Read It. Move It. Share It.
For April, I recommended the picture book Who Likes Rain? for dance educator Maria Hanley Blakemore to use in her creative movement classes in New York City. After you read this post, hop over to Maria's Movers to see how she used the book with her young dancers. You can also read more about our monthly collaboration here.
In April 2007, when my first daughter was a little over two years old, Henry Holt and Company published the rhyming picture book
Who Likes Rain? by
Wong Herbert Yee. Our local library bought a copy, and I discovered it sometime later that year. Our second daughter grew into a toddler, and for the next couple of years I continued checking the book out from time to time.
I've always loved books about rain, and this is one of my favorites for toddlers and young preschoolers. It even comes in a small size (about half the size of most picture books) that is perfect for little hands. It's one of those books I would have loved to own, but for some reason I never bought a copy for myself.
My daughters are a little older now and have moved on to more complex picture books, so it was such a treat to check this book out from the library again in preparation for my post. The first page of my library copy has scribble marks all over it--some in brown crayon and some in black marker. I guess some other toddlers have been enjoying the book, too!
10 Comments on Who Likes Rain?, last added: 5/6/2012
Spring rain brings...... Warm feet for all?
From the wet coast more
here.
|
Watercolor Paint on 6x6 Smooth Bristol ©2012 BEDeuel/Bronson Hill Arts |
I posted this watercolor painting to Illustrated Friday last week for "Yield". As suggested to me by Nora, it works for this challenge, too!Looking forward to doing more, original pieces for Monday Artday!
By:
nicole,
on 3/15/2012
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so, i'm thinking grandma may have *yielded* and bought little noah his much coveted green geiko galoshes....;)
this is a piece i did last year for a story called "the most boring birthday in the universe" for stories for children magazine. i thought it was a good example of *yielding*....in a cute way of course;)
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crazylady,
on 2/8/2012
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Colored Pencil ACEO on Bristol Board
ALMI Art :: La Chat
Submission for "Rain"
View blog by
Clicking Here.
My first post in Monday Artday is...raining...
My first entry for Artday Monday!
By: David D Bernstein,
on 1/27/2012
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Children's Books, and Other Cool Stuff
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There are very important factors when it comes to being any kind of writer. It covers a whole range of books. As everyone know putting together a children's book has many people involved. It is a team effort that takes many years to master and complete. For the next three days I will take you all on a journey into this event. It is a huge gathering of people in the children book industry and covers a very important idea that every author has to do. This is called networking and creating a platform. The post will be updated daily from 1-27-2012 to 1-29-2012. Each day I will give you guys an inside into this business. So get ready for a wild ride. I blog my experience on this journey enjoy.
Day 1 Writer's Intensive
Today started just like an ordinary gray day, the rain tapped the roads and my journey had began. Strong winds and heavy rains very strange weather for New York State especially in the middle of winter. Only two snow storms so far and that it.
I took the train in from my home town. New York was wonderful like usual. The rains were strong at first but as the day went on it all changed. I started the day psyched to finally have the SCBWI conference, I could not believe it came so fast. Where does this path called time really go? Does it just vanish in a puff of smoke or where does it end up?
So back to business the day started with registration and breakfast not much of a filling one but it was good enough Coffee and Bagels the real New York local food. My nerves shaking and my hands gasping the 500 hundred words we were supposed to bring here. Hundreds of questions inside my hands? Who will I meet? What will the professional say? Is my manuscript good enough? At registration our tables were given to us? I got Table 17 and 18.
When I was getting my food a strange thing happened the hot water was gone. I am usually a tea drinker, but I needed that jolt, I needed that caffeine. I wanted something hot but it was the bitter black stuff we call coffee. I guess many tea drinkers came here? Oh well I guess I had no choice.
I found my table, my mind moving and my body shaking, it was it, the moment I have been waiting for, another year had passed. The session started by a panel on voice. Three editors spoke. What is voice? Each of them had there own view. What I can tell you guys is it needs to be fresh. It needs to be authentic. It has to stand out from the crowd.
The editor panel spoke about the kind of books they buy. Here is just a very quick summary: Characters have to have personality, you have to get into your character's mind, and the story has to stand out for the individual editor and always make sure to do you research. You have to be in the moment and write the best story you can.
Then the time began my table had eight writers at it and one professional. We each were given 12 minutes for our 500 words. The critique process is very important and it is great to have a group of your own. The setting here was much more family like. Every manuscript was discussed by everyone. I have to say I got a lot out of it and had many wonderful suggestions and commends from both critiques. There is no need for
By: Zoe,
on 11/22/2011
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In my mini series reviewing the books shortlisted for the Royal Society Young People’s Book Prize 2011 next up is How The World Works by Christiane Dorion and Beverley Young
A pop-up book covering a wealth of ground, How The World Works is a tremendous introduction to topics as diverse as the solar system, evolution, plate tectonics, the water cycle, weather systems, photosynthesis and food chains.
Each double page spread covers one theme and explores it using exciting illustrations, illuminating paper engineering and and array of both key and intriguing facts presented in inviting, bite-sized portions. The illustrations have the rich colours and boldness you often see with Barefoot Books (though this is actually published by Templar). The short sections of text make this an undaunting book for young independent readers.
As well of plenty of flaps and tabs, there are lots of instances where the paper engineering really adds to your understanding of the topic under discussion. For example the big bang explosion is a brilliantly executed bit of fold out paper – simple, but very effective as it mimics an explosion. How the continents have drifted over time is beautifully illustrated with a flip book – by flipping the pages we can actually see the continents drifting from the supercontinent Pangaea about 200 million years ago to their current location.
Again, the paper engineering is put to exceptional use to illustrate what happens at different types of plate boundary; Andy Mansfield, the brains behind the pop-up aspect of this book, has created paper tricks that are not only great fun but, but informative and meaningful.
This book contains a subtle but consistent message about how we as humans are having an impact on the earth and what the consequences of our actions will be. In the section on carbon there are tips about how we can reduce our carbon footprint, whilst the pages devoted to how plants work draw attention to the problems caused by deforestation. In the discussion of ocean currents and tides we’re introduced to the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, “an area of plastic rubbish twice the size of Texas” floating in the Pacific ocean, whilst when exploring the the planets, the large quantity of space junk orbiting the earth is highlighted. Not only does this book tell us how the world works, it also makes us think about how it’s beginning to break down.
By:
Bill Kirk,
on 10/2/2011
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Every year about this time, the weather starts to go all wild and wacky in the Sacramento Valley. Last week the temps tickled the 100 degree mark; today we are struggling to make the low 70s and rain is on the near term horizon.
But Sacramento is not the only place where weather can be unsettled this time of year. Recalling the many other places I've lived, whether the southeast, north central, east, or southwest, changing weather patterns are on the weather menu all over the country. In North Dakota, they say if you don't like the weather, wait five minutes. And it's still hurricane season until the end of November.
Just for fun, here's a short collection of weather rhymes to kick things off for fall. Maybe one or more will ring familiar wherever you are. Enjoy.
"Fog"
When I look outside my window,
And fog is all around,
There’s nothing I can see at all,
From tree tops to the ground.
"Rain"
Drip. Drip. Patter, pit.
Little drops of rain that hit
My umbrella. Under it,
I’m a perfect fit.
"Wind" (Haiku)
I can hear the sound
Of a soulful wind outside,
Blowing in the trees.
"Snow"
Crystal flakes go swirling by,
Falling from a cloud-filled sky.
Will they leave us like a sigh,
Or drift in snow piles ten feet high?
"Hail"
What’s that on my window pane,
Tapping with a Rat-A-Tat?
Cold has quickly frozen rain
Hail is falling, just like that!
Umbrella by Taro Yashima. 1958/2004. Penguin. 40 pages.
Momo is the name of a little girl who was born in New York. The word Momo means "the peach" in Japan where her father and mother used to live. On her third birthday Momo was given two presents--red rubber boots and an umbrella! They pleased her so much that she even woke up that midnight to take another look at them.Umbrella by Taro Yashima IS my favorite, favorite, favorite picture book. I can't remember a time when I didn't love and adore this one.
Umbrella is the story of a little girl, Momo, who is oh-so-excited about her birthday presents. On her third birthday, Momo received red rubber boots and an umbrella. But Momo has to learn some patience. For the rain is SLOW in coming. And her parents aren't going to be easily persuaded that her umbrella is a must for dealing with sun and wind.
But, of course, the rain does come. And the wait was worth it. For Momo gets to use her new boots and umbrella. And she gets to walk all by herself without holding onto her mother's or father's hands.
Perhaps it is the rhythm of the rain that makes this such a memorable story? With it's oh-so-lovely refrain:
On her umbrella, the raindrops made the wonderful music--
bon polo
bon polo
ponpolo ponpolo
ponpolo ponpolo
bolo bolo ponpolo
bolo bolo ponpolo
boto boto ponpolo
boto boto ponpolo
all the way home.
As much as I love the text--and I do LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the text--I must say that I really, really LOVE the illustrations. I do. From cover to cover. Even the end papers. I just LOVE Taro Yashima's artwork. His style made a definite impression on me--and it's one that has stuck with me through the years. There's just something unforgettable about each page--
almost each page.
It's just a sweet, sweet book that continues to charm.
Text: 5 out of 5
Illustrations: 5 out of 5
Total: 10 out of 10
© 2011 Becky Laney of
Young Readers
Yesterday, I woke up and the heat was....gone! Like a miracle. Like it was all a sticky uncomfortable dream. A breeze blew and the wind chimes clattered and I decided before the heat rose again, I was going to bake up some rhubarb muffins. A fellow rhubarb enthusiast found a great recipe made with whole wheat flour, oatmeal and brown sugar. No muffins stay as moist and luscious as rhubarb muffins. And this is good because I have LOTS of rhubarb.
In the afternoon the skies opened up. And our new "water feature" - a bucket set under the second floor air conditioner to catch the condensation - became a lake. I don't want to dump that good rain water but I don't want to invite mosquitoes to stay either. I will solve that dilemma in the morning if I have time to water.
I have two interests that I need to look into and they both involve water. The first is an easier way to re-use grey water. I scoop out my shower water and pour it on the flower beds when I have time. But what about dishwasher and washing machine waste water? How can those sources of relatively harmless water be tapped?
The other is to find and install a rain barrel system for watering the vegetable garden. And can rain water be used for other things such as washing clothes? Older homes had cisterns for catching that water and then city sewer and water became the norm. I'm just wondering here.
I am having a dry spell with my reading. I still have about 15 ARCs from Book Expo to finish but I can't decide what I want to read about - a disaffected teen who has been forced to relocate? A boy whose palm bears a mysterious mark and who lives with his Uncle Phineas?
OH MY STARS AND BOLTS!!! I just found a Maggie Stiefvater book in my BEA Bag of Swag. Thank you, God! I am reading The Scorpio Races this week. It comes out in October. Happy Desk Chair Dance!!!
If you like kids' books - and I do -, check out Delightful Children's Books, a website devoted to producing book lists on just about anything for children of almost any age. This week's featured book list is devoted to birds. Story program planners, take note!
So...rhubarb muffins in the kitchen. A breeze blowing in the window. A good book to look forward to. Lunch with a long time friend where we talked and talked. Tomorrow is the last day of Stories in the Schools. The Storytelling Workshop next week is full up. Yeah, life is good.
By:
nicole,
on 5/26/2011
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my contribution to this week's illustration friday theme of "soaked". this is to be featured in stories for children's june/july issue. http://www.storiesforchildrenmagazine.com/
for more info. on this piece see here http://theenchantedeasel.blogspot.com/2011/05/most-boring-birthday-in.html
stay dry...;)
By:
nicole,
on 5/19/2011
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here is the finished illustration/painting for a summer issue of stories for children magazine www.storiesforchildrenmagazine.com (not sure which one yet).
it is about a little boy and his grandmom who is babysitting him for a day. not just any day...but his birthday. and he is just so set out to believe that his 5th birthday will be "the most boring birthday in the universe";) so....
grandmom takes him on an "adventure" to the mall on this rainy day,where they ride the escalator and go into the "super duper shoe" shop to buy little noah his much coveted pair of green gecko galoshes:)
i got this done 9 days before the deadline. not too bad if i do say so myself...
By: scriberess,
on 5/17/2011
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A. PLAYWRIGHT'S RAMBLINGS
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ARKS TO GO: THE FLOOD SEQUEL - FURTHER THOUGHTS
Been reading over the Arks to Go short sketch/playette posted yesterday and the more I read, the more I'm thinking this has the potential to at the very minimum, to be a one-act play. Perhaps even - dare I think it - something for the BBC International Playwriting Competition, next year. Most likely it will have comic elements because that's my style but there is room for a lot of serious commentary about the state of our planet.
Right now the sketch stops at the point where the woman, upon hearing that there will be a male specie along with the animals aboard the ark, wants to pursue the concept. After all - no competition for his attention. Re-writing it as a one-act would require more dialogue between the woman who needs a name, Noah, the male, and a selection of characters they meet along the way to acquiring animals for the ark.
Points to ponder:
- how will the male be selected?
Might be interesting for woman to place an ad in the local paper specifying mate for ark voyage.
- how will she acquire animals to accompany her on voyage?
Approach local zoos or travel to continents where wild animals are known to live? Zoos? Perhaps travel from continent-to-continent on the ark, and encounter resistance from various governments who see the ark as a threat
- should the male be easy-going slob-type or up-tight designer-dude who worships money?
-how will she handle the animals i.e. cleaning up animal poop...food...water...squabbles between various species?
- also considering having Noah be the other male accompanying her
- how will people react to the ark and its residents? How will her family react to the idea?
Lots of potential ideas - we'll see where they go.
I'm open for feedback and further ideas on how this story should progress. Feel free to comment.
By: scriberess,
on 5/15/2011
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Haven't decided yet whether or not to continue this into a longer piece or perhaps even a one-act play. There are two characters, one of which can be seen and the other off-stage as a voice-over.
ARKS TO GO - the Flood Sequel
BY ELEANOR TYLBOR
SCENE: A WOMAN STARES OUT OF WINDOW. TURNS AROUND AND GRABS PHONE DIRECTORY FROM A TABLE. CHECKS LISTINGS WITH FOREFINGER.
WOMAN
This is just ridiculous...all this rain... It’s gotta mean something... Aha! Found it!
(punches in phone number)
WOMAN (cont’d.)
Hello... Hello? Is anybody there? Anyone?
VOICE
I’m here – and where are you?
WOMAN
Is this Noah’s Ark?
VOICE
It could be. Who wants to know?
WOMAN
I saw your ad on TV yesterday. You build arks?
VOICE
Whom am I speaking to or with or at?
WOMAN
You don’t know me...
VOICE
...but you know me? How strange
WOMAN
I mean to say that I know you through your TV ads, not on a one-to-one basis
VOICE
That would explain it, then. Noah’s my name and arks are my game (laughs)
WOMAN
Good then I’ve got the right person. Listen...
VOICE
You know my name so it’s only fair I know yours
WOMAN
I’m not sure...I mean, I’m just calling you for information, actually
VOICE
Do I sense uncertainty on your part? Perhaps you really don’t want to build an ark?
WOMAN
I think I do...I’m just not sure... You see – it’s all this rain that we’ve been having. Never ending, day-after-day and then there’s all that flooding all over the world. I think somebody is trying to tell us something if you get my drift
VOICE
‘Get my drift’ and you want to build an ark. You made a witty statement. I like a sense of humor!
WOMAN
So you’ll sell me one?
VOICE
Sell? My dear – I don’t sell arks. I custom build them to certain specifications
WOMAN
That sounds expensive. How much do you charge?
VOICE
Not everything has a monetary value. Now...say I do agree to make you an ark, how many species are we talking about here?
WOMAN
I’m...not sure what you mean
VOICE
How many species will be joining you on the ark? Fifty...one-hundred...more perhaps?
WOMAN
To be honest, I hadn’t thought about – well – taking... species along. Just me, my cat Diamond and Clover, my dog
VOICE
You’re not...taking...any animals? Oh no! That won’t do at all. We couldn’t have that. Absolutely not! Good bye!
WOMAN
Hello? Hello? Noah? Are you there?
(she punches in buttons frantically)
WOMAN (CONT’D.)
Just what I need, to piss off the ark builder... It’s ringing... ‘Answer – please!’
VOICE
Yes?
WOMAN
It’s me again! I’m sorry! You never mentioned anything in the ad about taking animals along! I mean, I’m allergic....
VOICE
I see...
WOMAN
...but I could take antihistamines. Please – could you take my order to build my ark?
VOICE
Perhaps. How many species will be joining you?
WOMAN
I dunno. How about two dozen? Would that be acceptable? I mean, twenty-four is a good round number
VOICE
A hundred is better
WOMAN
A hundred? Animals? What’s the matter with me? We’re only talking about cats and dogs and chipmunks and maybe birds...some deer...
VOICE
Actually, I thinking more of elephants, tigers, zebras – specie
I had a chance at the end of last year to revisit my "Turtlehouse" character in a new illustration. This piece accompanied a Langston Hughes poem in a children's magazine:
Looking at it now, I notice the original is a bit dimmer than I'd like it to be (it's displaying a little higher contrast here than it is in real life). Even though it's a twilight rain scene, I think I should have added some moonlight-esque highlights to the characters to make them pop a little more. But that aside, I'm pretty content with the design and I like the characters.
The original painting is available in my etsy shop. Oh - and also, I had mentioned in a previous post that my "Ducklings on the Move" painting would soon be available - it's now listed at my shop as well.
Here in Portland, it seems to be perpetually March. One gray rainy day after another. I'm a native Oregonian, but I can't take it anymore.
"I began to forget when it hadn't been raining and became as one with all the characters in all of the novels about rainy seasons, who rush about banging their heads against the walls and drinking water glasses of straight whiskey and moaning, 'The rain! The rain! My God, the rain!'"
-Betty Smith, "The Egg and I"
This is the cover for Waiting for the Magic by Patricia MacLachlan. Due out in September.
Spring is here. No give-backs.
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Hi Karen,
Thank you for hosting Mayra during her Working Writer's Club virtual book tour and of course reviewing her book too!
Hi Mayra,
Developing teaching points with tips and exercises in picture books is instrumental to teacher's since they work within tight guidelines.
Ingenious idea to intertwine human feelings with the weather. It's been raining off and on here in NY for several days now and it definitely takes a bit more motivation to stick to one's exercise routine when the weather is gloomy.
Best wishes for your continued success.
Warm regards,
Donna
Thanks for fun interview and congrats to Mayra on the book!
Donna
Topsy Turvy Land
Enjoyed the interview. Congrats Mayra on your book.
Anything that engages the kids on multiple levels is good.
Okay, that should read Donna S., Glad you enjoyed the interview!
Donna M., I agree, great concept.
Donna A., Glad you enjoyed the interview.
Shirly, Glad you enjoyed the interview also!
Diane, Absolutely!
Your book sounds so good Mayra, and that was an excellent list of links to support it. You'll have to do a series on cycles - maybe the rock cycle next!
Hi Karen and Mayra, I like including feelings in the book. Weather has a powerful influence in our lives. We talk about it all the time. I like the old joke, "Everybody talks about the weather, but no one does anything about it." And you've gone and put in feelings and reactions to it. Great going.
Maggie, That's a great idea for Mayra!
Penelope, Thanks for stopping by! I agree that Mayra has a wonderful idea with her new book.
HI all,
This is so weird... yesterday I left a comment but it seems it didn't go through. Anyway, I'm glad I checked again.
Thank you so much for your generous comments and for taking the time to visit.
Karen, thanks so much for preparing this post and having me as your guest. I really appreciate it!
Best,
Mayra
Mayra, my pleasure!
Great interview and the links on activities is really helpful
Thanks for stopping by Mary Jo.