Tina started us off right yesterday with the first giveaway of the week (a copy of her latest book and the exactish lipstick from her adorable cover) and I'm not going to let you Buzzers down!
Today, I'll be giving away a signed copy of OH. MY. GODS. (the hardcover edition, with the soon-to-be-collector's-item cover) as well as the LOVE NOTES GIFT PACK.
In this pack you'll find: hearts-covered pencils, red hot pencil sharpener, heart-themed sticky notes and note pad, two packs of heart stickers, a heart-shaped spiral notebook, a set of bookmark pens with love quotes, and the totally adorable Xs and Os confetti! (I really should have gotten an extra set for myself!)
So, how do you win this awesome giveaway? Well, I'm gonna make you work for it. First, I want you to think of your favorite hero from a book (like maybe Griffin from OH. MY. GODS.--wink, wink, nudge, nudge--no, you won't get extra points for choosing him). Then, describe your ideal Valentine's day date with him.
The winner will be posted (by the darling Buzz Girl Steph) on Monday.
Hugs,
TLC
PS -- Does anyone else just totally love the new T-Mobile BlackBerry butt-dialing commercial? I crack up every time it comes on!
new posts in all blogs
By: Tera Lynn Childs,
on 2/10/2009
Blog: Books, Boys, Buzz (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: love, Valentine's Day, giveaway, Oh My Gods, Tera Lynn Childs, Add a tag
By: Tera Lynn Childs,
on 11/25/2008
Blog: Books, Boys, Buzz (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: covers, Oh My Gods, Add a tag
By: Tera Lynn Childs,
on 9/23/2008
Blog: Books, Boys, Buzz (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Libraries, Oh My Gods, Add a tag
photo by FLC
This is my first (known) library discussion group for OMG and I am beyond excited. I might have gone a little crazy because I called the library yesterday and offered to send some fun goodies (aka bookmarks and buttons). The librarian in charge of the program might have been a little freaked out. In a good way.
So, to the readers of Davidson Public Library I say, "Have fun and let me know what you guys talked about!"
Hugs,
TLC
OH. MY. GODS. (available now!)
GODDESS BOOT CAMP (coming June 2009)
teralynnchilds.com
By: TinaFerraro,
on 5/11/2008
Blog: Books, Boys, Buzz (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Oh My Gods, Tera Lynn Childs, Add a tag
By: Marley Gibson,
on 2/15/2008
Blog: Books, Boys, Buzz (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: interviews, Oh My Gods, Tera Lynn Childs, Oh My Gods, Tera Lynn Childs, Add a tag
By: Melissa Wiley,
on 12/2/2007
Blog: Here in the Bonny Glen (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Sign Language, Hearing Loss, Special Needs Children, Wonderboy, Speech Delay, Add a tag
Add a Comment
By: Gina MarySol Ruiz,
on 6/20/2007
Blog: La Bloga (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: illustration, diversity, manga, Art, Shakespeare, nature, culture, immigration, eggs, beauty, Sylvia Long, educational, sign language, getting kids to read, Dianna Hutt Aston, Add a tag
The evocative text is sure to inspire lively questions and observations. Yet while poetic in voice and elegant in design, the book introduces children to more than 60 types of eggs and an interesting array of egg facts. Even the endpapers brim with information. A tender and fascinating guide that is equally at home being read to a child on a parent's lap as in a classroom reading circle.
About the author and illustrator:
Dianna Aston spends a lot of time in her backyard hoping to find new eggs. She often enlists the help of her husband, children, and their assorted pets. She lives in Texas.
Sylvia Long is the illustrator of many books for children including the best-selling Sylvia Long's Mother Goose, Hush Little Baby, and Snug As a Bug, all published by Chronicle Books. Ms. Long's detailed paintings are inspired by her love of animals and the outdoors. She lives in Arizona.
A Seed is Sleepy
Author: Dianna Hutts Aston
Illustrator: Sylvia Long
Publisher: Chronicle Books
ISBN-10: 0811855201
ISBN-13: 978-0811855204
The author and illustrator of the gorgeous An Egg is Quiet join together once again to create an astounding illustrated introduction to the life of a seed. Long’s amazingly detailed watercolors showcase many different types of seeds. The pages are slightly reminiscent of Victorian botanical drawings but these are so much richer in color, depth and scope. Each painting is something special, a treasure to be enjoyed for many years. The succinct and poetic text is just enough information for a very small child and enough of a nip to send an older one (or adult) running to the library to find out more. I love books like that, ones that get you fired up about something you’d otherwise not have an interest in. Now I’m excited about seeds!
The text is poetic too.
“A Seed is Inventive
To find a spot to grow,
A seed might leap from its pod,
[violet]
or cling to a
child's shoestring,
[cocklebur]
or tumble through
a bear's belly.
[Red huckleberry]
A seed hopes to land where
there is plenty of
sunlight, soil, and water.”
How about this wonderful phrase?
“Some have lain dormant, or slept undisturbed, for more than a thousand years”
Makes me just say oooooh.
I can’t say enough about this wonderful book except to say that I dearly hope this fantastic duo does another book. A Seed is Sleepy is a perfect gift for anyone of any age. Even non-book lovers will love this book for its glorious color and appreciation of nature.
If you visit Chronicle Books website, there are posters to print out!
Manga Shakespeare – Romeo and Juliet
Author: William Shakespeare, Richard Appignanesi, Sonia Leong
Publisher: Harry N. Abrams Books for Young Readers
ISBN: 0-8109-9325-2
EAN: 9780810993259
Manga Shakespeare. You hear the words and you think, Manga Shakespeare? Really? You’re not quite sure what to think. Then if you’re like me, you start thinking, well if it gets kids to read, why not?
What a great surprise! The first Manga Shakespeare I opened up was Romeo and Juliet and the first pages were beautiful.
“Present day Tokyo. Two teenagers, Romeo and Juliet, fall in love. But their rival Yakuza families are at war.”
The author’s introduce the characters of Shakespeare’s wonderful play in full color. Each character has one of their famous quotes introducing them like this one: Tybalt – nephew of Lady Capulet “As I hate hell, all Montague and thee.” Tybault is pictured looking over his tattooed back and hefting a large sword. The manga style artwork is beautiful and it conveys the story so well.
I loved that the language of Shakespeare is intact. Sure the characters are speaking in bubbles but the language is still poetic and gorgeous. The authors have done a great job in blending pop culture and classic literature. It works! Manga Shakespeare Romeo and Juliet is sure to be a big hit.
The idea of incorporating Shakespeare’s plays into the extremely popular manga genre was a smart one and to my mind, perfect for teenaged kids that may not be big readers. What a great way to get them reading the classics! I always struggle with getting non-readers to read but always seem to get a foot in the door if it’s something visual like a graphic novel. Once I hook them, they become readers for life.
These Manga Shakespeare books will hook a whole new audience to Shakespeare. Wouldn’t they make great text books? Hint, hint…LAUSD – buy the books, bring them into the classroom. I’d lay odds that the reading level of that class would go up. The non-readers will stop and take notice because the art is so beautiful and modern. They’ll love the setting and the fact that the Capulets and Montagues are Yakuza. These books will grab their attention and sooner or later, they’re going to want to read the actual play.
Book description from the publisher:
Now presenting Manga Shakespeare—the Bard's greatest plays in an accessible, lively format for a new generation of readers
Romeo and Juliet is ideally suited for the manga format—it has teenage heroes, scheming and villainous adults, heartbreaking tragedy, and the ultimate romantic plot about star-cross'd lovers. Romeo, a Montague, and Juliet, a Capulet, fall deeply in love—and they refuse to let their parents' age-old feud get in their way. When Romeo is banished from their town, a series of mistakes and misunderstandings, along with their families' mutual hatred, finally manages to end their love. An exciting introduction to the Bard for reluctant readers and manga fans alike.
Viewing: Blog Posts Tagged with: Sign Language, Most Recent at Top [Help]
Results 1 - 7 of 7
By: Tera Lynn Childs,
on 2/10/2009
Blog: Books, Boys, Buzz (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: love, Valentine's Day, giveaway, Oh My Gods, Tera Lynn Childs, Add a tag
26 Comments on The Valentine Extravaganza Continues, last added: 2/16/2009
Display Comments
Add a Comment
By: Tera Lynn Childs,
on 11/25/2008
Blog: Books, Boys, Buzz (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: covers, Oh My Gods, Add a tag
Okay, we all saw the cover of GODDESS BOOT CAMP (June '09) on my pile o' ARCs last week, and that was pretty exciting. But this week I have another new cover to share. (And, since it's been posted on Amazon and Banes & Noble, I'm going to assume cleared for public viewing.)
When OH. MY. GODS. released in hardcover this May (I almost wrote "last year" because it feels like that long) it had an absolutely gorgeous cover that I, to this day, adore.
But the good people at Penguin, never content to settle for simple adoration, decided that OH. MY. GODS. needed a new cover for the forthcoming paperback edition (May '09). I was nervous. I mean, I adore Agias and his sand and his pink sneakers (even though Phoebe would never wear pink sneakers) and his rock hard six-pack. How could a new cover compete?
Here's how:
What do you think? I still love my stone cold stud, but the new cover is so beautiful and adorable and magical that I'm kind of okay with saying goodbye to hunky Agias. (Besides, look how much bigger my name is!)
Now you weigh in. Do you like the new cover better than the original? Do you like them both the same? Do you wish I didn't ask you to make such tough decisions??? (Okay, so it's not life or death.) Bottom line: Which cover would most entice you to pick the book off a shelf?
Hugs,
TLC
OH. MY. GODS. (available now!)
GODDESS BOOT CAMP (coming June 2009)
teralynnchilds.com
PS — HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!
16 Comments on And The Cover News Just Keeps On Coming, last added: 12/3/2008
Display Comments
Add a Comment
By: Tera Lynn Childs,
on 9/23/2008
Blog: Books, Boys, Buzz (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Libraries, Oh My Gods, Add a tag
(Question: Is "shout out" totally passe yet?)
Tomorrow (Wednesday, September 24) the teens and tweens of Davidson Public Library, outside beautiful Charlotte, NC, will be meeting and discussing none other than OH. MY. GODS.
photo by FLCThis is my first (known) library discussion group for OMG and I am beyond excited. I might have gone a little crazy because I called the library yesterday and offered to send some fun goodies (aka bookmarks and buttons). The librarian in charge of the program might have been a little freaked out. In a good way.
So, to the readers of Davidson Public Library I say, "Have fun and let me know what you guys talked about!"
Hugs,
TLC
OH. MY. GODS. (available now!)
GODDESS BOOT CAMP (coming June 2009)
teralynnchilds.com
4 Comments on Library Shout Out, last added: 9/23/2008
Display Comments
Add a Comment
By: TinaFerraro,
on 5/11/2008
Blog: Books, Boys, Buzz (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Oh My Gods, Tera Lynn Childs, Add a tag
This may come as an interesting fun-fact, but our own Tera Lynn Childs worked for a time as a teacher. And while it’s been a while since she taught (and even longer since I was in school), I happily accepted her assignment this week to write about my favorite goddess.
Hestia was greatly respected by the Greeks. They saw her as the deity who best exemplified tranquility, peace, gentleness, and kindness, and strong family life. Her symbol is a hearth and the tamed fire that burns there. Greek colonists would kindle fire from her hearth in the prytaneion and keep it lit until they reached the hearths of new towns and cities. There is one of these at Olympia and at Delphi.
However, she only rarely appears in any works of art and temples, and it's not even certain if any examples of Greek statues of Hestia still exist. But here is the Giustiniani Vesta portrait that is believed to be of her.
I am drawn to Hestia because of the very characteristics for which the Greeks admired her. Especially tranquility, which continues to allude my always-on-overdrive writer’s brain. I could definitely stand to do more smell-the-roses stuff!
Of Hestia’s qualities (tranquility, peace, gentleness, and kindness), is there one you could go for in a bigger dose?
And speaking of this Greek earth mom type, Happy Mother’s Day to all. And if you’re still looking for a gift for mom (or yourself), I wholeheartedly recommend Tera Lynn Child’s first release, Oh.My.Gods!
Tina
Tina Ferraro
How to Hook a Hottie - Book Sense Top Teen Pick
Top Ten Uses for an Unworn Prom Dress - Finalist, National Reader’s Choice Award
www.tinaferraro.com
3 Comments on Hestia: the Goddess of Peace and Tranquility, last added: 5/11/2008
Display Comments
Add a Comment
By: Marley Gibson,
on 2/15/2008
Blog: Books, Boys, Buzz (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: interviews, Oh My Gods, Tera Lynn Childs, Oh My Gods, Tera Lynn Childs, Add a tag
I'm thrilled to have the chance to interview our very own Tera Lynn Childs or TLC as she's affectionaly known as.
Tera's debut novel OH. MY. GODS. comes out in May of this year and we're just all so proud of her and happy for the release. Pull up and chair and learn a little bit more about TLC.
MARLEY: Hey TLC! Thanks so much for your time! Let's just dive head first into the interview with a good ol' stand by question. What's the first thing you remember writing? How old were you?
TLC: When I was in elementary school, like third or fourth grade, I started a “book” about a little boy whose toy soldiers came to life at night. They carried out missions like retrieving juice and crackers from the kitchen. I still have it, hidden away somewhere.
MARLEY: Oooo...how fun it would be to find that and post here or on your website. Maybe the Buzz Girls will do a feature like that one day. = ) Okay...so tell our readers what your writing habit is...how often, where, when?
TLC: Not often enough (unless I’m on deadline, then I write every day). Almost always at Starbucks, for the following reasons: 1) no internet (unless I want to pay--which I don’t), 2) no distractions (i.e. the aforementioned internet, television, dirty dishes, laundry, etc.), 3) comfy chairs, and 4) the deliciousness that is a caramel Frappuccino. I’m most productive, writing-wise, in late morning/early afternoon.
MARLEY: See, I'm not a coffee person, so going to Starbucks just makes me come out of there smelling like the beand. LOL! They do have the comfy chairs and free internet, which is definitely a bonus. So, can you tell us how you came up with the initial idea for OH. MY. GODS.?
TLC: It all started with the original title, GROWING UP GODLY, which sounded like the title of an inspirational book. I knew I could never write that, so I had to come up with some other concept to fit the title. Eureka! The Greek gods. The premise just fell into place after that.
MARLEY: And luck for that is did. What person or person(s) has/have helped you the most in your writing career?
TLC: Ugh, that’s a tough one. There’s my writing mentor, Shane Bolks, who gave me loads of encouragement and stellar advice on how to approach this business as a career. There’s my critique partner, Sharie Kohler, who is an amazing writer and always helps me fix my plot holes. And, of course, my agent, who keeps me sane, on track, and looking to the future.
[TLC with fellow West Houston RWA members Shane Bolks (aka Shana Galen), Sharie Kohler (aka Sophie Jordan), and Sharon Forret.]
MARLEY: Agents are great that way, don'tcha think? What's your most memorable teenage experience? Why?
TLC: Another toughie.
MARLEY: I'm no Tyra Banks...this is hardball, baby!
TLC: I think I would have my mot memorable teenage experience was starting college. I was only seventeen when I left Missouri to start school in New York City. At the time it seemed like a totally normal and common thing to do, but looking back, I think it was pretty gutsy. I’m proud of that.
MARLEY: You certainly should be! You've lived in several places, how has that helped you as a writer?
TLC: Having lived in every time zone, at a variety of latitudes and altitudes, and in one foreign country has helped me in the way that any variation of experience helps a writer. Every new person you meet and new place you visit broadens your mind. Even if you never use that experience directly, it comes across in your writing as a greater sense of understanding and of perspective.
MARLEY: That's so true. Now, in addition to being a talented writer, you're also a master with web-design (case in point our lovely Books, Boys, Buzz blog.) How do you channel all of your creative energies?
TLC: Web and graphic design is my guilty pleasure. It’s how I procrastinate. It uses such a different type of thinking, much more logical and technical, that it give my writing brain a break.
MARLEY: It's great that you can "take a break" by continuing to do creative things. Tell me, what made you want to write young adult stories?
TLC: I never consciously thought, "Hey, I’d like to write for teens." The story of OH. MY. GODS. came to me, and it fit into a teen world. But the more I learn about the teen market, the more I love it and the more I realize that I’m perfectly happy here.
MARLEY: I'm sure your readers will be happy to hear that. Do you have any advice for young writers?
TLC: Besides the standard, "Read and write," I would have to say, "Observe." Becoming an observer of people, places, and situations is the quickest path to writing believable fiction. Notice things, like how cafeterias always smell like over-cooked tuna casserole, how your science teacher takes three deep breaths when she’s really frustrated, or how your best friend sits up a little straighter when her crush walks by. Those are the kind of details that lend realism to your writing.
MARLEY: Such great advice. (And you're right about caf smelling like tuna noodle casserole!) Okay, a very, very serious question...who's your favorite Buzz Girl? Hahaha...just kidding! I'd never make you answer that (me, me, me!! ) question...that's just not fair. (hee hee) Okay, seriously...this is...what's your favorite teen movie and why? And how many times have you seen it?
TLC: DRIVE ME CRAZY starring Melissa Joan Hart and Adrian Grenier. Omigod, I looove this movie. It has all the best teen romantic comedy elements: a former best boy friend, next door neighbor, makeover-the-outcast-boy-into-the-coolest-guy-in-school plot, revenge, and some really smart views on the nature of high school social politics. I’ve seen it dozens of times.
MARLEY: I've never seen that! I totally have to add that to my Netflix list. All right, some fun questions for you...what's the best ice cream you've ever had in your life...flavor and brand. (Calories and fat grams don't count!)
TLC: Ben and Jerry’s White Russian!!! But it’s been discontinuedand no attempts at resurrection have been successful. If anyone has connections...
MARLEY: Mmm...sounds decadent. Are you a cat or dog person?
TLC: (with little hesitation) Dog!
MARLEY: TiVo or DVR? OnDemand or Netflix?
TLC: DVR and Netflix!
MARLEY: Channing Tatum or Wentworth Miller?
TLC: Wentworth Miller!
MARLEY: Okay, we're just going to have to agree to disagree on that one. Last question...if you were stranded on a desert island with only three books and three music CDs (okay, and a player with an endless supply of batteries...it is a deserted island after all), what would they be and why?
TLC: Well, for books - 1) Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen -- #1 favorite of all time; 2) A survival manual -- so I don’t: a) starve, b) get eaten, or c) accidentally lick one of those hallucinogenic toads (not that I go around licking toads regularly); 3) The Book Thief by Markus Zusak -- I would hate to leave it unfinished. As for CDs - 1) Come Away With Me from Norah Jones -- I can listen to her over and over and over; 2) A compilation of 80s one-hit wonders -- nothing picks me up like good 80s music; 3) Queen: Greatest Hits -- their songs would motivate me while I’m building a raft.
MARLEY: Wow! What a list! Sounds awesome. Well, thanks for chatting with me, Tera. I hope the readers get a better sense of who you are as a person and a writer. Remember to pick up Tera's book in May 2008!
Marley = )
SORORITY 101: Zeta or Omega? (May 2008, Puffin Books)
SORORITY 101: The New Sisters (May 2008, Puffin Books)
GHOST HUNTRESS SERIES (May 2009, Houghton Mifflin)
Tera's debut novel OH. MY. GODS. comes out in May of this year and we're just all so proud of her and happy for the release. Pull up and chair and learn a little bit more about TLC.
MARLEY: Hey TLC! Thanks so much for your time! Let's just dive head first into the interview with a good ol' stand by question. What's the first thing you remember writing? How old were you?
TLC: When I was in elementary school, like third or fourth grade, I started a “book” about a little boy whose toy soldiers came to life at night. They carried out missions like retrieving juice and crackers from the kitchen. I still have it, hidden away somewhere.
MARLEY: Oooo...how fun it would be to find that and post here or on your website. Maybe the Buzz Girls will do a feature like that one day. = ) Okay...so tell our readers what your writing habit is...how often, where, when?
TLC: Not often enough (unless I’m on deadline, then I write every day). Almost always at Starbucks, for the following reasons: 1) no internet (unless I want to pay--which I don’t), 2) no distractions (i.e. the aforementioned internet, television, dirty dishes, laundry, etc.), 3) comfy chairs, and 4) the deliciousness that is a caramel Frappuccino. I’m most productive, writing-wise, in late morning/early afternoon.
MARLEY: See, I'm not a coffee person, so going to Starbucks just makes me come out of there smelling like the beand. LOL! They do have the comfy chairs and free internet, which is definitely a bonus. So, can you tell us how you came up with the initial idea for OH. MY. GODS.?
TLC: It all started with the original title, GROWING UP GODLY, which sounded like the title of an inspirational book. I knew I could never write that, so I had to come up with some other concept to fit the title. Eureka! The Greek gods. The premise just fell into place after that.
MARLEY: And luck for that is did. What person or person(s) has/have helped you the most in your writing career?
TLC: Ugh, that’s a tough one. There’s my writing mentor, Shane Bolks, who gave me loads of encouragement and stellar advice on how to approach this business as a career. There’s my critique partner, Sharie Kohler, who is an amazing writer and always helps me fix my plot holes. And, of course, my agent, who keeps me sane, on track, and looking to the future.
[TLC with fellow West Houston RWA members Shane Bolks (aka Shana Galen), Sharie Kohler (aka Sophie Jordan), and Sharon Forret.]
MARLEY: Agents are great that way, don'tcha think? What's your most memorable teenage experience? Why?
TLC: Another toughie.
MARLEY: I'm no Tyra Banks...this is hardball, baby!
TLC: I think I would have my mot memorable teenage experience was starting college. I was only seventeen when I left Missouri to start school in New York City. At the time it seemed like a totally normal and common thing to do, but looking back, I think it was pretty gutsy. I’m proud of that.
MARLEY: You certainly should be! You've lived in several places, how has that helped you as a writer?
TLC: Having lived in every time zone, at a variety of latitudes and altitudes, and in one foreign country has helped me in the way that any variation of experience helps a writer. Every new person you meet and new place you visit broadens your mind. Even if you never use that experience directly, it comes across in your writing as a greater sense of understanding and of perspective.
MARLEY: That's so true. Now, in addition to being a talented writer, you're also a master with web-design (case in point our lovely Books, Boys, Buzz blog.) How do you channel all of your creative energies?
TLC: Web and graphic design is my guilty pleasure. It’s how I procrastinate. It uses such a different type of thinking, much more logical and technical, that it give my writing brain a break.
MARLEY: It's great that you can "take a break" by continuing to do creative things. Tell me, what made you want to write young adult stories?
TLC: I never consciously thought, "Hey, I’d like to write for teens." The story of OH. MY. GODS. came to me, and it fit into a teen world. But the more I learn about the teen market, the more I love it and the more I realize that I’m perfectly happy here.
MARLEY: I'm sure your readers will be happy to hear that. Do you have any advice for young writers?
TLC: Besides the standard, "Read and write," I would have to say, "Observe." Becoming an observer of people, places, and situations is the quickest path to writing believable fiction. Notice things, like how cafeterias always smell like over-cooked tuna casserole, how your science teacher takes three deep breaths when she’s really frustrated, or how your best friend sits up a little straighter when her crush walks by. Those are the kind of details that lend realism to your writing.
MARLEY: Such great advice. (And you're right about caf smelling like tuna noodle casserole!) Okay, a very, very serious question...who's your favorite Buzz Girl? Hahaha...just kidding! I'd never make you answer that (me, me, me!! ) question...that's just not fair. (hee hee) Okay, seriously...this is...what's your favorite teen movie and why? And how many times have you seen it?
TLC: DRIVE ME CRAZY starring Melissa Joan Hart and Adrian Grenier. Omigod, I looove this movie. It has all the best teen romantic comedy elements: a former best boy friend, next door neighbor, makeover-the-outcast-boy-into-the-coolest-guy-in-school plot, revenge, and some really smart views on the nature of high school social politics. I’ve seen it dozens of times.
MARLEY: I've never seen that! I totally have to add that to my Netflix list. All right, some fun questions for you...what's the best ice cream you've ever had in your life...flavor and brand. (Calories and fat grams don't count!)
TLC: Ben and Jerry’s White Russian!!! But it’s been discontinued
MARLEY: Mmm...sounds decadent. Are you a cat or dog person?
TLC: (with little hesitation) Dog!
MARLEY: TiVo or DVR? OnDemand or Netflix?
TLC: DVR and Netflix!
MARLEY: Channing Tatum or Wentworth Miller?
TLC: Wentworth Miller!
MARLEY: Okay, we're just going to have to agree to disagree on that one. Last question...if you were stranded on a desert island with only three books and three music CDs (okay, and a player with an endless supply of batteries...it is a deserted island after all), what would they be and why?
TLC: Well, for books - 1) Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen -- #1 favorite of all time; 2) A survival manual -- so I don’t: a) starve, b) get eaten, or c) accidentally lick one of those hallucinogenic toads (not that I go around licking toads regularly); 3) The Book Thief by Markus Zusak -- I would hate to leave it unfinished. As for CDs - 1) Come Away With Me from Norah Jones -- I can listen to her over and over and over; 2) A compilation of 80s one-hit wonders -- nothing picks me up like good 80s music; 3) Queen: Greatest Hits -- their songs would motivate me while I’m building a raft.
MARLEY: Wow! What a list! Sounds awesome. Well, thanks for chatting with me, Tera. I hope the readers get a better sense of who you are as a person and a writer. Remember to pick up Tera's book in May 2008!
Marley = )
SORORITY 101: Zeta or Omega? (May 2008, Puffin Books)
SORORITY 101: The New Sisters (May 2008, Puffin Books)
GHOST HUNTRESS SERIES (May 2009, Houghton Mifflin)
10 Comments on I give you debut author - Tera Lynn Childs!, last added: 3/12/2008
Display Comments
Add a Comment
By: Melissa Wiley,
on 12/2/2007
Blog: Here in the Bonny Glen (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Sign Language, Hearing Loss, Special Needs Children, Wonderboy, Speech Delay, Add a tag
Still trying to tidy up my archives. Here are the most substantive posts I've written about Wonderboy's hearing loss:
The Speech Banana (hearing loss diagnosis)
Getting Ear Molds Made (a photoessay)
Practicing for Hearing Tests (games to help preschoolers in the sound booth)
Visual Phonics
Newborn Hearing Test Advice
Sign Language (how awesome it is)
Fun with FM (heh heh)
Expressive and Receptive Language
By: Gina MarySol Ruiz,
on 6/20/2007
Blog: La Bloga (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: illustration, diversity, manga, Art, Shakespeare, nature, culture, immigration, eggs, beauty, Sylvia Long, educational, sign language, getting kids to read, Dianna Hutt Aston, Add a tag
For this week's post, I wanted to suggest a few books for the classroom in honor of Don Rudy's return to La Bloga. The books listed below aren't Latino/Chicano but they are books no educator should be without. I can't say enough about them and they are absolutely necessary. Welcome back compadre!
Award-winning artist Sylvia Long has teamed with up-and-coming author Dianna Aston to create this gorgeous and informative introduction to eggs. From tiny hummingbird eggs to giant ostrich eggs, oval ladybug eggs to tubular dogfish eggs, gooey frog eggs to fossilized dinosaur eggs, it magnificently captures the incredible variety of eggs and celebrates their beauty and wonder.
An Egg is Quiet
Author: Diana Hutts Aston
Illustrator: Sylvia Long
Publisher: Chronicle Books
ISBN-10: 0811844285
ISBN-13: 978-0811844284
An Egg is Quiet is a glorious feast for the eyes. The book is an illustrated introduction to eggs of amazing diversity. The simple and poetic text just adds a quiet drama to the whole book.
“An egg is quiet It sits there, under its mother's feathers... On top of its father's feet ...Warm. Cozy."
The book displays eggs in all their glory with different textures, colors and themes. There are lacewing eggs, salmon roe, ostrich eggs, etc. Each egg portrayed is gorgeously painted in rich, layered watercolors of such depth and color that they seem to be real. You can almost feel the depth of texture. The endpapers of the book are pale blue and speckled giving the feel of an eggshell. The attention to detail is simply amazing. What a labor of love this must have been!
The book talks about the shapes of eggs – the tubular eggs of the Dogfish Shark or round like a sea turtle’s. It talks about size – the mammoth eggs of the ostrich. It goes on to discuss egg embryos, egg habitats, etc.
The colors! Oh, the colors used are wonderful! Pale blues, mottled greens, light browns, oranges that ache with their beauty, butter yellows, stunningly simple brown ink text that adds to the lushness of the colors used in the gallery of jewels called eggs. What a lovely way to teach children (and adults) about nature and its diversity. An Egg is Quiet is instructional, arty and simply beautiful. An absolute must for any library and a book that is sure to be pored over lovingly for years to come. A masterpiece!
Book Description from the Publisher:
Author: Diana Hutts Aston
Illustrator: Sylvia Long
Publisher: Chronicle Books
ISBN-10: 0811844285
ISBN-13: 978-0811844284
An Egg is Quiet is a glorious feast for the eyes. The book is an illustrated introduction to eggs of amazing diversity. The simple and poetic text just adds a quiet drama to the whole book.
“An egg is quiet It sits there, under its mother's feathers... On top of its father's feet ...Warm. Cozy."
The book displays eggs in all their glory with different textures, colors and themes. There are lacewing eggs, salmon roe, ostrich eggs, etc. Each egg portrayed is gorgeously painted in rich, layered watercolors of such depth and color that they seem to be real. You can almost feel the depth of texture. The endpapers of the book are pale blue and speckled giving the feel of an eggshell. The attention to detail is simply amazing. What a labor of love this must have been!
The book talks about the shapes of eggs – the tubular eggs of the Dogfish Shark or round like a sea turtle’s. It talks about size – the mammoth eggs of the ostrich. It goes on to discuss egg embryos, egg habitats, etc.
The colors! Oh, the colors used are wonderful! Pale blues, mottled greens, light browns, oranges that ache with their beauty, butter yellows, stunningly simple brown ink text that adds to the lushness of the colors used in the gallery of jewels called eggs. What a lovely way to teach children (and adults) about nature and its diversity. An Egg is Quiet is instructional, arty and simply beautiful. An absolute must for any library and a book that is sure to be pored over lovingly for years to come. A masterpiece!
Book Description from the Publisher:
The evocative text is sure to inspire lively questions and observations. Yet while poetic in voice and elegant in design, the book introduces children to more than 60 types of eggs and an interesting array of egg facts. Even the endpapers brim with information. A tender and fascinating guide that is equally at home being read to a child on a parent's lap as in a classroom reading circle.
About the author and illustrator:
Dianna Aston spends a lot of time in her backyard hoping to find new eggs. She often enlists the help of her husband, children, and their assorted pets. She lives in Texas.
Sylvia Long is the illustrator of many books for children including the best-selling Sylvia Long's Mother Goose, Hush Little Baby, and Snug As a Bug, all published by Chronicle Books. Ms. Long's detailed paintings are inspired by her love of animals and the outdoors. She lives in Arizona.
A Seed is Sleepy
Author: Dianna Hutts Aston
Illustrator: Sylvia Long
Publisher: Chronicle Books
ISBN-10: 0811855201
ISBN-13: 978-0811855204
The author and illustrator of the gorgeous An Egg is Quiet join together once again to create an astounding illustrated introduction to the life of a seed. Long’s amazingly detailed watercolors showcase many different types of seeds. The pages are slightly reminiscent of Victorian botanical drawings but these are so much richer in color, depth and scope. Each painting is something special, a treasure to be enjoyed for many years. The succinct and poetic text is just enough information for a very small child and enough of a nip to send an older one (or adult) running to the library to find out more. I love books like that, ones that get you fired up about something you’d otherwise not have an interest in. Now I’m excited about seeds!
The text is poetic too.
“A Seed is Inventive
To find a spot to grow,
A seed might leap from its pod,
[violet]
or cling to a
child's shoestring,
[cocklebur]
or tumble through
a bear's belly.
[Red huckleberry]
A seed hopes to land where
there is plenty of
sunlight, soil, and water.”
How about this wonderful phrase?
“Some have lain dormant, or slept undisturbed, for more than a thousand years”
Makes me just say oooooh.
I can’t say enough about this wonderful book except to say that I dearly hope this fantastic duo does another book. A Seed is Sleepy is a perfect gift for anyone of any age. Even non-book lovers will love this book for its glorious color and appreciation of nature.
If you visit Chronicle Books website, there are posters to print out!
Manga Shakespeare – Romeo and Juliet
Author: William Shakespeare, Richard Appignanesi, Sonia Leong
Publisher: Harry N. Abrams Books for Young Readers
ISBN: 0-8109-9325-2
EAN: 9780810993259
Manga Shakespeare. You hear the words and you think, Manga Shakespeare? Really? You’re not quite sure what to think. Then if you’re like me, you start thinking, well if it gets kids to read, why not?
What a great surprise! The first Manga Shakespeare I opened up was Romeo and Juliet and the first pages were beautiful.
“Present day Tokyo. Two teenagers, Romeo and Juliet, fall in love. But their rival Yakuza families are at war.”
The author’s introduce the characters of Shakespeare’s wonderful play in full color. Each character has one of their famous quotes introducing them like this one: Tybalt – nephew of Lady Capulet “As I hate hell, all Montague and thee.” Tybault is pictured looking over his tattooed back and hefting a large sword. The manga style artwork is beautiful and it conveys the story so well.
I loved that the language of Shakespeare is intact. Sure the characters are speaking in bubbles but the language is still poetic and gorgeous. The authors have done a great job in blending pop culture and classic literature. It works! Manga Shakespeare Romeo and Juliet is sure to be a big hit.
The idea of incorporating Shakespeare’s plays into the extremely popular manga genre was a smart one and to my mind, perfect for teenaged kids that may not be big readers. What a great way to get them reading the classics! I always struggle with getting non-readers to read but always seem to get a foot in the door if it’s something visual like a graphic novel. Once I hook them, they become readers for life.
These Manga Shakespeare books will hook a whole new audience to Shakespeare. Wouldn’t they make great text books? Hint, hint…LAUSD – buy the books, bring them into the classroom. I’d lay odds that the reading level of that class would go up. The non-readers will stop and take notice because the art is so beautiful and modern. They’ll love the setting and the fact that the Capulets and Montagues are Yakuza. These books will grab their attention and sooner or later, they’re going to want to read the actual play.
Book description from the publisher:
Now presenting Manga Shakespeare—the Bard's greatest plays in an accessible, lively format for a new generation of readers
Romeo and Juliet is ideally suited for the manga format—it has teenage heroes, scheming and villainous adults, heartbreaking tragedy, and the ultimate romantic plot about star-cross'd lovers. Romeo, a Montague, and Juliet, a Capulet, fall deeply in love—and they refuse to let their parents' age-old feud get in their way. When Romeo is banished from their town, a series of mistakes and misunderstandings, along with their families' mutual hatred, finally manages to end their love. An exciting introduction to the Bard for reluctant readers and manga fans alike.
Ruby Lu, Empress of Everything
Author: Lenore Look
Illustrator: Anne Wilsdorf
Publisher: Atheneum/Anne Schwartz Books
ISBN-10: 0689864604
ISBN-13: 978-0689864605
In this utterly charming sequel to Ruby Lu, Brave and True, Ruby’s life gets really exciting. Ruby’s cousin Flying Duck has just arrived from China with her parents and not only is Ruby’s family speaking Chinese in the home for the benefit of the new immigrants, but Flying Duck is deaf and Ruby is learning Chinese Sign Language. Ruby achieves her dream of becoming a Smile Buddy in her second grade class room and she gets to take Flying Duck around and help her with her homework.
There are challenges too. Ruby’s not learning Chinese Sign Language as fast as she’d like. The language in the house has switched from English to Chinese and everyone uses chopsticks all the time now. Ruby’s sometimes best friend Emma is angry with her and then there’s the challenge of the summer swimming pool and swimming lessons.
The book is peppy, fast-paced, upbeat and fun. No special allowances are made for Flying Duck because she’s deaf. It’s just dealt with in a matter of fact and casual way. One of Ruby’s duties in school is to inform people that being deaf isn’t a handicap, Flying Duck is completely normal – she just can’t hear. Ruby Lu also gets to join Flying Duck in summer school where she can now learn ASL or American Sign Language right along with her cousin. The story deals with big time issues of immigration, families living together, unemployment, language barriers and acclimation to a new culture and country with a happy and normal tone. I loved it.
The fun little illustrations scattered throughout the book’s pages are equally fun and wonderful. They give a great sense of Ruby and her friend’s life. Ruby Lu, Empress of Everything is highly recommended for children just beginning chapter books.
Author: Lenore Look
Illustrator: Anne Wilsdorf
Publisher: Atheneum/Anne Schwartz Books
ISBN-10: 0689864604
ISBN-13: 978-0689864605
In this utterly charming sequel to Ruby Lu, Brave and True, Ruby’s life gets really exciting. Ruby’s cousin Flying Duck has just arrived from China with her parents and not only is Ruby’s family speaking Chinese in the home for the benefit of the new immigrants, but Flying Duck is deaf and Ruby is learning Chinese Sign Language. Ruby achieves her dream of becoming a Smile Buddy in her second grade class room and she gets to take Flying Duck around and help her with her homework.
There are challenges too. Ruby’s not learning Chinese Sign Language as fast as she’d like. The language in the house has switched from English to Chinese and everyone uses chopsticks all the time now. Ruby’s sometimes best friend Emma is angry with her and then there’s the challenge of the summer swimming pool and swimming lessons.
The book is peppy, fast-paced, upbeat and fun. No special allowances are made for Flying Duck because she’s deaf. It’s just dealt with in a matter of fact and casual way. One of Ruby’s duties in school is to inform people that being deaf isn’t a handicap, Flying Duck is completely normal – she just can’t hear. Ruby Lu also gets to join Flying Duck in summer school where she can now learn ASL or American Sign Language right along with her cousin. The story deals with big time issues of immigration, families living together, unemployment, language barriers and acclimation to a new culture and country with a happy and normal tone. I loved it.
The fun little illustrations scattered throughout the book’s pages are equally fun and wonderful. They give a great sense of Ruby and her friend’s life. Ruby Lu, Empress of Everything is highly recommended for children just beginning chapter books.
1 Comments on Educational Books That Make a Difference, last added: 6/22/2007
Display Comments
Add a Comment
I haven't seen that commercial yet. I guess I'd have to say Edward from Twilight. We would have a nice steak dinner (his would be VERY rare!) then we'd fly through a secluded forest to burn off some of those calories! ;)
Well, it may sound all romantic-y, but I like the kind of hero that is there when you need them. I would have to say Jared from the Top Ten Uses for an Unworn Prom Dress. Even though my answer probably won't win, that's my answer!
Okay, since you mentioned your hero, TLC, I'm going with one of mine! I'd love to go to a Valentine's Day drive-in movie with Jared from TOP TEN USES FOR AN UNWORN PROM DRESS. In his vintage Mustang, of course, to watch a fun romantic classic like GREASE. :)
Oh, my! GirlforChrist must have been writing at the same time I was. Because it wasn't there when I decided to choose Jared, and great minds DO think alike!
I agree with Tina and GirlforChrist! Me and Tina have actually talked about that before! But, I'll pick a new one just to be different.
I think Tristran from Stardust. He's very romantic! I think for an ideal Valentine's day date we would only have to have a little picnic.
I'm picking Jaimie from Diana Gabeldon's Outlander series.
We would go horseback riding through the woods, stop at a waterfall for a lunch, and then we would find a cozy spot for him to quote some poetry so I could enjoy his Scottish accent. After that I'm sure we could find ways to occupy ourselves. If all else fails, it usually doesn't take trouble long to find Jaimie, we could go hunting with the Native Americans or something.
My favorite hero is by far Harry Potter but I don't think I want to go on a Valentine's date with him. I would however like to just hang out with him and play quidditch!
SweetMelissa...yes, we do love us some Jared. ;) Thanks so much for mentioning that!
And Nikki, I'm with you on Jamie from Outlander, too...he sure got my heart pounding!
Alexander Solarin from the Eight... and he would probably attempt to teach me chess.
mmm...
Tall blonde russian.
Definately Rand from Revenge of the Homecoming Queen. I would love to go on a picnic in the park with him, and then we would go to a drive in movie in his little fry daddy of a car. ;)
Rachel R.
[email protected]
mybkclub.com
My favorite hero would have to be Ron Weasley from Harry Potter. He is silly, romantic, and saves the day many times without ever realizing how wonderful he really is. Leave it to the brilliant Hermione Granger to snag him! As for a date with Ron-- it would have to involve lots of candy and a great Quidditch game. Sounds like fun to me!
Emily in AZ
I'm guessing we're not taking into consideration the fact that in the books, they have girlfriends :)
My ideal guy would probably have to be Dylan from Lynda Sandoval's "Who's Your Daddy?"
He's your typical bad boy turned good.
Since he wants to be a Police officer, maybe he could teach me how to drive a cop car or disarm a robber. Followed by a movie of course :)
I would have to say Jesse de Silva from The Mediator series by Meg Cabot. And my perfect date with Jesse, a romantic dinner at home watching movies (not necessary chick flicks, an action flick or two with a hot romance will work) after a day filled full of action packed ghost busting.
Molly
In honor of the Shopaholic movie coming out this weekend, I would have to say Luke. A simple nice dinner would be fun.
My favorite hero would be Harry Potter. We would go on a nice date browsing through shops in Hogsmeade and share a nice mug of butterbear together.
I have too many favorite heroes! Since I just finished Bone Crossed, I would date Samuel Cornick. He's outdoorsy so we could go to a hike to a nice spot and hold a picnic. Bring some tunes for atmosphere and plenty of food - friends always manage to find you on a picnic and it's nice to have people join in.
But after we'd go see a movie because I could never stay with a man who doesn't share my love of pop culture.
I'd pick Fred from Harry Potter, the only hero I can think of at the moment. We'd spend half of our date wondering around and teasing people, and the rest cooking and playing games. I like doing fun stuff with this guy : D
MMM...I love me some Luke Brandon! I'm gonna have to agree with Mrs. V!!
If I can have a date with any literature hero it will be with Jesse from: Seven Tears into The Sea. I will love to spend Valentine’s Day with him at the beach.
Peace
Doxys
Sounds silly, but Oliver Wood, Griffindor Quidditch Captain from the Harry Potter series. Loved him in the books, and loved him in the movies. I'm a sucker for the atheletes and an accent to boot, HOT! Anyway, we'd eat a good, hearty dinner, then he could give me a quidditch lesson, then hot chocolate by the tower fire. YUM.
Wow! What a great gift basket, Tera! You guys all had such great hero faves, too. I'm gonna say Mark Darcy from Bridget Jones's Diary. I loved him in the FIRST book and I loved Colin Firth in the movie...
Oh my goodness I really want to win this! I love confetti! And, of course, I really want to read Oh. My. Gods.!!
I would want to go on a date with Peeta from the Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. We would probably just go to the movies and dinner. And then maybe afterward we can bake a cake and then he'd decorate it with frosting!! lol
(for those who haven't read the Hunger Games yet, Peeta is a baker's son and decorates the cakes for his dad's bakery)
:D
Grace L
I would have to say Simon Lewis from Cassandra Clare's Immortal Instruments series. Simon is just such a good guy and we would just have a nice night out...dinner and a movie.
My hero from a book would be definitely Harry Potter! He has always been my hero since I was little :) But my ideal date with him would be snowboarding! Since he's the adventurous type of guy and I really want to snowboard :)
-Ann
behapppppppy(at)hotmail(dot)com
That commercial is ROTFLMAO! Loved it!
Okay, I'd have to say Fang in James Patterson's Maxium Ride. He's tough and sweat, and clueless. He also shows some initiative. Plus, he can fly. Granted, I've got a few years on him, and I'm happily married, but he's great.
I like Edward too. :)
Hmm... A lot of my favorite male characters are in my own writing, but none of my books are finished, let alone published. So I pick Jonathan from the Midnighters trilogy by Scott Westerfeld. You have to have read the books to understand this, but my ideal date would be during the midnight/25th hour when he can fly. So I guess it would be at the top of some building in the city with time frozen for nearly everybody else. That and killing darklings.
paradoxrevealed (at) aim (dot) com