GLAMOUR GIRL FROM THE STARS-- Out of this world rhyming story about a 3 foot tall alien girl named Plee-Dee who borrows her father's flying saucer to visit Earth hoping to enter the Miss Universe Pageant in LA. She visits different cultures around the world realizing she feels good about herself without having to enter pageants. The book intends to teach little girls self esteem. Illustrations in colored pencil and photos from the author.
Review:
As a kid, I loved anything to do with space. At risk a revealing my age, the first poem I ever wrote (around age 9) began, "When I was a little girl like you, I went up in Sputnik # 2." For those of you younger than 60, Google Sputnik.
Looking through a telescope across the Universe, Plee-Dee, an alien girl from across the galaxy, spots Earth and likes what she sees. Convincing her father that she's only shopping for a new spacesuit, she takes off in his spaceship toward the blue planet. After a time-traveling mistake sends her back to dinosaur age, she sets course for 2010 Las Vegas where shoes, clothes, Elvis impersonators and the Miss Universe Pageant (imagine the irony!) is her first stop.
After realizing Area 51 is onto her, she zips across the Pacific to Waikiki Beach, China, Africa and exciting places all over the world.
The illustrations, also by Scott, are colorful, pleasing and beautifully drawn. His style blends well with the storyline.
All his books are now autographed and shipped to people’s homes from his website: www.carltonsbooks.com
Bio:
At the age of 33, Carlton Scott was pursuing a second degree in nursing when he had a case of misdiagnosed glaucoma and lost the vision in his left eye. To help deal with the stress of being visually impaired, he would hike in the Rocky
Mountains near Denver, Colorado where he lived. He then took off to Southeast Asia, backpacking and venturing through Thailand; Cambodia and Bali, Indonesia to decide what to do with his future.During this time, he finished his second children’s book, Little Big Wolf, based on his drawings and collection of hiking photos. He published both Grin’s Message and Little Big Wolf in hardcover and sold 2000 of each through Barnes & Noble, Amazon.com, craft shows and street fairs. He then returned to Florida and finished his second degree (a bachelor’s in nursing) and accepted a job at All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg, Florida, in the Pediatric ICU.
Today, Carlton travels with his wife, Annie (also a nurse), throughout the United States providing critical care services to hospitals from Alaska to Los Angeles. His newest children’s book, Glamour Girl From The St
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By: Mary Cunningham,
on 6/4/2010
Blog: Cynthia's Attic Blog (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: environment, mary cunningham, cynthia's attic, gulf coast, brown pelicans, B. P. oil drilling, gulf oil spill, Add a tag
A Brown Pelican is seen on the beach at East Grand Terre Island along the Louisiana coast after being drenched in oil from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill Thursday, June 3, 2010.
I wake up every morning wondering whether the flow of oil is going to slow today. Wondering what the ultimate price is that we'll pay for our oil dependence. Will B. P. eventually figure out how to cap the poison gushing into the Gulf and when (if) they do, we'll it be business as usual?
But, I'm afraid we're still years away from realizing the sacrifices we need to make.
I remember when Jimmy Carter was laughed out of office for even suggesting that we needed to make hard choices in stemming our thirst for oil. We were incensed when gas prices in 1978 rose to an average of (gasp!) $.63 a gallon!! But, we got over it and it was "business as usual." We're slowly realizing the price of our indifference more than 3 decades ago.
Read About The Earth Day Network Website Don't be Stupid!
By: Mary Cunningham,
on 4/5/2010
Blog: Cynthia's Attic Blog (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: mary cunningham, children, cynthia's attic, 'tweens, stitches, bicycle wrecks, Add a tag
I've always prided myself on being tough when it comes to blood and guts. I was an interested spectator as a surgeon dug a cyst out of my ring finger. "If you get light-headed, just look away," he'd said. "Nope. I want to see what it looks like," I'd answered, calmly and curiously as he proceeded to stitch up my knuckle.
My husband, on the other hand, can see my leg hanging by a thread after a chainsaw accident (No! This didn't really happen. Just giving an example, here) and carry out life-saving measures, but blood spilling from any part of his body? He's on the ground, passed out cold.
But, back to me. As I mentioned before, I'm usually tough as nails when it comes to blood and injuries. Tough, that is, until it came to my 10-year-old son and his first bike wreck. I heard the crash on our front sidewalk and ran to the door just in time to see him standing on the porch, shock on his face, holding his chin.
I persuaded him to let me look at the injury. His chin was hanging open and the only thing visible was blood and bone. How I didn't pass out right then is a mystery. I rushed him to the doctor, at least I think I did. Fortunately, it was Saturday afternoon, and we arrived just as the office was getting ready to close.
As the doctor led the patient back to the surgical room, I was told several stitches to close a pretty bad wound would be needed — at which time I almost passed out, again, in the empty waiting room. The nurse smiled and said, "Why don't you sit down and wait. It won't be long.''
I imagined all sorts of horrible things and braced myself for screams of pain coming from my son. But, none came. All I heard was a calming voice talking him through the cleaning and sterilization of the injury, and then on to the procedure of putting in the stitches. When all was done, I heard the doctor say, "You're all set to go, John. You've been very brave."
I sighed with relief until he went on to say, "Now, if we can just figure out how to get your mother home."
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By: Mary Cunningham,
on 3/4/2010
Blog: Cynthia's Attic Blog (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: movies, classics, fantasy, lewis carroll, alice in wonderland, mary cunningham, cynthia's attic, johnny depp, Add a tag
Ever since I can remember, time travel and "other worlds" have fascinated me. I used to sit in front of my dresser mirror and try to wish my way through it just as Alice in her looking glass. Not sure what I expected to see on the other side, but Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter, probably wasn't in my thought process back then.
Sir John Tenniel was the original illustrator in Lewis Carroll's book, The Adventures of Alice in Wonderland. So, how do you think J. D. stands up to Carroll's image of The Mad Hatter who was supposedly drawn to resemble an eccentric British inventor and furniture dealer, Theophilus Carter? Many would agree that Depp is also a bit eccentric, so in my mind, he's a perfect fit.
But, I much as I love seeing JD in almost any movies, the jury is still out (IMO) as to whether Tim Burton's version is simply too dark. I love the story, so much, I'll have to wait and see whether my trepidations can be overcome. Chances are good, they will!
But, back to the book. My fascination with all things fantastical led to writing "Cynthia's Attic." A recurring dream I'd had for over 20 years about a mysterious attic, began the process. Once I realized that the dream took place in the home of my childhood friend, Cynthia, the writing began. I kept hoping I'd have the dream again and that magical things would happen to add to my stories, but as with most recurring dreams, once you figure them out, they're gone forever.
That didn't stop my vision, though, of creating other worlds and other times for twelve-year-old best friends, Cynthia and Gus (Her real name is Augusta Lee, but don't call her that unless you want a kick in the shins).
So the next time you're sitting at a mirror, wondering what's on the other side, do what I do. Visualize Johnny Depp!
Watch the Trailer!
Meanwhile, check out Cynthia's Attic Series!
…”a good old fashioned family story, with all the sci-fi perks and jigs to light the imagination of today’s young reader.” Real Reader Reviews
"This wonderfully imaginative tale will delight readers. I wish I had a magic attic!" - Laura Schaefer, author of The Teashop Girls.
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By: Mary Cunningham,
on 3/1/2010
Blog: Cynthia's Attic Blog (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: mary cunningham, cynthia's attic, young readers, Iggy the Iguana, Melissa M Williams, friendship, baseball, Add a tag
What do iguanas named Iggy and Liz, Buddy the bullfrog, a turtle named Snap Shell, Marc the Mouse and Cooper the chameleon have in common? They all love baseball! The follow-up to Iggy the Iguana is a perfect read for 7-10 year-olds. Summer League focuses on normal kid problems in the form of a very different All-Star baseball team.
Iggy faces challenges throughout the summer that all young readers (and older readers!) can relate to, and has to make a very important decision about a whether to keep a secret that could compromise the whole team.
With summer just around the corner, although snow accumulations in he Northeast would contradict that statement, Iggy the Iguana: Summer League, is the perfect read, and comes highly recommended by this reader!
To see a video interview with author, Melissa M. Williams, click here.
TX to pursue a Master's degree in Professional Counseling. While in graduate school, she finished her first children's book, "Iggy the Iguana", and proceeded to have the book published before the age of twenty-six. Many of the ideas in this book were inspired by Miss Williams' experiences as a substitute teacher for third and fourth grade classes in the city of Dallas.In addition to writing for children, she is a published songwriter and has co-written for her younger sister’s, Misha, International Albums. Melissa currently lives in Houston, Texas and visits schools through out the entire Texas region, promotion literacy, creativity, and learning for kids. Her Literacy Foundation Read3Zero now offers children the opportunity to be published by her own publishing company, LongTale Publishing.
Iggy the Iguane Website
Read3Zero
Melissa M. Williams website
More on YouTube with Iggy and Melissa Williams
By: Mary Cunningham,
on 2/16/2010
Blog: Cynthia's Attic Blog (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: children's books, series, mary cunningham, cynthia's attic, Iggy the Iguana, Summer League, Melissa M Williams, Add a tag
Hi everyone. I'm Gus, the athletic (ahem) half of the time-traveling, Cynthia's Attic duo. I'm so excited to have Iggy Iguana as my guest today because he loves baseball just like I do! I tried to talk Cynthia into joining me, but she was busy doing her nails, and, anyway, baseball isn't her favorite subject.
Hi Gus! It’s great to meet you. Well, all of my favorite memories include baseball … like the time my Dad took me to my first Chicago Cubs game at Wriggly Field. My dad and I have also been playing catch together since I could pick up a ball. I’ve been playing pitcher for a few years now in little league.
I met Snap Shell, my catcher and my best friend, at the beginning of fourth grade. He’s a turtle and naturally a great catcher! He would do anything for me on and off the field. Buddy the
Bullfrog and Kit Kat go to my school too. Buddy is from New York and a great high hopper on 1st base. Cooper the Chameleon and I have known each other for years, because we used to be on the same team many years ago before he moved to my new team, the Stars. There is a lot of competition between the two of us because he used to play pitcher too … until he hurt his arm. I just met Marc the Mouse, he moved here from Spain and is the best Short Stop ever! He’s super fast. He is really shy though, so I try to help him make new friends on the team.It’s so hard to pick one, because Li
By: Mayra Calvani,
on 12/13/2009
Blog: Mayra's Secret Bookcase (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: mary cunningham, cynthia's attic, the magician's castle, Add a tag
The Magician’s Castle is the fourth book in Mary Cunningham’s Cynthia’s Attic mystery/time-travel series for middle-grade readers. The action and adventure novels feature two best friends, Gus and Cynthia, who travel back and forth in time through an old trunk that lies hidden in the cobweb-filled attic of Cynthia’s house.
This time, Cynthia must travel back in time in order to find Gus, who stayed behind at the end of the third book. The problem is, an antique dealer steals the trunk and Cynthia must go through a series of obstacles to find it. When at last she does, an old magician named Sebastian the Great follows her, creating trouble. The old magician is searching for his long lost love, Kathryn, who disappeared through the magic trunk many years ago. An intriguing Book of Spells and a 1914 Swiss castle are just some of the things our young protagonists encounter as they travel back and forth in time.
I have read all of the books in the series and I have to say, the author doesn’t disappoint. This latest novel is action-packed and full of twists and turns that will keep most middle-grade readers glued to the pages. The pace moves pretty quickly and the dialogue is interesting and even witty at times. The banter between the two best friends is often funny, adding humor to the story.
The Magician’s Castle, as well as the earlier books, is especially appealing for girls. However, I recommend the books be read in order, as they might be confusing for new readers as stand-alone works.
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I keep saying this, but I do mean it. When I get some time, and I believe that time will be coming soon, I'm getting my children's book about my dog, Rascal, finished. Whether or not I self-publish it is still up in the air. I've never written a children's book before and have lots to learn first.
By: Mayra Calvani,
on 12/7/2009
Blog: Mayra's Secret Bookcase (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: mary cunningham, cynthia's attic, echelon press, Add a tag
Mary Cunningham is the author of the award-winning tween fantasy/mystery series, Cynthia's Attic, which was inspired by a recurring dream about a mysterious attic. After realizing that the dream took place in the home of her childhood friend, Cynthia, the dreams stopped and the writing began. Four books have been published in the series: The Missing Locket, The Magic Medallion, Curse of the Bayou, and just recently The Magician's Castle. She is also co-writer of the humor-filled lifestyle book titled, Women Only Over Fifty (WOOF), along with a published short story, "Ghost Light," and a new "Cynthia's Attic" short story, "Christmas With Daisy."
Welcome to Blogcritics Magazine, Mary! It's a pleasure having you as my guest here again. Tell us, do you consider yourself to be a born writer?
Hmmm...born writer? I guess I inherited the genes, from my dad, to become a writer. He was a journalist for over 40 years and was also my role model. Not only was he a wonderful writer, he was the kindest, most non-judgmental, open-minded person I ever knew. Wish he'd been around to see the books!
I was told from 3rd grade on to "Never stop writing. You have a gift." And, sure enough...40 years later, my first book was published! I have written all my life, but never considered writing fiction until I got the idea for "Cynthia's Attic." The first story was prompted by a recurring dream I'd had for over 20 years about playing in a mysterious attic. Once I realized that the attic was in the home of my childhood best friend, Cynthia, the dreams stopped and the writing began.
Tell us about your recent release. What was your inspiration for it?
Cynthia's Attic: The Magician's Castle is the latest book release (DEC 1, 2009). All the books in the series are inspire
d by family stories and ancestors. The Magician's Castle was motivated by a magic show that Cynthia and I went to when we were about 7. I was chosen to be the magician's "assistant," and never forgot it. Neither did my mother after the magician gave me the rabbit I had helped pull out of his hat! I was thrilled, but a few days later, we took "Fluffy" to the farm of a friend.
I've also brought the Kistler side of my family into this story. The family tree has been researched back to late 1300s Switzerland, and since I've always been fascinated by genealogy, it was a perfect match.
Do you like to outline and plot ahead, or are you more of a stream-of-consciousness writer?
I've despised outlining since 7th grade, so I consider myself a seat-of-the-pants writer. I start with a basic idea, location and characters, but the storyline develops as it moves along. I'm a big believer in letting my characters determine where they want to go and what they want to do. I've actually had characters jump into my stories without any warning! LOL!
What was your favorite book as a child?
I adored sports biographies as a child and read them from A (Hank Aaron) to Z (Babe Didrikson Zahar
By: Mary Cunningham,
on 11/21/2009
Blog: Cynthia's Attic Blog (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
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From the Road Runner, Chip 'N Dale, Foghorn Leghorn, Snagglepuss, Quick Draw McGraw, Sylvester and Tweety Bird (Who can forget Granny?), Rocky & Bulwinkle foiling Boris and Natasha at every turn, to Underdog. Who doesn't love the old Saturday Morning Cartoons?
Use your imagination when reading these famous Foghorn Leghorn phrases:
"Fortunately I always carry a spare set of feathers." or the famous, "Now looka I say looka here." "Go, I say go away boy, you bother me." Can't you just hear him? I never got tired of hearing his western twang.
But, as much as I loved Chip 'N Dale, Bulwinkle and Underdog, my 
alltime favorite cartoon character was Tweety - aka, Tweety Bird, Tweety Pie - who appeared in 48 cartoons in the Golden Age of Cartoons.
In doing research for this blog post, I tried to pull up current favorite Saturday cartoons and couldn't find any! Are there good cartoons out there? Please, somebody clue me in. Who is the new Tweety Bird, or Mighty Mouse, or Underdog?
Leave a comment with your favorite! Meanwhile, enjoy this stroll down memory lane.
Meanwhile, check out Saturday Morning Cartoons DVD from the 1960s on Amazon
Mary Cunningham is the author of the award-winning, 'Tween series, "Cynthia's Attic," co-author of the women's humor/lifestyle book, "WOOF: Women Only Over Fifty," and has several published short stories, including Ghost Light available on Kindle, and new release, Cynthia's Attic: Christmas Daisy. Pre-order - Echelon Press
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By: Mary Cunningham,
on 10/29/2009
Blog: Cynthia's Attic Blog (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: quake, regan black, the shadow stone, mary cunningham young adults, the pixie chicks, cynthia's attic, echelon press, Add a tag
For a quartet of girlfriends known as The Pixie Chicks, life takes on a delicious new flavor when their normal Friday night walkabout through the Hobbitville Gardens reveals secrets and adventures previously unimagined. Who knew the statues were portals to similar, magical gardens around the world? Or that only a select few can travel by statue and fewer still can arrive at their desired point? These four will reach for the stars despite the risks of the unknown to embrace an adventure suitable only for the boldest of teens.
Lana's circle of friends, The Pixie Chicks, use the magic of Hobbitville, but, to her frustration, always leave her behind. Not this time, though. She is determined to find her own "touchstone" that will let her magically jump from the secret garden to places beyond her imagination.
But, a deep, mysterious voice disrupts her plans. Lana notices something very familiar about this tall, dark haired stranger who asks for her help, and she has a decision to make; help him break the curse that has trapped him in limbo for years at the risk of becoming stuck, herself. Will adventure win out over fear?
Regan Black's second Pixie Chicks, story, The Shadow Stone- A Hobbitville Halloween Adventure, is as exciting and beautifully crafted as the first. Young adults and old adults will enjoy the light-hearted and romantic journeys of Brianna, Austin, Lana and Claire, best high school buds. I'm already anticipating the third installment!
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Mary
And check out my latest short story, Ghost Light!
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I'm also proud to announce the release of Book Four in the award-winning series, "Cynthia's Attic" will be released by Quake (Echelon Imprint) DEC 2009! Buy the first three books on Amazon and pre-order "The Magician's Castle." Echelon Press
By: Mary Cunningham,
on 10/27/2009
Blog: Cynthia's Attic Blog (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
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For a quartet of girlfriends known as the Pixie Chicks, life takes on a delicious new flavor when their normal Friday night walkabout through the Hobbitville Gardens reveals secrets and adventures previously unimagined. Who knew the statues were portals to similar, magical gardens around the world? Or that only a select few can travel by statue and fewer still can arrive at their desired point? These four will reach for the stars despite the risks of the unknown to embrace an adventure suitable only for the boldest of teens. "The Shadow Stone" is the second installment of the Hobbitville Saga.
Hey Gus and Cynthia! Thanks for having me here today. Regan's told me about your attic and your adventures with the trunk. Pretty cool that you've been jumping around history together.
I've got three really close girlfriends, they call us the Pixie Chicks because, well, I'm not sure how it got started, but it was our first summer of marching band camp. Probably it started because Brie looks like a fairy with her pale blonde curls and tiny, girly build and we all sort of stay in the same vicinity. Her sparkling personality must've rubbed off on us through the years. LOL
My friends can all use the magic in a nearby garden called Hobbitville, but for whatever reason, the magic doesn't cooperate for me like it does for them. They've tried to help me – like friends should – but so far, no real luck. Or magic. It's annoying really. And tough to watch your friends share an experience you can't relate to.
They're not mean about it, but who wants to miss this kind of action? Jumping through a garden statue here, into another garden somewhere – anywhere – else is just too cool. I love my town, but it's not the most happening sort of place. Except it's where my friends are (when they're not gallivanting around the world via magic).
You guys know how that is, right? When you're sort of afraid they'll have too much fun and forget about you. Really, after all we've been through, I know the Pixie Chicks wouldn't ditch me, but I confess to having moody moments about it.
Well, like Regan tells me, you two manage to succeed and you're as different as night and day – except for the part that you're inseparable friends! So I'll keep throwing myself at Hobbitville statues and hope for the best. If I make it – yay – if not, the Pixie Chicks will still be my friends and I'll keep the garden light on for them.
Lana Richmond, band geek, Pixie Chick, and Hobbitville magic seeker.
Author, Regan Black crafts her stories in the South Carolina Lowcountry where the rich history adds fire to her vivid imagination. Encouraged by her husband, children, retired greyhounds and numerous other pets, she savors the rare quiet moments when the words flow onto the page. A voracious reader, she's often found with a book in hand, or at least nearby, as she taxis children and dogs to their respective appointments. She's pleased to credit her friends and critique partners with her successful leap from her blissfully boring daily life into the action market.
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Regan's Realm Blog
Mary
I'm proud to announce the release of Book Four in the award-winning series, "Cynthia's Attic" will be released by Quake (Echelon Imprint) DEC 2009! Buy the first three books on Amazon and pre-order "The Magician's Castle." Echelon Press
By: Mary Cunningham,
on 10/8/2009
Blog: Cynthia's Attic Blog (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: hospice, cynthia's attic, therapy dogs, frankie the walk n roll dog, moments with baxter, Add a tag
Moments with Baxter is a collection of touching, true stories about the poignant connection between Baxter, an 19-year-old therapy dog, and the hospice patients and their families to whom he brings comfort and love. During the last six years, Baxter has helped hundreds of patients ease out of their lives with dignity and peace. His uncanny intuition and almost human responsiveness demonstrates the unique and inextricable bond between human and dog.
I was touched by the story of Baxter who, at the end of his life, is giving so much back to hospice patients at the end of theirs.
All proceeds from the book, Moments With Baxter, will be donated to charitable causes that support hospice and therapy dog training. Purchase now on Amazon.
Baxter's Blog
Special thanks to Frankie and Barbara Techel at Joyful Paws, for making me aware of this story.
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By: Mary Cunningham,
on 9/30/2009
Blog: Cynthia's Attic Blog (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: children's books, classics, movie, maurice sendak, mary cunningham, cynthia's attic, were the wild things are, Add a tag
In this digital age, I can only imagine the fun of bringing Sendak's illustrations to life.
I'm proud to announce the release of Book Four in the award-winning series, "Cynthia's Attic" will be released by Quake (Echelon Imprint) DEC 2009! Buy the first three books on Amazon and pre-order "The Magician's Castle." Echelon Press
By: Mary Cunningham,
on 9/12/2009
Blog: Cynthia's Attic Blog (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
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I'm proud to announce the release of Book Four in the award-winning series, "Cynthia's Attic" will be released by Quake (Echelon Imprint) DEC 2009! Buy the first three books on Amazon and pre-order "The Magician's Castle." Echelon Press
By: Mary Cunningham,
on 6/28/2009
Blog: Cynthia's Attic Blog (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
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Remember Tara and Bella, the wild kingdom's odd couple? Elephant and dog? A story was broadcast last January on CBS Sunday morning and it soon became a video sensation.
If you don't remember it, here's a brief recap. At the Elephant Sanctuary in Hohenwald, Tennessee, Tara the elephant wanted no part of her peers, but chose instead to hang out with Bella, a stray dog.
They played together, walked together, ate together and stayed together. When Bella got hurt and had to recuperate in the sanctuary office, Tara stood vigil outside...for three weeks until Bella was well enough to come back out and let her pal know she was okay.
After seeing the first story on CBS Sunday morning, Disney contacted the sanctuary and wanted to do a wild life action movie starring the two friends. But, the owners of the sanctuary refused. Watch the video for the explanation.
What would you do if Disney came calling?
Mary Cunningham Books
By: Mary Cunningham,
on 6/18/2009
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Cynthia's Attic has the huge honor of hosting actress, Julianne Moore and her latest picture book. As a long-time admirer of her as an actress, it's been interesting reading about her as a person, an advocate for children's literacy, and especially her human qualities. How many of us survived our school days without running, headlong, into the schoolyard bully? She address this problem with humor and sensitivity.
THE FOUR-TIME ACADEMY AWARD NOMINEE AND HER SPUNKY, PICTURE BOOK STAR DODGE A BULLY, Acclaimed actress, and now beloved picture book author JULIANNE MOORE and bestselling illustrator LeUyen Pham join talents again for FRECKLEFACE STRAWBERRY AND THE DODGEBALL BULLY.
This time, their perky, loveable seven-year-old encounters a bully on the playground—Windy Pants Patrick—during a game of dodgeball. As the brute prepares to hurl his might at Freckleface and her friends, she must figure out how to summon the courage to stand up to him. Ms. Moore tackles this all-to- prevalent problem with both humor and grace.
It is Ms. Moore’s infusion of hilarity and heart that has won her praise from booksellers, educators, reviewers—and most importantly young readers!—for her debut picture book Freckleface Strawberry, a charming tale inspired by a childhood experience.
Nicknamed Freckleface Strawberry when she a young girl, Ms. Moore disliked the title as much as she disliked her red hair and freckles. “As a child, my hatred of my freckles was only matched by my love of reading,” said the author, who eventually grew to tolerate her red hair and freckles and find amusement in telling her own kids about her childhood nickname. Dodgeball isn’t based on personal experience, but creating a feisty character who makes the best of a bad situation—and does so with style and wit—is essential to Ms. Moore.
Freckleface Strawberry and the Dodgeball Bully by Julianne Moore
Now Available on Amazon.com - Order Your Copy Today
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Mary Cunningham, author of the award-winning series, Cynthia's Attic
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Linking to "Cynthia's Attic" today:
Author, Sandra Novack (Precious)
Book Bites for Kids & Suzanne Lieurance, author and writing coach
Children & Fairies & Books, Oh My! & Bobbie Hinman, children's author (The Knot Fairy, The Sock Fairy & The Belly Button Fairy)
By: Mary Cunningham,
on 5/28/2009
Blog: Cynthia's Attic Blog (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
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Barbara Smith's 4th grade class - Corydon Intermediate School, Corydon, Indiana
Barbara Smith is a life-long friend. We grew up within two blocks of each other and played together practically every summer day.
I thought I also wanted to be a nurse, but when I got a good look at lots of blood, I changed my mind and decided I would become a high school social studies teacher because I always loved and admired Gail Enlow, our social studies teacher. I love the political world and world history and geography.
Was there a certain moment when you knew you'd made a difference in a student's life?
Over the years there have been some students that stand out that I know I changed the course of their lives. I remember one little girl who was cubby and was so down on herself because she was not thin like the other girls. She was bright and really had a lot of wit about her. I worked really hard to give her the self-confidence she needed to come out of the cocoon she has put around herself. She blossomed into a wonderful young lady and will soon have her teaching degree.
I've tried to show all of my students love and to get an understanding of the situations they face at home. I can tell I have made a difference when I look at their faces and see the delight of learning. I have watched good students become great students. I have watched great students soar to higher places. But my favorite is to watch a failing student take those steps that lead to success. Some years the steps are small, but other years my struggling students take large leaps. When the students come to me as adults and say, "Mrs. Smith, I loved your class. I learned so much. I want my child to be in your class, too." Then I feel really proud.
From the time you began your career until now, is there one specific change you've noticed in teaching?
No Child Left Behind sounds so good in theory, but it is not practical. It will never be possible for 100% of the American children to be reading on grade level. Children learn at different rates and we cannot expect everyone to get to or stay on level. Then placing the judgment of passing and failing on one test at the end of the year is absolutely ridiculous. Too much pressure is put on children and teachers today. We keep trying new things before we give the old things time to work. Teachers are bogged down with paperwork and documentation for the government. The stress level is tremendous.
How hard is it to step away? Any favorite/funny moments you'd like to share?
I will miss the daily contact with the child; watching them learn and soar to new places. I'll miss the laughter and the fun times that I have had. I remember one little girl at New Middletown who was so much fun to have in my room. She was always excited to be at school and a real riot with her thinking and ideas. One morning she came running into my classroom off the bus and up to my desk. I remember thinking, What is Edy up to now? She shouted, "Mrs. Smith, I'm gonna be....", and then she vomited all over me. She and I both went home that day. I cleaned up and came back, but she did not. Since then, if a students says they’re sick, out of the room they go.
What do you want to do when you retire?
When I retire I want to visit some places around the country and maybe get up enough nerve to travel over the ocean. I have a great fear of flying over water. I want to do some remodeling of my home. But mainly, I want to sit on my patio and read some good books ( like Cynthia's Attic) and do nothing for a long time. Of course, I will have to spend lots of time with my grandchildren. They are the light of my life.
Finally, who was the better baseball/softball player when we were kids? You or me?
Well, now that is a hard question because that was a very long time ago. As I remember, I could hit harder, but you could run faster so we both made about the same number of home runs. We were both really good though, if I remember correctly. We will have to ask Cynthia and Becky about that. Maybe we should get together and play a game. I think that lot behind Alan's house is still empty. Becky could bring the bat and I have a ball.
Barbara, you’ve been a delight; bringing back so many memories and allowing me to pick your brain on teaching—the good, the bad and the ugly (your sick student comes to mind!).
It would be fun to have that softball game as long as a chiropractor is on standby! Thanks so much, and good luck with your retirement!
By: Mary Cunningham,
on 4/29/2009
Blog: Cynthia's Attic Blog (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: series, mary cunningham, time travel, family mystery, cynthia's attic, the magic medallion, the magician's castle, Add a tag
Well, not exactly Cynthia, herself.
I'm visiting today at The Book Roast. Stop by and read an excerpt from the latest installment of the adventures of Cynthia and Gus.
Cynthia's Attic: The Magician's Castle will be out around DEC, 2009 (Quake). Get a sneek peek today and maybe win a copy of Cynthia's Attic: The Magic Medallion.
Meanwhile, here's where you can buy the series.
Amazon
By: Mary Cunningham,
on 4/3/2009
Blog: Cynthia's Attic Blog (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: cats, humor, funny, cynthia's attic, economy, Add a tag
Cats can be so dramatic!
By: Mary Cunningham,
on 4/1/2009
Blog: Cynthia's Attic Blog (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: young author awards, corydon intermediate school, algebra, series, young writers, high school, cynthia's attic, Add a tag
In case you can't read the sign, that's my name at the bottom!
Last month, I was asked to present Young Author writing awards at Corydon Intermediate School (4-5-6 grades) in Corydon, Indiana (Southern Indiana, in case you're wondering). Despite having a lot of fun going back to my hometown and being included in an event that is near and dear to my heart-young writers and readers-it was also a little strange because CIS used to be the old high school.
Hate to tell you how many times I attended basketball games, played volleyball, sat through boring school assemblies, or danced at post-basketball game sockhops in that same gym!
Never, in my wildest dreams did I imagine I'd ever stand on that gym floor, in front of people-filled bleachers and have to talk! Yikes! Quite an experience.
I also had the privilege to speak to my dear friend, Barbara Smith's 4th grade class. I spent almost an hour answering questions about my series, writing in general and just having fun...in the same room where I sweated through (barely passed) Algebra I!
Barbara (we played together as kids and went to high school together) saw the irony, too. We had a good laugh over the strict atmosphere of that same class. In fact, she frequently mentions our old Algebra teacher to her students and tells them if they aren't quiet, Miss Eskew's spirit just might have some choice words for them!
I'll post more pictures of my visit in a couple of weeks. Meanwhile, "neener-neener-neeeeeeener, Miss Eskew! I spoke for an hour in your classroom, and lived to tell about it!
Mary
If you want to check out my series, go to Quake
or, my website: Mary Cunningham Books
By: Mary Cunningham,
on 3/30/2009
Blog: Cynthia's Attic Blog (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: family, random house, pennsylvania, family mystery, cynthia's attic, echelon press, quake, sandra novack, precious, literary novel, Add a tag
Part Two of my interview with fascinating writer, Sandra Novack, author of the adult literary novel, "Precious."
Sandra Novack Bio:
I was born in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, in 1972. When I was little, my brother used to hide me in his paper route bag and then come home and tell my mother he'd lost me somewhere in town. It was like a great secret the two of us shared, one only given away by an inevitable laughing spell.
My sisters and brothers were older than me by ten to fifteen years, and I spent much of my time tagging along after them, stealing their rock-and-roll albums, and imitating their every word and action. In some ways, I was as much raised by them as by my parents. Or, as I like to tell people, I was raised by a band of gypsies. They are my tribe, my family.
Precious is dedicated to my sister, Carole, who left home when I was seven.
CA: I believe we all have "little pieces" of our own lives in our writing. You have been on a promotional tour for "Precious." How has it changed your life? Or, has it?
SN: It's gotten me outside myself a bit. Most writers are solitary, and my days are usually very quiet, which is good because my voice and writing spring from that silence. Meeting people is always a positive experience, though the downside is that I'm "off" my schedule and not writing lately, and writing is the thing that keeps me most level in life. I always take the advice of my friend, who says, "You've got to enjoy the excitement when it comes because it'll always end, too. Enjoy the moment." So I try to look at it like that. I don't think it's changed my life, no. I'm still Sandy. Always have been, always will be. There's not a lot that gives me a big head, and there's also not a lot that discourages me, either, from picking up the pen again and telling a new story.
CA: You seem so down to earth, and I can't imagine you'll ever change! Can you give a couple of tips to aspiring writers? Maybe some that made an impression with you when you were starting out.
SN: Never be afraid to risk, and never be afraid to fail. Very few people (if any) start off being brilliant writers, or even competent writers, but you've got to keep at it to even get to those places. Rejection and even failure are both inevitable on the path to success. Successes are best measured one at a time, too. I remember when I started writing and finally had a story that had a sense of plot I felt that was a big success, since if I wrote one story that "worked" I could write another. Same with publishing. When I first published, it was in a very little journal that no one had ever heard of, but I thought, If I could do it once, I could do it again, and I could get even better at doing that. It's dangerous to be like, "I have to be brilliant right away and be noticed right away and be published in top venues right away." That kind of thinking can lead to disappointment, I believe. Finally: Read. Anyone you love! And learn from that fiction, and those stories.
CA: This is great advice, Sandra. It's all about prepration, isn't it.
Finally, is there something funny you can share about yourself that your fans might not know? Hmmmm??
SN:
1) I once had two pet cows named Sirloin and Hamburger.
2) I once proudly announced to my mother that I could spell "relief" and then spelled Rolaids. I was very young--and very pleased with myself--and didn't understand WHY she laughed.
3) When my grammy was living with us and dying of cancer, I, in my ten-year-old wisdom thought it prudent to read to her from the Bible, and I picked (in my even more infinite wisdom) the Book of Job. I read to my dying grammy from Job everyday!!!! It's bad enough, I think now, that I picked JOB, but I don't even know if my grammy was very religious...I still feel very badly about this.
4) I love the smell of Vicks and also Scotch tape, and sometimes just smell both for the heck of it.
5) When I was four I named my pet cat "Linda" because I was smitten with the Good Witch in the Wizard of Oz. It took my brother, Jimmy, telling me that the witch's name was Glinda, not Linda, and that we should probably name the cat Morris because it was a boy, anyway.
CA: Sandra, I can't tell you how much I've enjoyed having you visit "The Attic!" This will definitely go down as one of my favorite interviews. Your generosity to your fans and readers shines through. Please come back again, soon!
In case you missed it, here's Part One:
Visit Sandra on her Website
Buy Precious at your local Independent Bookstore (Such as, Horton's Books & Gifts)
(Watch for Sandra's short story collection! Random House 2010!)
Mary Cunningham Books
WOOF: Women Only Over Fifty
Quake - Shaking Up Young Readers!
Discover the Magic in Cynthia's Attic!
By: Mary Cunningham,
on 3/27/2009
Blog: Cynthia's Attic Blog (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: magic, cynthia's attic, Gus, magician's castle, teen-seen, Add a tag
I'm A Star!!
Please try to convince her to come home! I really need her back here to help me find Sebastien's girlfriend, Emeline who disappeared through the magic trunk in "The Magician's Castle." Hate to admit it, but I have severe writer's block without her.
Teen-Seen Blog! Help me get Gus back before somebody gets hurt (or embarrassed!)
By: Mary Cunningham,
on 3/10/2009
Blog: Cynthia's Attic Blog (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: pirates, tweens, series, mary cunningham, louisiana, family mystery, cynthia's attic, young readers, bayou, curse of the bayou, Add a tag
I've zoomed into techie land! From trying to figure out how to post a blog a few short years ago, to having my own book up on Kindle, I'm rocketing through cyberspace on Amazon's Whispernet!
Take a look at Curse of the Bayou, now up as a Kindle download. Do they still call them downloads? Or, have they been renamed? Maybe Time-Travel Tomes. (Now, that's just stupid!). Catcher In the I(pod)? (Help! I'm losing my I-Brain!)
Anyone out there have a better name than "downloads?" C'mon people. There's gotta be a more current phrase!
Meanwhile, Save a Tree - Read an Ebook!
And, read "Cynthia's Attic: Curse of the Bayou!"
Amazon
Fictionwise
Quake
Mary Cunningham Books
By: Mary Cunningham,
on 3/5/2009
Blog: Cynthia's Attic Blog (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: young adult, readers, cynthia's attic, quake, pixies, regan black, pixie chicks, Add a tag
I'M SO EXCITED!! Just got my copy of Pixie Chicks, by Regan Black (Quake - Fictionwise). Can't wait to read it! I'll review it in the days to come, but meantime, here's a preview of the Pixie Chicks themselves!
Pixie Profiles
The Pixie Chicks are a quartet of girls in the high school marching band. They got this name from the drum major during their freshman year of summer band camp. Yes, eventually you will hear more about him.
Brianna Marie Fairchild is the leader - when a leader is needed for planning and arranging things. Brianna has wavy, white fairy-blond hair and blue eyes. She’s got a dancer’s wand-slim build and she’s only about 5′5″. She marches piccolo, so, naturally she plays the flute as well. She lives with her mother and brother and her dad, when he’s not often working elsewhere in the world. All her friends refer to her mother as “Mom Fairchild” and though her brother, Ben, is younger, he’s taller - this annoys Brie.
Austin Patricia Kelley is an inch taller than Brie, with sleek, dark blond hair and big doe eyes. She plays flute and shares a band locker with Brie. She prefers to watch rather than participate in sports, unless it’s a team venue where she has plenty of back up (like the band). Her most unique (and valuable asset) is her ability to know anything and everything about any cute guy rating above average. Her depth of knowlege creeps out the Pixies, but only a little. After all, Austin isn’t really a stalker, and she’s a great friend.
Lana Louise Richmond is tall and a curvaceous - which is a lethal combination in high school. The resulting jealousy means the Pixies are her only girlfriends - good thing they’re the BEST! She’s got long, dark hair and mesmerizing dark eyes…and they all wonder why she never has dark circles because no one has caught her sleeping since Kindergarten naptime. She can play any of the low brass instruments and has been known to march sousaphone.
Claire Taylor Sullivan, with her curly red hair, green eyes and shorter stature, looks like she’d be more at home in an Irish Pub than a midwestern highschool. She’s a talented musician who marches alto sax, drum line or trombone…wherever the band director needs her. She’s more quiet than the others, but don’t let that fool you, she’s got serious skills - and she’s keeping some serious secrets from the Pixies - including a very hot Scottish boyfriend!
Meet them and see other great 'Tween and Young Adult Books - now available from Quake!
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