Take a peak at the cover for The GIRLS! I’m excited to be among these talented authors. More later.
Now I’m working on a bunch of additions to the website…
Author: cindyindigo
Exciting News!
I just found out THE GIRLS, a middle grade anthology with my short story, “The Emily Explosion,” is to be released on August 15! Blooming Tree Press is publishing the story collection. I’m so glad the book will be available as the new school year starts. What a great addition to a school or classroom library–or for your very own.
Here’s a quick look at what “The Emily Explosion” is about:
I’m nobody! Who are you?
Are you nobody, too?
Then there’s a pair of us – don’t tell
They’d banish us, you know.
Are you nobody, too?
Then there’s a pair of us – don’t tell
They’d banish us, you know.
Dee-Dee Tunley, a seventh grade literature loser, enjoys doodling much more than analyzing Emily Dickinson’s weird poems. However, when Dee-Dee is forced to do extra credit work on the above poem, she finds a connection with Emily and discovers they may both be somebodies rather than nobodies.
Have you ever felt like a nobody? What helped you realize you were really a somebody? I’d love to hear your story.
I adore Emily Dickinson’s poems. Who is your favorite poet???
Take Root and Write
Heidi Strawser, an E-book reviewer for the Schoolhouse Store and a Marketing Assistant for Old Schoolhouse magazine and a homeschooling mom, had this to say about DOGGIE DAY CAMP at Take Root and Write– Reviews by, Heidi:
Doggie Day Camp: Verb and Adverb Adventures is part of a series of books that Cynthia is writing called “Pet Grammar Parade”. This book not only contains a cute little story about a dog named Bubba, but it’s also a very educational book. As a homeschooling mother, these are the types of books I enjoy!
At the beginning of Doggy Day Camp, Cynthia explains what verbs and adverbs are. Verbs are explained in blue and adverbs in red. Then, throughout the book, every time a verb or adverb is used, it is written in that same color, for easy recognition and identification. Kids won’t even realize that they are learning, but their brain will be putting the colors together with the parts of speech, and they’ll be learning in a fun way!
After the story, there is more explanation (a “study guide”) on verbs and adverbs and their usage.The book also contains 6 worksheet-style activities (such as word search, fill-in-the-blank, and scrambled words). And, the best part for parents – the answer key!
To read all of the review, click here.
Praise for DOGGIE DAY CAMP
Teachers agree: Bubba the dog helps primary grade students learn English grammar.
“Adorable story and illustrations,” said one experienced teacher, and so it is. But shy Bubba —who looks a lot like a schnoodle—also conveys information to beginning readers.
As part of author Cynthia Reeg’s Pet Grammar Parade Series, he discovers verbs and adverbs at doggie day camp, as well as new friends and activities.
Children who have recently started school and often attend day camps during the summer should have no trouble identifying with Bubba, and primary teachers will welcome a warm and funny way to begin study of grammar.
“Adorable story and illustrations,” said one experienced teacher, and so it is. But shy Bubba —who looks a lot like a schnoodle—also conveys information to beginning readers.
As part of author Cynthia Reeg’s Pet Grammar Parade Series, he discovers verbs and adverbs at doggie day camp, as well as new friends and activities.
Children who have recently started school and often attend day camps during the summer should have no trouble identifying with Bubba, and primary teachers will welcome a warm and funny way to begin study of grammar.
Lee Braff
Editor, HeartLand Boating, and children’s writer
Museum of the Dog Visit
On Sunday, I did have the wonderful opportunity to visit the Museum of the Dog. Originally, the American Kennel Club Museum of the Dog was located in New York City. But by 1981, the Museum had already become too large for its location.
In 1987, the Jarville House in Queeny Park (St. Louis, Missouri) became the new home for the Museum. The Jarville House’s history dates back to 1853 when John Renard, an early settler, built the home for his second wife. The red brick house is an example of Greek Revival architecture–one of the few remaining “outstanding examples” in the St. Louis area.
In 1989 a 14,000 square foot addition was constructed for the Museum, and the original carriage house was converted to the gift shop and offices. The completed Museum with its permanent collection formally opened in November 1990. It boasts “the country’s largest collection of art, artifacts, and literature on man’s best friend.”
Some top-notch dogs are pictured at the Museum. Here are two: Barney & Miss Beazley, in the White House International Diplomats’ Reception Room (by Constance Coleman, 20
05)
05)This portrait shows none other than President George W. and Laura Bush’s dogs.
Dog-Gone Amazing!
My staff & I didn’t make it to the Museum of the Dog today due to other commitments, but rest assured that we will very soon. And we’ll provide you with all the exciting de-TAILS!
My ever vigilant staff did find some amazing canine art work on the web today. No, not more portraits of dogs–rather art work BY a dog! Yes, that’s right. The world famous Tillamook Cheddar. Tillie has brought scratching and chewing to a whole new artistic level. She’s had exhibits in Europe, New York City, Los Angeles, and more. Tillie is a Jack Russell Terrier from New York City with a special gift for using her “teeth and claws” to create masterpieces. Tillie even has her own biography, Portrait of the Young Dog as an Artist by F. Bowman Hastie III. Click here to see more pictures of Tillie. The first picture shows her at work on a canvas.
What’s that? Oh….my dog Holly just padded into my office with a paint brush in her mouth. I believe she’s ready to create her own painting. Now if I can just stop her before she tries to open the paints…….
Museum of the Dog
Here are my staff–(from left to right) Herman, Holly, and Henry–working hard as usual.
In celebration of DOGGIE DAY CAMP and its wonderful illustrations by Kit Grady, they discovered a very special canine location–the MUSEUM OF THE DOG. This museum in St. Louis, Missouri, has the “world’s finest collection of art devoted to the dog.” More than 700 paintings and other art work–all about dogs!
Since the museum is close by, my staff has suggested a field trip. Check back next week. We hope to share with you our artistic dog adventures when we visit the museum.
In the meantime, why not try your hand at creating some dog art of your own. The library should have illustration books as well as books on all different kinds of dogs. I’ll ask Kit how she came up with her illustrations for Bubba and his friends in DOGGIE DAY CAMP.
And if you just want to read a totally silly dog book, try Dav Pilkey’s DOGZILLA.
Interview with KIT GRADY
Today the talented illustrator for DOGGIE DAY CAMP: VERB AND ADVERB ADVENTURES—KIT GRADY—is featured in an interview by children’s author, Shari Lyle-Soffe.
Kit shares some insights into her creative world.
KIT GRADY INTERVIEW
by Shari Lyle-Soffe
Shari: Does an illustrator have more than one style of illustrating? How do you decide which style to use in children’s book illustrations?
Kit: I think an illustrator’s style is somewhat consistent once they settle into their illustrative skin,- meaning it is like one’s handwriting and there may be differences, yet it could still be picked out from the handwriting of someone else. But like writing, I Illustrate in different techniques depending on the age of my audience and type of story. Illustrators have many tools to use to create the mood/atmosphere for their books. Line widths, types of lines, colors, realistic styles and /or whimsical approaches are just a few things an artist considers when they are assigned a manuscript.
Shari: What do you wear while you are illustrating?
Kit: I get maybe, too comfortable when I work. Give me a pair of jeans, warm shirt and always my L.L. Bean soft bedroom shoes and I am ready to tackle those awaiting illustrations.
Shari: Where do you like to work?
Kit: When I am sketching or writing, you will find me on the porch watching the squirrels trying to eat all the bird food out of the feeder. But later I will scan those sketches into my computer and work until completed with my drawing tablet on photoshop. From my window in my studio room I have a humming bird feeder so I can watch the humming birds fight with the yellow jackets for their food. It is a wonder I get anything done with all this going on.
Shari: What do you munch on while drawing?
Kit: I usually will be drinking coffee at my desk with a few animal cookies. I try to behave and not nibble all day.
Shari: Tell us about your children’s books.
Kit: I have just completed my 6th children’s book. My first picture book I wrote and illustrated, was for Windswept House Publishers. This book, Jiggsy’s Necklace, may be coming out in an animated form soon. I followed it with an educational leveled reading book by Kaeden Books–Just One More, Mom in 2006. Last year I illustrated two books for private authors and was honored to join the Collier Creative Group. This year I joined Guardian Angel Publishing and have illustrated two books. Flutterbunnies by Mel McIntyre and Doggie Day Camp by Cynthia Reeg. I have a few projects in early stages.
Shari: I have seen your artwork and it is delightful. Do you have a website/blog where readers may learn more about you and your works, and see your illustrations?
Kit: Yes, Please visit me at www.kitgrady.com
Shari: What’s your favorite children’s book of all time?
Kit: Can I have a combination of two? First “The Little Engine that Could” for the determination we all need as writers and illustrators -and “The Velveteen Rabbit” because it is magical.
Shari: What is the best advice on writing/illustration you’ve ever heard?
Kit: Writing, and illustration both need time when their done to rest. When you go back later and revisit you will see it with new eyes.
Shari: Why are picture books so difficult to write?
Kit: Many think children’s books are just adult books dummied down. Which they are not. It is much harder to cut, edit and rework for the shorter word count and still say it just right, to a watchful young audience. 
Shari: In closing, what would you like to tell our readers?
Kit: If you are a writer or artist with a dream, continue to study, practice and learn all you can of this wonderful field. Don’t give up.
Gifts From God Is Weekend Special
I just learned that GIFTS FROM GOD
is a Weekend Special
at Fictionwise.com. This selection was based on GIFTS FROM GOD’s popularity and reader feedback from those who purchased the eBook version.
I know this news just made my weekend pretty special.
DOGGIE DAY CAMP Is Here!
I am very happy to announce that DOGGIE DAY CAMP: VERB AND ADVERB ADVENTURES is now available from Guardian Angel Publishing. The picture book and grammar skills aid is already receiving two paws up from reviewers:
Doggie Day Camp: Verb and Adverb Adventures is a delightful read. Kit Grady’s illustrations provide perfect visuals for the adventures of a pup named Bubba. However, author Cynthia Reeg has nudged the reader to another level—one of learning! This author and illustrator have teamed up to present an abstract lesson in a concrete AND entertaining format. The activities at the end are the icing on the cake. This book, along with Kitty Kerplunking:Preposition Fun (also by Reeg), would be a welcome introduction to a unit on parts of speech for any classroom teacher, tutor, or home school instructor. It would also captivate any child’s attention simply as a fun read! —Jan Norton; Special Education Teacher; Seckman Elementary; Arnold, MO
In Doggie Day Camp: Verb and Adverb Adventures, author Cynthia Reeg entertains children with the story of Bubba the dog and successfully introduces verbs and adverbs to young readers. Children will connect with the delightful, yet, easy to read story of a shy dog left at day camp for the very first time. As readers follow Bubba through “tugging games” and “tasty treats,” Reeg identifies verbs and adverbs in red and blue print. She follows this k-9 tale with a useful study guide and activities using verbs and adverbs. Doggie Day Camp: Verb and Adverb Adventures is not only an entertaining story, but also an excellent resource to introduce grammar concepts to young readers and reinforce the use of verbs and adverbs to older readers. I’m looking forward to more books in Cynthia Reeg’s grammar series.– Kelly Secrease; 6th Grade Language Arts; Nettleton Intermediate Center; Jonesboro, Ar.