I think Gifts from God was a very pretty book. The photography was good and the single line insets were thought provoking. I think it could be used as a book for the little one on you lap or for a class discussion.

Jo Ann Holdener, Librarian
St. Angela Merici School
Florissant, MO

The book is excellent. It is a wonderful simple story that will appeal to PreK–3rd… It can be a teaching tool for the middle grades in getting them to talk about other examples and life related actions and thoughts…It is a wonderful example for use with the 6th, 7th, and 8th grades in getting them to … write their own story.

Judy Migneco, School Librarian
St. Gabriel the Archangel School
St. Louis, MO

Here’s another source for eager young writers: Stories for Children. http://storiesforchildren.tripod.com/id140.html
This online magazine is sponsoring a writing contest for both adults and youth. The deadline is fast approaching though, September 30. Follow the directions carefully. You need to base your story on the picture provided at the site.
But never fear if you can’t make this deadline because SFC publishes works of young writers (and adult writers as well) on a regular basis. Here’s the link for their submission information: http://storiesforchildren.tripod.com/id7.html

Here’s a great new place “where young authors and illustrators take off!” So says, the subtitle of one of the latest online children’s magazines, premiering with a January/February 2008 issue. http://www.launchpadmag.com/index.shtml
The magazine is accepting fiction, nonfiction, poetry, book reviews, and artwork from children between the ages of 6 and 12.
This sounds like a great opportunity for creative kids.

Today I took a colorful stroll through another country with the help of a delightful picture book called, THE CAT WHO WALKED ACROSS FRANCE by Kate Banks and illustrated by Georg Hallensleben.

The poor little kitty is left an orphan and shipped from the palm tree lined shores of southern France to the gray city streets of northern France. Soon the kitty decides to walk back home, and the reader is given a leisurely, painterly look at the various locales he encounters along the way. The story itself is told in a soft, poetic style. And the illustrations are rich with color and intriguing brushstrokes–simple yet masterful.

So if you’re in the mood for a French voyage, this is just the book to take you there.

http://www.amazon.com/Cat-Who-Walked-Across-France/dp/0374399689/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/104-4835446-3307955?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1190400843&sr=1-1

And my other great find today was Lois Lowry’s blog: http://loislowry.typepad.com/lowry_updates/

She offers writing words of wisdom. Who wouldn’t want to read the insights of such a gifted writer? What a delight!

What a delightful Saturday afternoon I spent on September 15 at the Kirkwood Public Library. Alexis O’Neill, author of THE RECESS QUEEN, LOUD EMILY, and ESTELA’S SWAP, was there to share some “kitz and kajammer” fun with everyone–young and old. By the end of the presentation, kids in the audience had jumped and danced and yelled. What kid (of eager viewer like me) wouldn’t love being part of such a lively author visit.

Do yourself a favor and open up at least one of Alexis O’Neill’s endearing picture books.

http://www.amazon.com/Recess-Queen-Alexis-Oneill/dp/0439206375/ref=sr_1_7/104-4835446-3307955?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1190211044&sr=1-7

http://www.amazon.com/Loud-Emily-Alexis-ONeill/dp/068984669X/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/104-4835446-3307955?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1190211044&sr=1-1

http://www.amazon.com/Estelas-Swap-Alexis-ONeill/dp/1600602533/ref=sr_1_2/104-4835446-3307955?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1190211044&sr=1-2

Here’s a chance for you to win prizes by voting for a winning story written by my writer friend, Mayra Calvani. Please take this opportunity to read her touching tale and vote for MAYRA. You very well may walk away a winner, too!

Vote for THE DOLL VIOLINIST and Win Prizes!

Mayra Calvani’s story, THE DOLL VIOLINIST, is a finalist at the ABC’s Children’s Picture Book Competition!

What makes this competition different is that while the finalists are chosen by judges, the winner is chosen by online public vote. In other words, YOU the reader, get to choose the winner—that lucky author who will walk away with a publishing contract!

The Doll Violinist is a heart-warming Christmas tale set in Victorian Europe and features illustrations by talented artist Amy Moreno.

To view the finalists in the competition and vote for Mayra’s story, please visit the competition website at http://www.ABCbookcompetition.org . The two week voting period starts September 16, 2007 and will continue through midnight September 30, 2007. The winning author / illustrator team will be announced October 8, 2007.

People who vote for The Doll Violinist will be automatically entered in a drawing and prizes will be as follows:

1st Prize: An enchanting antique doll in Brussels lace
2nd Prize: $50 Amazon gift certificate
3rd Prize: Beautiful zirconium & sterling silver ring (size 8)
4th Prize: A print copy of Mayra’s latest paranormal thriller, DARK LULLABY
5th Prize: A print copy of ANGEL IN A BUBBLE (children’s picture book)

All you need to do is vote for THE DOLL VIOLINIST, then send a message to mayra.calvani@gmail.com and write ‘You got my vote’ on the subject line. You must send a message in order to enter the drawing, so please don’t forget! The winners will be announced on Mayra’s Secret Bookcase (http://mayrassecretbookcase.blogspot.com) on October 1st, 2007.

Support Mayra Calvani and help her walk away with that publishing contract!
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Time for another list of things I’m thankful for:

• fun times at the Cardinals’ game with my son Matt and his friends (the Cards even won!)
• fun times at the Rams’ opening game with my son Dan, daughter-in-law Megan and her parents (even if the Rams lost)
• cooler weather hinting that fall is nearly here
• finishing the first draft of a new middle grade novel
• blooms on my lilac bush in September!
• visiting with old friends and meeting new ones at Cornerstone
• my husband Rob who makes me laugh
• my mom who celebrated her birthday yesterday (HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!)