuesday at a local school in WAshington D.C. as part of an Everybody Wins program. Senator Kennedy believed in national service and literacy and donated his net proceeds from the book to charities including Read Boston, an organization that supports literacy in the Boston public schools.
The 56-page picture book illustrated by Caldecott-winning artist David Small, My Senator And Me: A Dog's Eye View Of Washington, D.C., is not only a charming pet story, but it's also a wonderful introduction to how the government works. Splash is always at Senator Kennedy's side - in his office, at press conferences, in meetings at the Capitol and even right outside the Senate chamber. Told from Splash's point of view, this book takes young readers through a full day in the Senator's life. My Senator and Me also includes biographies of Senator Kennedy and Splash.
"I am very excited about the opportunity to create a book for young readers and their families that will deepen their understanding of how our American government works," Kennedy said.
Senator Ted Kennedy will be buried Saturday evening near his slain brothers — former President Kennedy and former Sen. Robert F. Kennedy — at Arlington National Cemetery in northern Virginia. Kennedy is eligible for burial at Arlington because of his service in Congress, as well as his two years in the Army from 1951 to 1953.
Watch this tribute to Senator Ted Kennedy that mentions his service with Everybody Wins!
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Heading back to school can be fun for the whole family, but anxiety and nervousness can take its toll. School can bring many emotions as it forces students to experience a new teacher, new classroom, new schoolwork, and new friends. To help children (and yourself!) ease back into school mode, check out this great set of tips and selection of children's books that can help make the transition a smooth one and hopefully, set the course for a successful year...
TIPS FOR THE FIRST DAY: 1. Point out the positives of school: it's fun, he'll learn new things, he'll see old friends and meet new ones. 2. Remind him that he's not alone. Most children are nervous on the first day of school. 3. Make sure your child gets enough sleep the night before. 4. Make sure your child eats a healthy breakfast. 5. Pack your backpack the night before.
The mission of The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art is to inspire, especially in children and their families, an appreciation for and an understanding of the art of the picture book. Together with his wife Barbara, Eric Carle, the renowned author and illustrator of more than 70 books, including the 1969 classic The Very Hungry Caterpillar, founded The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art as the first full-scale museum in this country devoted to national and international picture book art, conceived and built with the aim of celebrating the art we know first.
The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art is having a special event this Sunday--Meet Eric Carle. If you're going to be near Amherst, MA, be sure to stop by, and meet the author of the classic picture books you've grown up on. On the same day, Crayola honors Eric Carle with a special five-foot commemorative “The Very Hungry Caterpillar Green” crayon produced in honor of his birthday! Following the presentation, “The Very Hungry Caterpillar Green” commemorative crayons will be free while supplies last. Additional Information: Where: At The Museum What: Meet Eric Carle When: August 23, 2009/ 12:00 pm Price: Free with Museum Admission
(Museum Members may enter from 11:00 to 11:45 am. General Public and Museum Members arriving after 11:45 am will be allowed entry at 12:00 pm on a space available basis.)
Signing guidelines:
Limit 1 book from home and 2 books from the Museum Shop* per ticket holder
No personalization
Eric will be signing books only
No flash photography allowed
While supplies last, receive a specially-designed Eric Carle bookplate with each Eric Carle hardcover book purchased that day in the Museum Shop (above the 3-book-per-person limit).
Encouraging your child to explore books is essential in developing her literacy skills and should begin as early as birth (some say to even read to your baby while he/ she is still in the womb). But early literacy does not mean teaching reading to infants and toddlers. Reading, writing and language evolve from a number of earlier, age-appropriate skills, such as physically manipulating or handling books; looking at and recognizing books; comprehending pictures and a story; and interacting with books verbally. So what books are suitable for infants?
Cloth Books: Cloth books, which are printed on cloth, are soft and strong and can be thrown in the washing machine.
Board Books: Babies should also have sturdy books to look at, touch and hold. Board books are appropriate for babies because the pages are easy for very young children to turn. During reading time, having children turn the pages helps them feel like they have some control and it promotes a sense that they are reading along with you. Babies love to explore and since board books are made from heavy cardboard with a plastic coating, they can stand hard wear and tear by babies who throw them, crawl over them, and chew them. Board books can also be wiped clean.
Interactive Books: Since babies love to explore, books that allow them to do just that are a fantastic tool to introduce babies to the world of reading. Look for books with handles, holes, textures, or lift the flaps. Touch-and-feel books invite children to explore them with their fingers and learn about different textures and shapes. Babies love lift the flap books, but, unfortunately, they usually don't hold up well under rough treatment.
Concept-Oriented Books: Choose books with large pictures or bright and bold illustrations set against a contrasting background. Look for books that have simple pictures, one per page. Rather than containing a story, board books are almost entirely concept oriented with topics such as the alphabet, animals, colors, numbers, opposites, shapes, and textures.
Interesting Language Books: It's important for infants to hear language. That's why it's important to read favorite books again and again. You might get tired of reading the same books, but children love hearing the same stories again. And it helps them learn to read by hearing familiar words and seeing what they look like in print. Choose books with interesting language, rhythm, and sounds such as books with rhymes, songs, and poetry. Books with predictable patterns and repeated language such as those that retell traditional nursery rhymes or songs are also recommended.
As your baby grows older, keep books on low shelves or in baskets where she can see them and get them herself. You'll find she may even “pretend“ to read a book that she has heard many times. As your child starts to explore books, support her progress by watching, listening and providing a number of age-appropriate books.
One of the joys readers get from being entrenched in a story is envisioning the characters. Readers imagine what a character looks like, what their mannerisms are, and a reader might even compare them to people they know. Think of how many times you read a really good book, envisioned the characters in your mind, then went to see it played out on the big screen and were a little disappointed. There's a connection when reading a book and playing out the story in your mind, which is why many readers of Liar were disappointed when they saw the original cover.
The young adult novel is narrated by an African-American girl with "nappy" hair. However, the image on the cover was much different--a white girl with long, straight tresses. The move got many readers and bloggers wondering why Bloomsbury, the publisher, would do such a thing. Was it a reason to sell more books by switching the character's ethnicity? Bloomsbury officials said in a statement to Publisher's Weekly.“We regret that our original creative direction for Liar—which was intended to symbolically reflect the narrator’s complex psychological makeup—has been interpreted by some as a calculated decision to mask the character’s ethnicity.”
Nonetheless, bloggers and readers united and Bloomsbury has decided to re-jacket the hardcover edition with a new look in time for its publication in October.
The author, Justine Larbalestier praised the company’s decision. "I am extremely happy to have a North American cover that is true to the book I wrote. I hope you like it as much as I do. I also hope we can prove (again) that it’s simply not true that a YA cover with a black face on the cover won’t sell."
The Sluggers series has posed an interesting question that has been debated time and time again: What decides whether a book is released in paperback or hardcover and what do young readers prefer? Last year, Simon & Schuster, the publisher of the Sluggers series, decided to repackage the entire program. They changed the name from "Barnstormers" and gave the series a whole new look. They re-released the first three books in paperback form under the “Sluggers” name (same stories, different titles), and published the fourth book in the series "Water, Water Everywhere" in hardcover. But fans have expressed disappointment that the first three books are only available in paperback and there's not a consistent format for the series.
So you're probably wondering what goes into the decision of hardcover or paperback and what's the difference? First the basics...Hardcover and paperback refers to a book by the nature of its binding. The cover of a paperback is usually made of paper or cardboard, and is usually held together with glue rather than stitches or staples. Due to the lack of a hard cover, stitched bindings, and frequently the use of cheaper paper, paperbacks cost much less compared to hardcovers. It's widely assumed that paperbacks are published when a book is not expected to be a major seller, or the publisher wishes to release a book without putting forth a large investment. This makes it seem as though the publisher has little confidence in an author and/ or sales potential if it's first published in paperback. But in today's economy, that couldn't be farther from the truth. There are many factors that need to be considered such as the target audience, state of the economy, an author's popularity, and more.
Cost: The fact is, the U.S. will likely see the rise in paperback first runs. Due to the poor economy, many publishers are publishing first print runs in paperback thanks to the lower price point. Probably even more so for younger readers, since they rely on parents to buy their books, or have low-paying jobs. The lower price point also makes it easier (and less expendable for a publisher) to debut a first-time author. Readers will take a chance on a book from an unknown author that's priced at $8 compared to a hardcover that costs around $20.
Durability: Many believe hardcovers are worth buying for books that are worth keeping since paperbacks get folded and torn easier. Children’s books are also widely sold into libraries and schools which is why you see so many hardcovers. Hardcovers tend to be better in schools and libraries since they circulate constantly and undergo extensive use.
Worth: While a lot of people are drawn to the price of paperbacks, some readers like to invest in hardcovers that their children adore. They last longer and are adored by collectors.
Sales: Most people assume that books are automatically published in hardcover, then eventually come out in paperback. But some hardcovers never make it to paperback or suffer low sales when they do. Hardcovers that don't sell great, determine the interest in the paperback and affect the number of orders from bookstores and libraries. In addition, hardcovers draw in higher royalty rates for authors.
Target audience: What do young readers prefer and what can they afford? Some readers like the look and feel of paperbacks, claiming they're comfortable to hold and lighter. Some like the fact that paperbacks are easy to travel with and throw in your bag.
Review issue: There's a pre-conceived notion that hardcovers are more prestigious and draw in better reviews, since the publisher has invested a substantial amount of money in their product. Many good reviews can lead to awards, and best book of the year listings, and lots of sales. But with the popularity of paperbacks, it seems as though that mentality is shifting. Most reviewers will review books based on interest, not because it's paperback or hardcover. And due to the rising number of review blogs and word of mouth through the internet, the chances to receive a review are great.
Box-set capability: With a popular series like Sluggers, publishers can consider packaging it into a box set that would make a great Christmas present. Is this something consumers would buy?
As you can see it’s a complicated set of decisions when figuring out whether to go hardcover or paperback. But ultimately, for you the buyer, it all comes down to personal preference. And most importantly, don't you just wish it's a good read?
0 Comments on Hardcover or Paperback? as of 8/7/2009 8:23:00 AM
I read this recent post from Phil Bildner and wanted to share it with you. It raises an interesting question: What decides whether a book is released in paperback or hardcover and what do young readers prefer? We'll dive into this tomorrow, but first take a look at the cover of Book #5 in the Sluggers series, which releases February 2010. Does it get you excited or what?
"In a few shorts months, Book #5 in my “Sluggers” chapter book series will be arriving in stores. Blastin' the Blues (Sluggers) will provide the answers to many of the mysteries and questions surrounding the Payne family and the Travelin’ Nine. At the same time, readers will have to wait for Book #6, the final episode in the serial, to see how everything turns out.
As most of you should know by now, last year, Simon & Schuster, the publisher of the Sluggers series, decided to repackage the entire program. They changed the name from "Barnstormers" and gave the series a whole new look. They re-released the first three books in paperback form under the “Sluggers” name (same stories, different titles), and published the fourth book in the series "Water, Water Everywhere" in hardcover.
This seems to have been the right call. The series is performing much better under the new, baseball-friendly title. For the most part, the transition from "Barnstormers" to "Sluggers" didn’t cause as much confusion in the marketplace as some had feared. However, many booksellers, librarians, teachers, and readers expressed disappointment that the first three books in the “Sluggers” series were not produced in hardcover. They keep asking if they will be.
My answer: I don’t know. I hope so.
With the publication date for Book #5 rapidly approaching, a decision will have to be made shortly. Will hardcover versions of "Magic in the Outfield," "Horsin' Around," and "Great Balls of Fire," be produced? Is there going to be a box set?
Some claim “the numbers” aren’t there yet to support such books. Others counter the sales numbers clearly are. Some claim there is no longer enough time to put these books together. Others counter the book templates for these books already exist. In addition, when a publisher wants to “crash” a book, they almost always can find a way (e.g. see the numerous Barack Obama books that came out in a matter of weeks last winter).
Some claim the price point for the paperback version is better suited for these economic times. Others counter that the paperback versions will still be available. Consumers will now have the option. For those of you who’ve heard me speak about Book #4 of "Sluggers" I always say it is the most beautifully packaged book I’ve ever been a part of. Of course, I’m biased, but it’s the truth (and wait until you see Book #5…wow!) But when lined up on a shelf alongside the first three soft cover books, it doesn’t even look like it’s part of the same series. Many others have shared this same sentiment.
So I’m asking for educators, booksellers, librarians, bibliophiles and fans to weigh in. Let’s see if we can make the case together. Let’s see if we can convince the publisher to give the people what they want."
1 Comments on Sneak Peak of Blastin' the Blues, last added: 8/6/2009
Sylvan Dell Publishing recently debuted its next generation eBook, proving the company represents “so much more than a picture book;” it represents a full-fledged campaign for literacy in America.
Sylvan Dell publisher and co-founder Lee German said, “These are the most technologically advanced eBooks in the world today, featuring Auto-Flip, Auto-Read, and Selectable Language. There is nothing even close to this on the market. Amazon/Kindle and Barnes & Noble eBooks are not even in the same category. I encourage parents and teachers to take a test-drive and see for themselves. Let the children play with these for a few weeks, and you’ll be amazed at their excitement and improved reading performance. For children wanting to learn a foreign language or ESOL families learning English, these are phenomenal tools.”
Sylvan Dell is no newcomer to literacy education and no stranger to technological advances. Since the company’s founding in 2004, co-founders Lee and Donna German have been ahead of the picture book publishing curve. Last year, Sylvan Dell awarded free eBook site licenses to over 2600 elementary and Title I/III schools nationwide through their School Resource Grant Program.
What’s next? According to German, “We want moms, dads, and grandparents to be able to record a reading of our books and add that audio to the language selection list. This is especially important for military families with a parent overseas. We are also developing an iPhone, iPod, and iPod touch application so that our eBooks will be available on handhelds and an online data capture system to allow teachers to track student reading and quiz performance.”
Hey, Lori! Thank you so much for this Sylvan Dell shout out. We're so excited about the new eBooks, so we want this link posted EVERYWHERE. Your support is much appreciated! Best, Sara Dobie Sylvan Dell PR
I'm happy to help spread the word about Sylvan Dell's new eBooks. I think it's absolutely wonderful and I'm always blown away at the quality of books Sylvan Dell publishes.
Pat McCarthy grew up in Painted Post, NY. When she was 16, she moved to Greenville, Ohio, where she still lives. As a child, she spent much of her time reading, often perched in an apple tree. She wanted to be a writer, a teacher, an artist, a cowboy and a farmer. Three out of five isn't bad, if you change artist to photographer.
She graduated from Miami University in Oxford Ohio with a degree in elementary education. She taught elementary school for 30 years. On retirement, she decided to write. Since then, she has had 14 books published by 4 different publishers. Her latest book, Heading West: Life with the Pioneers, 21 Activities (For Kids series) traces the vivid saga of Native American and pioneer men, women, and children from the colonial beginnings of the westward expansion to the last of the homesteaders in late 20th century Alaska. She lives with her cats, Dorothy and Oz.
Tell us about your path to publication. About three years before I retired, I decided I wanted to do writing and photography, so I took some workshops and classes, including going to Highlights' workshop at Chautauqua several times. I sold a few things to magazines before retirement and continued to do that for ten years, while also working on several books that never sold. Finally queried Enslow about a book on Annie Oakley. The editor wrote back and said she had just assigned a book on Annie, but asked if I would be interested in writing on other subjects. I called her and she ran a list of people by me for biographies. I picked Daniel Boone and that was the start of the books.
How did your experience teaching elementary school for many years affect your career as a children's author? I'm sure it makes it much easier for me to write for kids, since it's not real hard for me to write on their level.
How did you become an instructor for the Institute of Children's Literature and how do you juggle it with your own writing? I thought I'd like the job and asked Fred Bortz about it, since I knew he was an instructor. He gave me lots of info on applying and I did. I had to go through several steps before they asked me to join the staff. Then they flew me to CT for training. Truthfully, I don't get enough work from them any more for it to be a problem juggling it with my writing.
What inspired you to write Heading West: Life with the Pioneers? I queried the editor about writing a biography of Laura Ingalls Wilder. He thought a book on ALL pioneers would sell better, so we went from there.
In an age of Iphones, Facebook, and other technology, how do you get young readers interested in the whole pioneer era?Actually, I think they're interested just because it is so different from anything they've experienced. Also I think the 21 activities will get them interested. I plan to do school programs and will dress in pioneer dress to add interest.
Besides writing, you've stated that you love photography and many of your photos have been included in your books. What advice can you give an author who would also like to submit photos along with their manuscript?For most of my books, I've been required to provide all the photos. I don't get paid for the photos, but neither do I have to pay for them, which is a plus. If you're not required to provide photos, I don't know how easy it would be to get your photos used. I have sold many articles with photos, though, and I think it's easier to sell an article if you have photos to accompany it. Also the age of digital photography has made it much less expensive. To learn more about Pat McCarthy, her books, and school visits, please visit her blog.
Nonfiction Monday takes place at various wonderful blogs throughout the Kidlitosphere! Today, you can check out the Roundup at Practically Paradise. To see the blog schedule for Nonfiction Monday, please visit Anastasia Suen's Picture Book of the Day.
2 Comments on Author Interview: Pat McCarthy, last added: 8/6/2009
C.E. Walz is a children's book author as well as an educator. She has been teaching writing for over twenty-five years. Walz currently teaches English and chairs the middle school English department at Woodward Academy in College Park, Georgia. In her spare time she likes to bird-watch, hike, play the saxophone, and write--but not all at the same time! Her latest picture book, Alley Loo: A Spooky Swamp Tale won best children's book from Dragonfly Publishing, Inc.
Tell us about your path to publication. I've been teaching children for over 25 years, but I've been a musician for most of my life. When I began my teaching career, I was teaching third grade, and I enjoyed writing musicals and short stories for my students. My first published stories appeared in magazines like Jack and Jill, Children's Digest, and Turtle. My first children's book (Mary's Treasure Box) was published by Tommy Nelson Publishers in 1998.
Tell us a little about Alley Loo.
Alley Loo is a spooky swamp tale for children ages 3-8, but it's really a mystery story. The swamp can be a mighty spooky place with moss-covered trees, creepy-creaky sounds, and dark pools of water. But what's really scaring the swamp critters is Alley Loo! That's the mystery--who is Alley Loo?
Congrats on winning the 2008 DFP's Best Children's Book Award. What would you tell a writer who is hesitant about entering a writing contest?
I LOVE writing contests...for several reasons! Contests give me a deadline and specific entry requirements and I like to work within boundaries like that. It is very difficult these days for freelance authors to get a publisher's attention, but with a contest,at least I know that my work is being read.
Where did you get the inspiration to write Alley Loo? Several years ago I traveled down to south Georgia with my family to visit the Okefenokee Swamp, one of the largest swamps in the world. It's a wonderful, kid-friendly place to learn about the swamp, complete with nature hikes, exhibits, wildlife demonstrations, gift shop, and guided boat tours. While I was on a boat tour, our guide mentioned what he thought was the scariest critter in the swamp--and that's when the idea for Alley Loo came to me.
How did you come up with the name Alley Loo? Alley Loo sounded like a spooky name for a swamp critter. I can hear it being whispered around a campfire at night: "Better watch out for Alley Looooooo..." and it has great rhyming potential!
How has teaching for over 25 years affected being a children's author? For me, writing and teaching English go hand in hand. I've been quite blessed to have been teaching at Woodward Academy in College Park, Georgia, for most of my career. Woodward is one of the largest private schools in the nation, and some of my students have gone on to become very successful writers, actors, and musicians. I've always emphasized creative writing in my classroom and shared my writing experiences with my students. Many young people have been inspired to continue writing beyond their school years, and that makes my own writing experience seem worthwhile.
What was the best writing advice you've received and why? It may sound like a cliche, but the best writing advice I've received is "write what you know." I have to be able to visualize what I'm writing and there's no better way to see something in your head than to have lived it! No, I've not lived in a swamp, but I've been to one AND I've done lots and lots of research. A writer has to have the picture in her head before the words will make sense.
What's next for C.E. Walz? I usually have two or three projects going on at once. I just signed a contract with Dragonfly Publishers for a second children's book, Swamp Lullaby. This book was inspired by a song I wrote with my husband, who is also a musician. Because of its swamp setting, It's a companion book for Alley Loo, and my husband and I are working on a CD of swamp music to go along with both of these books. The CD should be out this fall. In addition, I sent off a manuscript to another contest recently, and I just returned from the Rocky Mountains where I did some research on a native American legend that I'm turning into a middle-grade novel. And then there's a folder next to my computer with four or five other book ideas...
One valuable step to reading is comprehending and developing thoughtful interpretations of what one reads. That's why it's important for young readers to be actively involved in the books they read. Beginning at the pre-school age, parents should discuss what's happening in the illustrations of a picture book, and ask questions such as what will happen next.
By the time your young readers are in school, many teachers will use books as a great way to not only get them reading, but also writing. Even if a school is fortunate enough to have an excellent reading curriculum in place, several other factors play a large role in whether students will be able to meet their reading objectives.
There are many instructional tools available for teachers and one is called Book Punch. Book Punch is an educational software program that provides interactive, step-by-step writing prompts for popular children's and young adult literature. Popular titles include "Because of Winn-Dixie," "Holes," and "The Giver." The program uses instructional technology to lead students step-by-step through pre-writing, organizing, revising, editing and publishing their original responses to writing prompts for each book.
For teachers who find it difficult to provide enough personal attention to each pupil, Book Punch is an aid in the classroom that can help guide students through the process of thinking and writing about books commonly read in schools today. Book Punch's writing prompts provide support for students of a wide range of abilities, including striving readers.
For additional information on Book Punch, please visit the official website for full-working demos, teaching tips and pricing information.
0 Comments on Get young readers writing about books as of 7/29/2009 8:23:00 AM
One important job as a parent, as if you didn't have enough, is building a library for your child. One of the biggest factors to raising a reader is the quality and amount of books you make available for your young reader. However, parents already have many expenses and the average price for a hardcover children's book is $19.99. So how do you build a library for your child that will encourage his love of reading and provide him with a bunch of titles he'll remember forever?
In a time when everyone's taking a look at ways to be frugal, you can also find some budget-friendly ways to provide books for your young readers.
1. Library:
As a parent, your local library is your friend. A library is a great resource that provides books at no cost to your family, provided you have a library card and remember to return the books on time. For preschoolers, libraries often offer free programs such as storytime and are a great way to expose your child to a world of books. Preschoolers will see it as a treat to make a trip to their local library and select books not available to them in their own collection. This is a wonderful way to try out books before purchasing them. You'll find certain books your child is drawn to that will be worth investing in and you'll see what your child's interests are. Libraries also teach children the importance of taking care of books, since the books are not their own. Most libraries offer a free to a good home rack or bin. Often people donate books to their local libraries and if it's an older book, or a duplicate, the library will place it on their free rack. Look out for book sales at your local library because it's also a great place to find discounted books.
2. Hardcover vs. Paperback: Hardcovers are usually appropriate for young children, since they'll hold up better to the wear and tear, but the truth is, paperbacks cost less. You can create a much less expensive library with paperbacks and often find the same quality titles available in hardback.
3. Thrift stores: Thrift stores are a great resource to search for books.
4. Dollar Stores and Dollar Bins: If you peruse the dollar bins at stores such as Target, you'll often find board books for babies and toddlers for only $1. Sometimes they even mark items down in the dollar bins to 50% off, so you can get books for $.50!
5. Gifts: Tell loved ones that instead of overloading your children with toys for Christmas or birthdays, that they're in need of books. Books make a wonderful gift, especially if the book is personalized by the gift-giver.
6. Garage and Yard Sales: Many parents whose children have outgrown their books will often try to declutter their house by selling them at garage and yard sales. Since most children like to mouth books and have wet hands while turning pages, turn to a safe non-toxic cleaner and give the books a good swipe.
7. Community Programs: I recently highlighted Dolly Parton's Imagination Library. Available in select communities, this wonderful program provides free books for children until they turn 5. See if any of these programs are available in your area.
8.Book Stores: Book Stores often have a discount rack where you can find children's titles appropriate for your child's library. Most of these book stores also offer reward programs (make sure it's at no cost to you) and sign up for e-mail alerts because they'll also send coupons.
9. Used Book Stores: Used Book Stores are a wonderful place to find used books at a discount price.
10. Book Swaps: Look in your community for book swap opportunities. You can simply find another parent and trade books your child might not be interested in for others. You can also check at your grocery store, as some stores offer a book swap table where you can donate your used books and take another.
Building your child's library is an investment that will pay off by instilling a love of reading in your child, and these are just a few ways you don't have to break the bank to do it. As your child grows older, keep books on low shelves or in baskets where he can see them and get them himself. Also teach a respect for books early on and show children where their books belong, so they're not covering your living room floor. For example, one great idea is to decorate a large cardboard box with color copies of your child's favorite books' covers. You can cover the copies with craft glue, so they won't rip. Then teach your child to return their books to the box when finished and every few days, play librarian and return the books to your shelves. While building your child's library, remember that what your child will truly remember is the time you curl up with them to read a good book.
"A home without books is like a room without windows ... A library is not a luxury but one of the necessities of life." ~Henry Ward Beecher
3 Comments on How to build your child's library on a budget, last added: 7/22/2009
My son has a LOT of books and fortunately he loves them all! I started out by buying a serie of 12 books for $1 at a Thrift Shop. Then I told myself, why not slowly keep buying them at such cheap price! Then it became an obsession! lol
Still I can't be far away from thrift's book section for kids. At least I always buy one! :) I confess, that's my favorite source... Thrift Stores!
I'm so glad to hear you're a Thrift Store Shopper! A series of 12 books for $1 is amazing!!I'm a little addicted to bargain books myself--you'd be amazed at what can you find, right?
Thanks, Terry! It is nice to see all of the options out there. I know I always keep an eye out for a deal--especially children's books. I'm a big fan of the free to a good home shelf at the library! We've gotten so many great books that way! :)
Helping your child learn to read is a partnership that will pay off for a lifetime. Although reading and writing abilities continue to develop throughout life, the early childhood years - from birth through age eight - are the most important period for literacy development. Many people wonder when a child learns to read. Most would answer kindergarten or first grade, but the truth is children start down the road to reading as soon as they are born.
The development of early literacy skills through early experiences with books and stories is critically linked to a child's success in learning to read. That's why children's books need to provide both the stories children enjoy and the structure they need to read fluently and independently.
You can prepare your child to read by sharing your time, talking about the world around you, telling and reading stories and asking and answering questions.
Here are suggestions for helping your child before, during, and after reading:
1. Make reading fun. Read to your child in a comfortable place. Have her sit on your lap or next to you so that she can see and point to the print and the pictures. 2. Show enthusiasm as you read with your child. Read the story with expression, almost as though you're acting the story out on a Broadway stage. You can make the story more interesting by talking as the characters would talk, making sound effects, and making expressions with your face and hands. 3. Read to your child often. Set aside special times for reading each day, maybe after lunch and at bedtime. The more you can read to him or her, the better—as long as he/she is willing to listen. Reading times can be brief, about 5 to 10 minutes. 4. Look at the cover together and ask your child to predict what the story is about. 5. Encourage your child to chime in with familiar words and phrases. 6. Echo read with your child by reading a line first and having your child read it after you do. 7. Encourage your child to use phonics skills to sound out new words. 8. Provide the word for your child when more assistance is needed so that he or she does not struggle and the experience of reading with you is a positive one. 9. Encourage your child to read the books over and over again. Have him or her read to brothers, sisters, grandparents, and even stuffed animals. Repeated readings develop confidence in young readers. 10. Talk about the stories. Ask and answer questions. Share ideas about the funniest and most interesting characters and events in the stories.
Even six-week-old babies like the feeling of closeness when a parent,grandparent, or other caretaker reads to them. When children find out that reading can be a warm, happy experience, they begin to build a lifelong love of reading.
0 Comments on Suggestions for helping your child while reading as of 1/1/1900
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By: Lori Calabrese,
on 9/24/2009
Joy Preble, the author of Dreaming Anastasia: A Novel of Love, Magic, and the Power of Dreams
Children's authors aren't only bombarding the National Mall this weekend. After you visit the National Mall this Saturday in Washington D.C. for the National Book Festival, head over to Tarrytown, NY for Children's Book Day on Sunday, September 27, 2009! Washington Irving's Sunnyside is the storybook setting for one of Historic Hudson Valley's most popular events, a day-long festival for young readers, families, and friends, who can meet more than sixty of their favorite authors and illustrators.
The event runs from 11am to 6pm, but not all authors appear at the same time, so be sure to check out the schedule of amazing authors! You can also download the flyer (in PDF format).
(2009 Festival Artist: Charles Santore)
Dawn Aldrich is a native to New England. She resides in Connecticut with her husband, Peter. Together they've raised two adult children and have one granddaughter. She holds an Associates Degree in Radio & TV Communications from Endicott College and a Bachelor's Degree in Christian Education from Houghton College.
Ryan SanAngelo grew up in Connecticut and received his B.A. in Media
Beginning today, students across the United States are celebrating Hispanic Heritage month . The first formal recognition of Hispanic Heritage was made by Congress in 1968. Originally designated as the week of Sept. 15, the celebration was centered around the Independence Days of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua, which are celebrated on Sept. 15, and Mexico, which is celebrated on Sept. 16. In 1988, the celebration was extended to 31 days, beginning on Sept. 15 and ending on Oct. 15. It now includes Chile’s Independence Day (Sept. 18) and el Dia de la Raza, or the Hispanic celebration of Columbus Day (Oct. 12).
Samantha R. Vamos was born in Madison, Wisconsin, where her parents met during graduate school. Vamos grew up on the East Coast, where she attended Georgetown University Law Center and practiced law in Washington, D.C.. She and her family now reside in the Pacific Northwest, outside Seattle. 
As a home-schooled child, Kaleb Nation had to be forced by his mother to write one page a week in creative writing. But by the time he finished his first story, no one could make him stop. Age twelve, Kaleb promptly telephoned the senior editor of a major publisher to pitch the book…and got to talk with security instead.
Backpack--check! Notebooks--check! Pens, pencils--check! Chances are you're stocking up or are already stocked up on school supplies, but have you remembered one of the most important school supplies of all? A library card. September is Library Card Sign-Up month.
Jenna Bush Hager is assuming a new role, in addition to former first daughter, wife, teacher, and children's author...Jenna Bush Hager will now be a correspondent for the 'Today' Show on NBC.
As the world mourns Senator Ted Kennedy, many people have mentioned his work with the Washington-based reading program known as "Everybody Wins!" The Massachusetts Democrat was inspired to write his children's book, My Senator and Me, from his work with Everybody Wins!
Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein has been a positive psychologist in private practice for the past twenty five years. In the course of working with her clients, she originated the idea of the Enchanted Self, a positive psychology therapy where she teaches people how to recognize and utilize their strengths, talents, skills and even lost potential. Dr. Holstein has developed a number of methods, including using our memories to rediscover what is right about ourselves and our lives, rather than what went wrong, helping people to overcome adversity, experience positive emotions and live the good life!
Many around the U.S. are mourning the loss of Senator Ted Kennedy. Kennedy will be remembered as a lawmaker who spearheaded efforts to advance a number of liberal causes, but what many may not know about Kennedy was his love of animals--specifically Portuguese water dogs.
Heading back to school can be fun for the whole family, but anxiety and nervousness can take its toll. School can bring many emotions as it forces students to experience a new teacher, new classroom, new schoolwork, and new friends. To help children (and yourself!) ease back into school mode, check out this great set of tips and selection of children's books that can help make the transition a smooth one and hopefully, set the course for a successful year...
The mission of The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art is to inspire, especially in children and their families, an appreciation for and an understanding of the art of the picture book. Together with his wife Barbara, Eric Carle, the renowned author and illustrator of more than 70 books, including the 1969 classic The Very Hungry Caterpillar, founded The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art as the first full-scale museum in this country devoted to national and international picture book art, conceived and built with the aim of celebrating the art we know first.
One of the joys readers get from being entrenched in a story is envisioning the characters. Readers imagine what a character looks like, what their mannerisms are, and a reader might even compare them to people they know. Think of how many times you read a really good book, envisioned the characters in your mind, then went to see it played out on the big screen and were a little disappointed. There's a connection when reading a book and playing out the story in your mind, which is why many readers of Liar were disappointed when they saw the original cover.
Nonetheless, bloggers and readers united and Bloomsbury has decided to re-jacket the hardcover edition with a new look in time for its publication in October.
will provide the answers to many of the mysteries and questions surrounding the Payne family and the Travelin’ Nine. At the same time, readers will have to wait for Book #6, the final episode in the serial, to see how everything turns out. 
Sylvan Dell Publishing recently debuted its next generation eBook, proving the company represents “so much more than a picture book;” it represents a full-fledged campaign for literacy in America.
traces the vivid saga of Native American and pioneer men, women, and children from the colonial beginnings of the westward expansion to the last of the homesteaders in late 20th century Alaska.
To learn more about Pat McCarthy, her books, and school visits, please visit her blog.
won best children's book from Dragonfly Publishing, Inc. 
;)
Oh, the irony! I knew September was Raol Dahl month, but I didn't know about National Hispanic Heritage Month. You'd think, being half Nicaraguan...thanks for letting me know!
Glad I could help spread the word! :)
There are just way too many things to remember these days--it's impossible!