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Kate. Martha.
It's a powerful combination.
Check out this interview, where Kate shares some things she wishes she knew when she was starting out, tells us about bullet journaling, and there's even an under 6 minute animated video of Kate giving a TED Ed talk on "Building Fictional Worlds!"
Kate Messner will be giving a keynote speech at the New York SCBWI conference in February with fellow middle-grade author Linda Urban, "Music, Mountains, and Mocha Lattes: Sustaining a Creative Life" that promises to be amazing! We hope you can join us. Here's
where you can get all the info on the conference and registration.
By:
Bianca Schulze,
on 12/1/2015
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After taking a look at our selection of hot new releases and popular kids' books ... it's more than likely we're suckers for picture books about love, kindness, and compassion.
KateMessner is the first to admit: writing with her students made her a mentor – and – a far better teacher. Her newest Stenhouse book, 59 Reasons toWrite, offers teachers 59 Mini-lessons to help them become mentors and better teachers, too, along with prompts, Teacher-Q’s and Author-A’s and daily writing warm-ups and assignments. Walking the walk is suddenly doable – for all writers, classroom teachers or not.
An outgrowth of her online summer writing camp Teachers Write, the book’s purposefully designed to get us writing every day, whether on our own or as part of a group. Chapters move from getting started to organizing our time and stories, through narrative elements such as characters, point of view, voice, mood, setting, plot and pacing, nonfiction and fiction needs and poetry to writer’s block, revising, critiquing and reflection.
Everything we ask of our students Kate and her “faculty” of award-winning authors ask of us.
It’s the luminous 52+ faculty members who both teach and inspire, underscoring how, when it comes to writing, we’re all in this together.
Again, walking the walk is suddenly doable, thanks to this insightful, comprehensive, hands-on text.
And who wouldn’t want to learn from talents such as Linda Urban, Donna Gephart, Jo Knowles, Shutta Crum, Jenny Meyerhoff and Barb Rosenstock, just to name a few?
I was especially taken with the honest Q + A – The Best of the Q-And-A Wednesday sessions from the online summer camp.
Again, notables truthfully responded to a host of questions, including those about intimidation, making and finding writing time, connecting with our characters, handling point of view, the passage of time and too much description.
Tools, short-cuts, exercises. The list of writing aids goes on and on. Think Writer’s Notebooks, three-column brainstorming, outlining, world building, selecting and using mentor texts.
“Write,” Kate tells her readers, “because you have things to say – arguments to make, stories to tell, poems to share – and no one else in the world has your unique voice with which to say them. And do it,” she adds, “for the young writers you hope to inspire. In making time for your own writing, you’ll be crossing a barrier, joining them as real, vulnerable members of a community of writers.”
I add my “Amen!” to my sincere thanks for following her Real Revision with yet another valuable Kate Messner writing book for those of us lucky enough to be “TeachingAuthors” and writers.
You’ll be adding your thanks, too, once you read, learn, write and share Kate Messner’s 59 Reasons to Write.
Esther Hershenhorn
Step One: Find a story. (A good one.)
Step Two: Find a reading buddy. (Someone nice.)
Step Three: Find a reading spot. (Couches are cozy.)
Now: Begin.Storytellers Kate Messner and Mark Siegel chronicle the process of becoming a reader: from pulling a book off the shelf and finding someone with whom to share a story, to reading aloud, predicting what will happen, and--finally--coming to The End. This picture book playfully and movingly illustrates the idea that the reader who discovers the love of reading finds, at the end, the beginning. Ask for HOW TO READ A STORY from your library, or get your own copy at your local independent bookstore, or Oblong, or Bookstore Plus, or anywhere fine books are sold!
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Bianca Schulze,
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Mayday, Mayday, Mayday! The Children's Book Review (call sign TCBR) is declaring a reading emergency. The weather is clear and suitable for reading outside.
By:
Sue Morris @ KidLitReviews,
on 3/30/2015
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How to Read a Story
Written by Kate Messner
Illustrated by Mark Siegel
Chronicle Books 5/5/2015
978-1-4521-1233-6
32 pages Age 4 to 8
“STEP 1: Find a Story.
“STEP 2: Find a Reading Buddy.
“STEP 3: Find a Cozy Reading Spot.
“Kate Messner and Mark Siegel brilliantly chronicle the process of becoming a reader, from choosing a book and finding someone with whom to share it to guessing what will happen and—finally—coming to The End. How to Read a Story playfully and movingly illustrates the idea that the reader who discovers the love of reading finds, at the end, the beginning.” [book jacket]
Review
Early readers will love this short primer on how to read a picture book. A young boy sits among dozens of books trying to find the perfect one. If you look closely, you will see the dog is laying on what will become the final choice: The Princess, the Dragon, and the Robot. I love little details that ask the reader to pay close attention.
Step 4 says to look at the cover and try to decipher what the story will be about. Step 5 is the most exciting step as you finally crack the cover, turn to page 1, and begin reading.
“Once upon a time . . .”
I love this book. From the cover on, How to Read a Story is a perfect primer on reading a picture book—the start of a love of reading. One important point: talking like the characters, whether a powerful mouse or a hungry knight, using character voices will increase a reader and listener’s enjoyment of the story. The author uses different fonts to emphasize these changing voices.
The ink and watercolor illustrations are cute and really add to the instructions as they draw you into How to Read a Story. Young kids—and parents—will love the young boy and his reading partner curling up in a soft over-stuffed chair reading and listening, until step 8, when they take a break to predict what might happen next in The Princess, the Dragon, and the Robot. Stiegel illustrates each possibility in a talk-bubble.
“Will the princess tame the dragon?
“Will the robot marry the princess?
“Will the dragon eat them all for lunch?”
During Step 2, everyone—except the dog—had better things to do than read to the young boy; by the end of his reading aloud, they are all interested in the end. Each of the ten important steps helps teach the wonderment of reading to young children. How to Read a Story looks fantastic and its text is important for all to learn. Once you have read a picture book—following the steps—there is one-step left:
“When the book is over say, ‘The End.’
“And then . . . start all over again.”
HOW TO READ A STORY. Text copyright © 2015 by Kate Messner. Illustrations copyright © 2015 by Mark Siegel. Reproduced by permission of the publisher, Chronicle Books, San Francisco, CA.
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Purchase at How to Read a Story Amazon—B&N—Book Depository—Chronicle Books.
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Learn more about How to Read a Story HERE.
Meet the author, Kate Messner, at her website: http://www.katemessner.com/
Meet the illustrator, Mark Siegel, at his website: https://www.tumblr.com/tagged/mark-siegel
Find more picture books at the Chronicle Books website: http://www.chroniclebooks.com/
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Copyright © 2015 by Sue Morris/Kid Lit Reviews
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By:
Sue Morris @ KidLitReviews,
on 3/30/2015
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How to Read a Story
Written by Kate Messner
Illustrated by Mark Siegel
Chronicle Books 5/5/2015
978-1-4521-1233-6
32 pages Age 4 to 8
“STEP 1: Find a Story.
“STEP 2: Find a Reading Buddy.
“STEP 3: Find a Cozy Reading Spot.
“Kate Messner and Mark Siegel brilliantly chronicle the process of becoming a reader, from choosing a book and finding someone with whom to share it to guessing what will happen and—finally—coming to The End. How to Read a Story playfully and movingly illustrates the idea that the reader who discovers the love of reading finds, at the end, the beginning.” [book jacket]
Review
Early readers will love this short primer on how to read a picture book. A young boy sits among dozens of books trying to find the perfect one. If you look closely, you will see the dog is laying on what will become the final choice: The Princess, the Dragon, and the Robot. I love little details that ask the reader to pay close attention.
Step 4 says to look at the cover and try to decipher what the story will be about. Step 5 is the most exciting step as you finally crack the cover, turn to page 1, and begin reading.
“Once upon a time . . .”
I love this book. From the cover on, How to Read a Story is a perfect primer on reading a picture book—the start of a love of reading. One important point: talking like the characters, whether a powerful mouse or a hungry knight, using character voices will increase a reader and listener’s enjoyment of the story. The author uses different fonts to emphasize these changing voices.
The ink and watercolor illustrations are cute and really add to the instructions as they draw you into How to Read a Story. Young kids—and parents—will love the young boy and his reading partner curling up in a soft over-stuffed chair reading and listening, until step 8, when they take a break to predict what might happen next in The Princess, the Dragon, and the Robot. Stiegel illustrates each possibility in a talk-bubble.
“Will the princess tame the dragon?
“Will the robot marry the princess?
“Will the dragon eat them all for lunch?”
During Step 2, everyone—except the dog—had better things to do than read to the young boy; by the end of his reading aloud, they are all interested in the end. Each of the ten important steps helps teach the wonderment of reading to young children. How to Read a Story looks fantastic and its text is important for all to learn. Once you have read a picture book—following the steps—there is one-step left:
“When the book is over say, ‘The End.’
“And then . . . start all over again.”
HOW TO READ A STORY. Text copyright © 2015 by Kate Messner. Illustrations copyright © 2015 by Mark Siegel. Reproduced by permission of the publisher, Chronicle Books, San Francisco, CA.
x
Purchase at How to Read a Story Amazon—B&N—Book Depository—Chronicle Books.
x
Learn more about How to Read a Story HERE.
Meet the author, Kate Messner, at her website: http://www.katemessner.com/
Meet the illustrator, Mark Siegel, at his website: https://www.tumblr.com/tagged/mark-siegel
Find more picture books at the Chronicle Books website: http://www.chroniclebooks.com/
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Copyright © 2015 by Sue Morris/Kid Lit Reviews
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I have lots of client books coming out in March. It's thrilling - but it also makes it somewhat difficult to blog about all of them without this blog becoming a wall-to-wall advertisement. So instead of doing a post every time one is released, I'm going to post about them in categories. Here, then, are the Picture Books of March 2015. Enjoy!
0 Comments on
March New Releases: Picture Books as of 3/2/2015 1:36:00 PM
By:
Bianca Schulze,
on 2/28/2015
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Wow! This is a great month for picture books—amazing picture book authors and sensational illustrators star in this month's new release kids books. Plus, The Penderwicks in Spring is here!
Mara Rockliff's latest picture book, GINGERBREAD FOR LIBERTY, is the delicious (and true!) story of the baker who helped save the American Revolution.
Christopher Lutwick was a German immigrant and, in the 1770's, a vocal advocate of revolution as well as possibly the most celebrated and popular baker in Philadelphia. When the war broke out, though he was too old for fighting, he was determined to help, and his friend George Washington made him the "baker general" of the army. He also had an even more significant, albeit more secretive role... to talk starving Hessian soldiers working for the British into abandoning the King. And he could do it because he was a former starving Hessian soldier himself.
This remarkable tale shines a light on a little known figure of the Revolution who worked alongside George Washington and the other heroes we all know about. And the scrumptious illustrations by Vincent X Kirsch are the icing on the gingerbread!
"This appealing concoction is a powerful reminder of the good one person can do." -- Kirkus
"A sweet addition to Revolutionary War units." --School Library Journal, starred review
0 Comments on Gingerbread Spies and Magic Pencils - Two Book Birthdays! as of 1/27/2015 2:49:00 PM
What can I say about this new series from Kate Messner?
Wellllll.... Four words:
0 Comments on RANGER IN TIME book 1 by Kate Messner as of 1/9/2015 3:22:00 PM
By:
Bianca Schulze,
on 12/9/2014
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Manhunt, by Kate Messner, will appeal to middle grade readers who enjoy solving mysteries and who like learning about other countries as well as famous artists and pieces of art.
A couple of weekends ago I was in New York City at the SCBWI winter conference. (If you don't know about SCBWI, I will happily explain it to you.) One of the most memorable talks for me was Kate Messner's examination of the power of failure.
We writers are certainly familiar with failure. How many rejections have you received? How many revisions have you had to make? How many published books failed to sell out? It happens.
What Messner
encouraged us to do is to change our perception about failure. Instead of looking at failure as a negative, she suggested we look at it as the fastest and best way to achieve our goals. In fact, she said, we should be trying to fail as often as possible.
Okay, I know it sounds counter intuitive. Shouldn't we be aiming for success, after all?
Here's an example she gave. A study divided a group of artists into two groups. Let's say they were making pottery. The first group was told they would be graded on achieving one really excellent pot. They did not have to worry about how many pots they made--just one really good one and they'd ace the class. The second group was told to produce as many pots as they could--the more they made, the higher their grade. Quality was irrelevant.
At the end of the study, a panel examined the pottery samples to determine the best ones produced by both groups together. What the observers found was that the group that made many, many pots also produced the best pots. Why? Failure. They produced one pot after another after another. And they learned things. What worked. What techniques produced a stable pot. How to make the pot symmetrical. And so on.
This pretty much applies to any endeavor really. I know dozens of writers who are so concerned about producing the perfect manuscript, that they never produce another. I knew a man in a workshop I attended who had been working the same novel over and over for 20 years.
When I wrote my first novel, I was guilty of this. It took me about ten years of working on it (granted, sporadically, as I was also raising children) to get it "good enough" to start submitting. It got a few positive rejections. Failure.
Since then, I have written several more novels and half a dozen more in my brain. Once I let go of that one needs-to-be-perfect manuscript, I was able to forge ahead and produce many more, all of which are infinitely better than that first one. In fact, (surprise, surprise) each one is better than the last. What if I just kept writing as many as I could and never stopped. I'd produce a lot of failures. But I'd also produce a few really good books.
I liken this to shooting darts at a dartboard. The more darts you throw, the more likely your chance of hitting a bulls-eye. Right?
So as you start this new week, look for ways to fail. Embrace it. Do it some more. And learn.
If you'd like to explore the topic more, see
Fail Fast, Fail Often: How Losing Can Help You Win, by Ryan Babineaux and John Krumboltz.
By: Anika Denise,
on 2/27/2014
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Last weekend, I attended my first SCBWI national conference with my talented author-illustrator pal,
Mary Jane Begin.It was a whirlwind of fun, inspiration, fabulous meals and networking—and it's taken me three days to gather myself to post about it. I've been looking at photos, reading over notes, filing through the many business cards I picked up along the way, and letting it all sink in.
Although I'm not exactly a newbie to publishing—and Mary Jane is a veteran with many books and awards to her name—neither of us had been to the New York conference before, for a variety of reasons, including deadlines, kids, writing and teaching.
So, we were excited. I couldn't wait to be in New York to meet some of the children's book folks I'd been chatting with for
The Little Crooked Cottage and on
Twitter, and to spend an entire weekend focused on all things kidlit.
I knew that I had the perfect partner for the trip in Mary Jane. She's whip-smart, game for anything, never gets rattled and loves to laugh. She also has a more esoteric quality I like to call
flow. She's a magnet for positive people and serendipitous moments. And she loves dark chocolate. That's my kind of travel-buddy.
 |
| Skipping through Grand Central |
When we arrived at Grand Central, we spotted a few familiar faces right away and immediately felt the energy of the conference. There's something visceral about being with your creative tribe, and I felt it the moment we walked into the hotel lobby.
Of course, our
first priority upon arrival was food. We went in search of a sushi restaurant about twenty blocks from the hotel. Friday afternoon was chilly and drizzly, but that didn't dampen our spirits or our desire to walk the city, so we set out on foot. A few paces before our destination, we spotted a charming little restaurant on the corner, and remarked on how cozy it looked.
 |
| Tiny trattoria tucked in beneath the Queensboro Bridge |
This was fortunate, because the sushi spot we'd chosen didn't open for another two hours.
Whoopsie! That's the thing about New York—when one restaurant door closes, another adorable one with tall windows and little twinkling lights opens. We sat and enjoyed a delicious meal, and raised a glass to the great weekend ahead.
 |
| Happy MJ with vino. Saluté! |
 |
| Dining under the twinkly lights |
Jane and I were not faculty or part of the illustration portfolios, so we weren't able to attend the Friday evening VIP cocktail party; however, after entertaining brief giggle-worthy notions about various ways to crash the festivities, we settled on the lounge upstairs, which had a stunning floor-to-ceiling view of 42nd street towards Park Avenue.
 |
| View of 42nd and Park |
Fortunately, not long later, some VIP's came to us; including, to my delight, my editor at Harper Children's, Nancy Inteli. Nancy recently acquired my new picture book,
Monster Trucks! (Summer, 2016). It was lovely to be able to meet Nancy person and give her a thank you hug!
 |
| Nancy Inteli, Editorial Director, Harper Collins Children's Books |
After a fun night and another great meal at
The Smith Midtown...
 |
| Two words: creamed kale. Heaven. |
 |
You can't tell in this pic,
but we're doing the happy food dance. |
...and a brief stop
here... we called it a night.
Saturday morning, we were up and at 'em early (miraculously).
 |
| Badges, notebooks, coffee: check! (Ok, we look a little sleepy. ) |
All the presentations for the weekend followed the theme of
Seven Essentials. Jack Gantos (Newbery award-winner for
Dead End In Norvelt) was up first with a keynote titled, "How everything I learned about fiction and nonfiction in picture books, poetry, short stories, novellas, or, angst, dialog, a hundred drafts, and good luck all end up in the crown jewel of literature: THE NOVEL."
That title speaks to Jack's electric personality. He's all spitfire and energy and humor and talent. He spoke about finding habits that work for you, content and structure, focused rewrites, connecting the dots with theme, and adding emotional depth to your stories.
Beyond his very helpful pointers, I think what came through was his passion and commitment to telling stories in all forms, as well as a joy an irreverence one can't help but love.
It was a fabulous kick-off to the keynotes.
After a morning of enlightening discussions, including a fascinating panel on
The Future of Authorship, and breakout sessions in the afternoon, Mary Jane and I decided to seek a little inspiration outside the conference halls and head over to the NYPL to see
Leonard Marcus's exhibit at the New York Public Library:
The ABC of it: Why Children's Books Matter.
The weather had turned springlike in Manhattan and as much as we were enjoying the talks, we needed some air—and some
art. Library Way, which cuts directly to the front entrance of the NYPL, is paved with quotes from literature. I snapped a few shots of my favorites.
The exhibit itself was similarly paved in riches. Expertly curated and gloriously designed, it was the perfect end-note on a roundly inspiring day.
We arrived back to the hotel feeling glad we hadn't missed the opportunity to see the exhibit, but barely able to catch our breath before the cocktail party—which was a blur of fun connections, old friends and new faces.
It was great to meet
Ame Dyckman (Ezra Jack Keats Award-winning author of
Tea Party Rules) and
Drew Daywalt (New York Times bestselling author of
The Day The Crayons Quit) in person, after becoming friends in the Twitterverse, and featuring them both on
The Little Crooked Cottage. |
| Ame Dyckman, Drew Daywalt and moi. |
Another unexpected treat was bumping into talented YA author,
KM Walton. I met Kate years ago, before her first novel published, at the home of good friends. Since then, Kate has published two novels:
Cracked (2012) and
Empty (2013), with another title,
The Lies We Tell, forthcoming
in 2015. It was lovely to be able to reconnect after cheering Kate's successes from afar. Keep an eye on KM Walton. She's one to watch.
 |
| Striking a pose with KM Walton |
But my favorite moment of all came on Sunday.
Kate Messner delivered the best, I mean it,
the best speech I have ever heard at an SCBWI event. Her keynote on
The Spectacular Power of Failure was inspiring, moving and full of hope.
Who among us hasn't faced the fear of failure in our work? Kate encouraged us to take a moment to celebrate each of our successes, large and small, instead of automatically moving the bar before we've had the chance to appreciate our accomplishments.
She turned the entire notion of failure on its ear by putting it in perspective. "You can't have brave without scared," she said quoting
Linda Urban's novel
Hound Dog True. We learn from failing, and reevaluating and trying again."
She encouraged us all to "live our creative lives bravely," and to do the same by our characters. "Let them be flawed, let them fail, and let them survive."
Kate ended the speech by reading a poem.
What Happened to Your Book Todayby Kate Messner (Copyright 2011) Somewhere, a child laughedon that page where you made a joke.Somewhere, she wiped away a tear,Just when you thought she might. Somewhere, your book was passedfrom one hand to another in a hallwaybusy with clanging lockers,with whispered words,“You have got to read this.”And a scribbled note:O.M.G. SO good.Give it back when ur done. It’s looking a little more love-worn lately,rougher around the edges than it did on release day.There are dog eared pages and Gatorade stains.Someone smeared maple syrup on the coverbecause she read all through breakfast.Pages 125 and 126 are stuck fast with peanut butterBecause Chapter 10 was even more deliciousthan lunch. Somewhere, tiny hands held up your bookAnd a little voice begged, “Again!”Somewhere, the answer came,A grown-up sigh…and a smile…And the fourteenth read-aloud of the morning.That same book. Again.Your book. Somewhere, a kid who has never read a whole book on his own(Really. Not even one.)picked up yours and turned a page.And then another.And then one more.And it was pretty cool, turns out.He brought it back – huge smile on his face –(and I mean huge)And asked for another one.And he read that, too. Somewhere, a teenager who thought she was aloneOpened your pages and discovered she’s not.And somewhere, somebody who thought about giving upwill keep on trying,
keep on hoping.Because of that book you wrote. Somewhere tonight – listen closely and you’ll hear–A child will turn the last page of that book,That book you wrote,and sigh.Can you hear it?It’s the sound of a story being held closeRight before a young voice says,“It feels like this was written just for me.” And it was.I don't have a photo to share of this moment because a.) I was blubbering and wiping my nose, and b.) I was on my feet, clapping and joining in the standing ovation that Kate received for her uplifting, heartfelt and encouraging words.
I looked to my left, at my friend Jane who was teary-eyed and clapping, too, and I knew we were both thinking the same thing.
This is why we do what we do. Kate summed it up beautifully.
Even without all the rest—which was magical—that one reminder was worth the trip.
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As Hurricane Sandy nears the East Coast, FEMA administrator Craig Fugate urged parents to read with their children.
If you want to know how Hurricane Sandy will affect your state, visit the State-by-State Guide to Hurricane Sandy at The New York Times.
Readers have been using the #StormReads hashtag to talk about the books they are reading during this difficult time. We’ve embedded some of these tweets below.
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CAPTURE THE FLAG, by Kate Messner (Scholastic Press, 2012)
Category: Middle-grade Novel
Do you know what I loved as a kid? Nancy Drew mysteries. I devoured them, kept checklists of those I’d read and wishlists of those I needed desperately to get my mitts on. Each summer, my friend Kelley and I re-opened our private detective agency–G&G Detectives–in homage to our heroine. When business was slow, we read more Nancy Drew books. Or wrote mysteries of our own. Eventually we’d read and written so many mysteries that we had no choice but tho share them: one dog-day, on a whim, we closed G&G Detectives and opened The Garland Street Library instead. It was made up almost entirely of Nancy Drew books.
Do you know what else? If there were a way to go back and talk to eleven-year-old Loree, she’d be tickled to know that she’d one day be friends and writing partners with Kate Messner. And that Kate would create a mystery series that starred a trio of kid detectives. Little Loree would love that trio of kids as much as Not-so-Little Loree does, I’m sure of it. And she would demand Not-so-Little Loree share the love.
So, in celebration of good mysteries, good books, good friends, and the long, lazy days of summer, I’d like to send YOU an advanced copy of my friend Kate Messner’s newest mystery, CAPTURE THE FLAG. You can read a little about Kate here, and a little about the book here. If you’d like an advanced copy for yourself or for your best friend or for that neighbor kid with a detective agency, and if you live in the continental United States, just leave a comment on this post before midnight on Friday, June 22. On Saturday morning, I’ll put all the names in a hat, pull one out, and let you know who the lucky detective is.
Good luck!
My summers away at sleep away camp were some of the best of my life. However, sleep away camp gave way to summer internships, which eventually gave way to jobs. Ah, the passage… Read More →
Marty's back! You have to hand it to a third-grader who has no qualms about shredding her collection of princess paper dolls (unwanted gifts from a well-meaning but clueless grandmother) in order to recycle paper. In this second book of the series the students in Marty's school are on a mission to save the earth. A visiting environmentalist challenges the students to come up with projects to help the environment. When the glop of paper dolls fail to materialize into paper (and breaks the food processor to boot), Marty chooses a new project. With the help of Grandma Barb, her cool non-paper-doll-giving grandmother, Marty and her best friend Annie create a worm compost farm that will turn the leftovers from the school cafeteria into fertilizer.
Worms and third-graders make for an explosive mix, especially in the hands of Kate Messner. After the kids overfeed their slimy charges, the worms escape and Marty and Annie have to capture them. Patience isn't Marty's strong point, but over the course of the story she learns to wait for her worms to slowly process trash into compost. On the big day, the environmentalist returns to judge the projects. Will Marty's worms win or won't they? Messner cleverly keeps readers at the edge of their seats as the winners are announced and brought on stage.
Marty is an engaging character, one whom kids will be sure to root for. And the environmentalist message, while prevalent, is rarely heavy handed. The students at Orchard Street Elementary genuinely care about saving the environment. One girl, whose father sometimes throws soda cans in the regular trash and not the recycling bin, sets up a metal detector that will buzz if aluminum goes in. As she explains, "I really wanted to set it up so he'd get zapped with a shock, too, like those electric dog fences, but my mom said I couldn't." The story is heavily sprinkled with such humorous tidbits, making it an enjoyable read. Brian Floca's light-hearted illustrations add to the fun.
Marty McGuire Digs Worms!
by Kate Messner
illustrations by Brian Floca
Scholastic Press, 176 pages
Published: April 2012
By: Betsy Devany,
on 4/23/2012
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This year’s NE-SCBWI Conference (my sixth) was different for me. As the On-the-Spot Critique Coordinator, I was one of numerous volunteers responsible for making a successful conference. In my position, I felt deeply obligated to the attendees, wanting to facilitate proper connections to editors/agents, and I’d promised these same professionals that I’d do my best to secure them additional critiques. In truth, I was scared. Since becoming the On-the-Spot Critique Coordinator less than a month ago, I have secretly fretted, while my daily early-morning writing time turned into early-morning e-mail communication, chart-making, and teaching myself how to make a spreadsheet. (I am also a committee co-chair for the upcoming New Jersey SCBWI Conference.) My manuscripts lay untouched; my muse went on strike.
Preparing for the conference reminded me of my earlier years in the business of writing for children, when I was unsure and questioned my abilities. Self-doubt hinders your growth as an artist. So I stopped thinking about What Might Not Happen (that the on-the-spot critiques would be a failure) and I began to believe that I could, indeed, pull this off. But to do this, I had to call on my Inspired Frame-of-Mind, which is strong, determined, and follows the muse with much delight, like a kitten chasing an unraveling ball of red yarn. I write what my characters tell me, and on some level, believe they are the ones shaping their stories, not me. I continue to struggle with writing for my blog, for that voice comes from a different place, where self-criticism has rented a tiny room and ignores my weekly eviction notice.
So in my Inspired Frame-of-Mind, I faced the task of being a successful conference coordinator: I worked diligently and focused on being positive, while doing everything possible to sell these critiques. The bar to succeed is set high due to the tireless efforts of our region’s longtime coordinators, who have given so much of their time over the years: Marilyn Salerno, Joyce Shor Johnson, Kathryn Hulick, Melissa Hed. Valarie Giogas. Laura Pauling. Melissa Stewart. Casey Girard. Betty Brown. Sally Riley. Jean Woodbury. Linda Brennan. Jennifer Carson. Joannie Duris. Anna Boll. Jennifer O’Keefe. Greg Fishbone. Francine Puckly. Margo Lemieux. And Shirley Pearson, who I hope can one day step out from behind the registration table to pursue her own dreams. I apologize in advance for not listing every name, though my gratitude is intended for all. Thank you! The NE-SCBWI Conference reflects your efforts, selfless dedication, and enthusiasm for our wonderful community. A community filled
MARTY McGUIRE is one of my favorite young ladies of fiction. (Though she'd hate being called a "young lady", I am pretty sure!) She's an extremely bright and funny third-grader who is not afraid to speak her mind or march to the beat of her own drum.
For sure, she would much rather catch bullfrogs in the mud and play scientist than wear floofy pink gowns and play princess. So in her first adventure, named after her, Marty was horrified to discover she'd been cast as the lead in her class production of THE FROG PRINCESS. She tried to back out of it, but couldn't... so instead, she made the role her own in a most unusual way, with wild results.
I LOVE THIS BOOK.
And guess what?
Marty is back!
About
MARTY McGUIRE DIGS WORMS!:
Marty McGuire's third-grade class has a special assignment: Save the Earth! Even more exciting, the best project wins a special award. Marty's pretty sure her classmates' ideas won't stand a chance against her plan to turn the garbage from the school cafeteria into fertilizer. All she needs is a little help from her teammate and best friend, Annie--and the worms in her grandma's garden.
But it turns out that worms are awfully SLOW eaters. And when the critters escape, the whole class starts grumbling. Can Marty save the Earth without losing her friends?
Marty is just as hilarious and irrepressible as ever in this latest installment. Kate Messner just seems to have an unfailing ear for kid dialogue, and Brian Floca's illustrations are a delight.
"Messner gets all the details of third grade right [and] Floca's black-and-white sketches are filled with movement and emotion...Believable and endearing characters in a realistic elementary-school setting will be just the thing for fans of Clementine and Ramona." -- Kirkus on MM
"Floca’s cheery black-and-white illustrations match the upbeat theme of the tale... Marty’s first-person commentary, sometimes just a tiny bit sarcastic, splendidly conveys the eroding innocence of middle-graders. A quick, amusing read with an easily digestible environmental message; it is a perfect match for its young intended audience." -- Kirkus on MMDW, Starred ReviewLearn more about Kate Messner on her website.
Visit Brian Floca on the web.
The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) revealed the winners of the 2012 Golden Kite Awards and the winner of the Sid Fleischman Award for Humor. Each winner will receive $2,500 at the Golden Kite Luncheon on August 5th.
In the fiction category, Ruta Sepetys won for her historical fiction debut, Between Shades of Gray. In the nonfiction category, Candace Fleming won for her biographical profile Amelia Lost: The Life & Disappearance of Amelia Earhart.
In the picture book text category, Kate Messner won for Over and Under the Snow. In the picture book illustration category, Melissa Sweet won for Balloons Over Broadway. Chris Rylander won the Sid Fleischman Award for Humor for his middle grade novel, The Fourth Stall.
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MAGIC UNDER STONE by Jaclyn Dolamore - Bloomsbury - YA Fantasy
Nimira is a fierce and passionate former chorus girl. Erris is a faerie prince trapped in the body of a clockwork man. For these star-crossed lovers there can be no happily ever after until Erris is freed from the clockwork form in which his soul is trapped. And so they go in search of the sorcerer Ordoria Valdana, hoping he will know how to grant Erris real life again. When they learn that Valdana has mysteriously vanished, Nimira decides to take matters into her own hands-and begins to study the sorcerer's spell books in secret. Yet even as she begins to understand the power and limitations of sorcery, it becomes clear that freeing Erris will bring danger--if not out-and-out war--as factions within the faerie world are prepared to stop at nothing to prevent him from regaining the throne.
This is a gorgeous sequel to MAGIC UNDER GLASS, but newcomers to the story are sure to be as utterly enchanted by Nimira and Erris's tale as fans of the first book. (And if you HAVEN'T read the first book yet, for goodness' sake get on it - it's in paperback now, you can't afford NOT to read it!)
Buy MAGIC UNDER STONE here, or at your local independent bookstore.
Buy MAGIC UNDER GLASS in paperback here, or at your local independent bookstore.
EYE OF THE STORM by Kate Messner - Bloomsbury - Middle Grade Thriller
In the not-too-distant future, huge tornadoes and monster storms have become a part of everyday life. Sent to spend the summer in the heart of storm country with her meteorological engineer father, Jaden Meggs is surprised at the strides her father's company StormSafe has made with custom shelters that keep wealthy families secure in even the worst of storms.
At her exclusive summer science camp, Eye On Tomorrow, Jaden meets Alex, a boy whose passion for science matches hers. Together, they discover that her father's company is steering storms away from the expensive neighborhoods and toward the organic farming communities that are in competition with his bio-engineered food company, NatureMade. Jaden must confront her father, but when she does, she uncovers a terrifying family secret and must call on both her scientific knowledge and her strength to save the people she loves.
For middle graders (aged 9-12) who are perhaps not QUITE ready for the blood-and-guts teen thrillers but want some pulse-pounding action of their own, Eye of the Storm is a fantastic choice. Boys or girls who are interested in science will also appreciate the "whys" and "hows" of this world, because the book is really smart. But also REALLY exciting. !!!
Buy EYE OF THE STORM here, or at your local independent bookstore.
By:
Bianca Schulze,
on 2/6/2012
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By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: February 7, 2012
By Kate Messner; illustrated by Christpher Silas Neal
As a child skis down a mountain with her dad and spots a red squirrel disappearing down a crack, she asks the question: “Where did he go?” To which her dad responds: “Under the snow.” The little girls world suddenly expands as her mind is opened to a whole new natural world. Messner’s text appeals to the senses and her author’s note is educational and encourages children to take in their surrounding on their next snowy adventure. Neal’s mixed media illustrations have retro appeal and capture the wintery scenery well with the combination of cool colors and earthy tones. Animal, nature and science entusiasts will love this book—especially the facts provided in the back of the book about all of the animals featured in the story. (Ages 5-8. Publisher: Chronicle Books LLC)
By Masha D’yans
Masha D’yans’ fantastical debut book Razzle-Dazzle Ruby is charmingly artistic. The illustrations are moving—literally. Every page of this novelty picture book offers a playful and enticing wintery wonderland for young readers to lose themselves in. Visit: www.razzledazzleruby.com (Ages 4-8. Publisher: Scholastic, Inc.)
By Emma Dodd
With an icy cold backdrop and splashes of shimmery silver on every second page, a little penguin manages to cope with the big obstacles in life—deep ocean and steep mountains—because of his mother’s warm love. Sweet with its repetitive text, I Am Small is a delightful little tale for mothers to share with their young ones. (Ages 0-3. Publisher: Scholastic, Inc.)
By Marije Tolman and Ronald Tolman
The Tree House is a wordless and imaginative wonder that enchants readers with its wide array of characters (Bears, pandas, rhinos, and birds of many feathers) that visit a tree house located in what seems to be the middle of nowhere. Each characte
One of the little words I’ve been thinking about adopting as my One Little Word for 2012 is wonder. Wonder, as defined by the Merriam Webster Dictionary, means: 1won·der noun \ˈwən-dər\ Definition of WONDER 1 a : a cause of astonishment or admiration : marvel <it’s a wonder you weren’t killed> <the pyramid is a [...]
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Thank you for all of your hard work, Betsy! Beautiful post, as always.
Jo
What a wonderful recap! It is a great reminder of the weekend we just came from. Thank you Betsy for all of your hard work and sharing your experience. It was a pleasure to meet you, I hope we can chat more at a future conference!
I enjoyed your blog voice. I felt right along with you, planning a conference is nerve wracking but, we did it!
Thanks, Casey, for all your hard work! I look forward to seeing you again! The conference could not have happened without you. Betsy
You are too sweet, Jo. Your comments always make my day! Betsy
My pleasure, Joyce! You are an inspiration with everything you do. I appreciate your warm welcome, and I look forward to working with you again next year! NE-SCBWI is lucky to have you. Betsy
Great post, Betsy! Now we all go back to work…inspired and rejuvenated!!
xo sarah
Thanks to you, Sarah, I have new revision tools. Your novel academy rocked! (I will work on your post in a few days.) xo Betsy
Betsy, it sounds like you had a fantastic time and did a REALLY good job as the On-the-Spot Critique Coordinator
You’re such a talented person, good-hearted person—an inspiration in many ways. Thanks for sharing and I look forward to our time together, too 
And although I enjoyed EVERY word you said here, I have to tell you, this metaphor is priceless!…”for that voice comes from a different place, where self-criticism has rented a tiny room and ignores my weekly eviction notice.” Great writer, you are
Betsy, you were amazing at your job as on-the-spot critique coordinator. And this is a beautifully written blog that reminds us all of the conference inspiration that could be felt throughout the halls and rooms of the Sheraton. We need only go back to your blog when moments of doubt creep in.
Betsy–what a wonderful post! I wish we’d had a chance to talk more–I hadn’t realized you were in Novel Academy with me! Of course, by Sunday my brain was completely overloaded. Thanks for putting into words the things so many of us feel about NESCBWI. Good luck with your conference in NJ!
Thank you for this wonderful recap. It is so reassuring to read about your emotional ups and downs and know I’m not alone. I agree, the conference was a big “UP”!
Thanks, Joyce, for all your support and encouragement!! It was my pleasure!
Thank you, Donna! You are too sweet. I look forward to our weekend together in June! Betsy
What lovely words, Carol. I hope you made good connections at the conference. Nice to chat with you! Betsy
My brain was overloaded too. And thank you for your kind words! Novel Academy was awesome! Betsy
No, Nancy, you are not alone. Remember this. Keep the faith, and keep writing. Hugs, Betsy