Category: children’s literature

Posted on by cindyindigo

A Presidential Book

Last night I stayed up to watch Barack Obama as he claimed his victory in the U. S. presidential race. I wanted to be a part of this important time in history. I was not disappointed. His speech was inspiring– hope-filled. A unifying speech for all of our people.

I had the great opportunity this June, while attending a writing workshop in Arkansas at Harding University, to meet Nikki Grimes and to see the galley version of a picture book biography that she had just completed. It was BARACK OBAMA: Son of Promise, Child of Hope. 
Ms. Grimes explained how she had been approached to write the book in a bit of a hurry–to be completed and ready for publication by September. She, of course, had many other works-in-progress demanding her time as well. Could she squeeze in one more book? A book that must be completed in three weeks time? 
Three weeks to research, write, edit, revise, and complete–in order to have the book submitted to the illustrator in time. 
Even though her other projects tugged her in the opposite direction, Ms. Grimes felt called to walk down President-elect Obama’s road. She would do the research. She would piece together word snapshots of his life, like a tenderly stitched quilt. She would help share his story with young readers, eager to learn of this remarkable man. I’m very glad she did.
Click on the link if you’d like to read Ms. Grimes’ tips for writing poetry.
Posted on by cindyindigo

DOGGIE DAY CAMP — Two Paws Up!

Children’s author, Katy S. Duffield, sent her review of the latest PET GRAMMAR PARADE book, Doggie Day Camp:

In my mind, “delightful” is the highest compliment a children’s book can receive and Cynthia’s Reeg’s book, Doggie Day Camp: Verb and Adverb Adventures is deliciously delightful! The rollicking tale of Bubba’s first day at doggie camp, along with Kit Grady’s make-me-smile illustrations, are sure to catch children’s interest. And not only is the book a fun read, it’s also chock full of learning potential. Readers are invited to point out verbs and adverbs along the way and the Study Guide at the end of the book provides heaps of extra practice. Reeg knows how to make learning fun. I give this book a two paws up!
– Katy S. Duffield

Thanks, Ms. Duffield. I‘m so glad you enjoyed DOGGIE DAY CAMP. And I hope everyone has the chance to read your fun picture book with Farmer McPeepers. I know they’ll love helping find the missing milk cows. Now where could they be???
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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.

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Score a Goal–Read a Book!

Today is an exciting day for world soccer fans–the World Cup soccer game will be played between Spain & Germany in Vienna, Austria. Truly, soccer has become a global sensation, played by many around the world. Soccer is an international language of its own.

At the INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN’S DIGITAL LIBRARY you can find books from around the world. This site’s goal is to help children become a part of the global world through literature from various countries and in many languages. The books are free for you to read. What a treat!

In anticipation of today’s big match, I visited the international library and found the picture book, BAD, BAD BUNNY TROUBLE by German-born author, Hans Wilhelm, was also translated into Spanish–GOLDE FERDERICO! This is a tale of a soccer-loving bunny boy who saves the day with a winning kick that drives away a trio of menacing foxes.

I certainly don’t know what the outcome of today’s match will be between Germany & Spain, but I’m sure you will find many delightful books at the International Children’s Digital Library. So score a goal today…read a book!
Posted on by cindyindigo

DOGGIE DAY CAMP

I’m very pleased and excited to tell you that DOGGIE DAY CAMP: VERB AND ADVERB ADVENTURES, the second book in Guardian Angel Publishing’s The Pet Grammar Parade Series, will be coming out soon. DOGGIE DAY CAMP explores verbs and adverbs with Bubba the dog.

Kit Grady created the amazing illustrations for the book. And like the first book in this series, KITTY KERPLUNKING: PREPOSITION FUN, this book also provides a study guide and lots of great activities. Already the teachers who have seen book love it and plan to use it in their classrooms.

Here is a clip from one review, 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.

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LAUNCH PAD’S NEW ISSUE

The new children’s ezine, LAUNCH PAD, has just announced another issue’s release. The OCEANS issue (the ezine’s third issue) is now up on their website. They’ve collected a series of fun stories and poems–all illustrated and written by children.

But they are still in need of more contributors for upcoming issues such as Summer Fun (hiking, camping, summer sports, vacations, etc.), Mystery, and Variety (any topic). And they especially need illustrators for the ezine.

Send any suggestions or submissions to: Paul Kelsey, Editor and Publisher
Launch Pad: Where Young Authors and Illustrators Take Off!
editor@launchpadmag.com

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Walking on a Rainbow

Today I am excited to welcome my writer friend, Mayra. She’ll share a bit of her literary journey with you–and celebrate the release of her new picture book, CRASH!

Walking on a Rainbow: How I Became a Children’s Book Author
By Mayra Calvani

I used to think writing children’s books was boring. Writing for those demanding, whining creatures? Are you kidding? Not for me. No thanks.

That was a few years ago.

Now, nothing fills me with more joy and excitement than writing a picture book or a novel for tweens. Writing for children is like stepping into a fresh, magical, innocent, marvelous world of color and words. Writing for children is, in fact, like walking on a rainbow.

So how did the change happen?

Easy. I had children.

I recently read an interesting post by another children’s author about how in order to write good children’s stories, one must know children. Of course, as always, there are exceptions to the rule, but in general, I find this observation to be true. This doesn’t necessarily mean that one must have children in order to write great children’s stories, but it does mean that one must interact with them, know their fears, fantasies, dreams. In sum, one must have a clear idea of what goes on inside their little heads and hearts.

In my case, having children brought out a tender, gentler part of me to the surface, a part I didn’t know I had. Suddenly, as I read to my little daughter every night, picture books, with their beautiful and evocative illustrations, began to appear very appealing to me. I don’t remember when the exact moment happened, the moment when I thought, ‘I want to write a children’s book.’ But I do know I went from extreme to extreme: from chilling horror to sweet picture books. Two very different worlds, but I’m able to switch from one to the other without much problem. On the contrary, each one serves as a refreshing break from the other. So I may work on a lovable children’s story in the morning, and dive into a disturbing werewolf scene in the afternoon. It’s fun, like having split personalities, without the crazy element (or at least, I hope so!).

So far, I’ve written four picture books. Two have already been published: The Magic Violin (http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/magic-violin.htm) and CRASH! (http://crashthepuppy.blogspot.com/) The other two are in the illustrating stages and will be released next year. I also have a finished tween novel in the editing stages and another one in progress.

The world of children’s book publishing is extremely competitive, to say the least. It takes hard work, dedication, perseverance and commitment to become a published author. I know the stakes, but once you step into that magical rainbow, there’s no turning back.

*****
Mayra Calvani (http://www.mayrassecretbookcase.blogspot.com/) is a multi-genre author, reviewer, dog lover, and animal advocate. A regular contributor to Blogcritics Magazine and American Chronicle, she is also the author of CRASH!, a children’s picture book about a little boy and how he learns to care and find the perfect name for his new golden retriever puppy. Check out her ‘Crash the Puppy’ blog at http://www.crashthepuppy.blogspot.com/.

Posted on by cindyindigo

Children’s Choice Book Awards–Vote Now

From the CHILDREN’S BOOK COUNCIL:
Since 1975, the Children’s Book Council and the International Reading Association have sponsored Children’s Choices, where publishers submit some 700 titles to be evaluated and voted on by 10,000 children throughout the school year. This year, CBC is opening the contest up to children across the country. Kids can cast their votes for favorite books, author, and illustrator at bookstores, school libraries, and online through May 4. Winners will be announced during Children’s Book Week, May 12–18.
http://bookweekonline.com/kidsvote.html
Favorite books can be voted on in these categories: Grade: K-2, 3-4, 5-6, and Favorite AUTHOR and ILLUSTRATOR

There are 5 choices in each category

Make sure to vote on your favorites…and if you haven’t read some of them yet, you still have time!

Posted on by cindyindigo

Super Saturday

On Saturday, I had the privilege to hear Allyn Johnston, Editor-in-Chief at Harcourt, and Marla Frazee, children’s author and illustrator, give a presentation on picture books in Washington, Missouri.

Ms. Johnston spoke of “the power of picture books.” She said she believes good ones have “the ability to affect lives.” She also referred to a picture book as “a piece of theater on a 32-page stage.” She looks for the rhythm and repetition in a well-written picture book. “Perfect words in perfect places.” She said the last line of the story should resonate and the story should come full circle. To find out more about Allyn Johnston, here’s a link to an interview with her:http://www.scbwi.org/faces/getting_to_know/previous/johnston.htm

Ms. Frazee spoke of the physical structure of a picture book–the 32-page format. She said it is the combination of words and pictures that tell the complete story in a picture book. She emphasized her respect for children as her audience–how well they “read” her pictures. She stressed that picture books need to have an emotional component–even humorous ones. For more information on Marla Frazee, you may visit her website at http://www.marlafrazee.com/

What a great opportunity this was to hear these special insights from two such knowledgeable women in children’s literature.

The other excitement I was a part of on Saturday was Jody Feldman‘s premeir of her first children’s book, THE GOLLYWHOPPER GAMES, at Left Bank Books in St. Louis. Jody’s idea for THE GOLLYWHOOPER GAMES began many years ago when she was volunteering in a school library and witnessed a boy unable to satisfy his book thirst after finishing CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY. Jody wanted to write a book that would be similiar to Roald Dahl’s masterpiece. Her love for word games and puzzles led her to create this story featuring the Golly Toy & Game Company. For a read filled with interactive adventures, be sure to find a copy of Jody’s new middle grade novel. The official release of THE GOOLYWHOPPER GAMES is tomorrow, March 3. And to read more about Jody, you may visit her website at http://jodyfeldman.typepad.com/writing/