What's New With Cynthia Reeg

Take Your Child to the Library Day

2012-02-01T11:41:00.000-08:00

Just three days away--TAKE YOUR CHILD TO THE LIBRARY DAY!

Of course, any day is a good day to take your child to the library, but on February 4 many libraries will have extra events and activities planned. Even if you can't make it this Saturday, plan a family library excursion as soon as you can. You'll all benefit. The more and better kids read, the better they'll do in school.

No matter their interest or reading level, there should be something appealing for them at the library. And if you all have trouble finding it, ask a librarian for help.

Happy reading!

Save the Children

2012-01-26T14:25:00.000-08:00

I know it seems like we've just celebrated Christmas, but January is going by very quickly. Soon it will be Valentine's Day. I found out about a couple great ways to celebrate the upcoming holiday.

Sponsor a Milk and Bookies party. Milk and Bookies is a nonprofit organization that helps kids become part of the process for enhancing the lives of underprivileged children. At a Milk and Bookies party, kids bring books to donate for kids who don't have books of their own. To find out more, visit the link above.

Send special valentine cards from Save the Children. Proceeds from these cute cards go toward Save the Children education programs, which help inspire kids to love reading. Save the Children helps kids around the world with programs in education, nutrition, and health. They are a "link between poverty and literacy."

By grade four, a student needs to be able "to read to learn." If a child is not on par for reading at his/her grade level by third grade, he/she will start falling behind dramatically. Underprivileged children are at the biggest risk for this literacy shortfall. Help make a difference in their lives--one book and one child at a time.

Websites for Kids

2012-01-08T12:58:00.000-08:00

The American Library Association has redesigned its site, GREAT WEBSITES FOR KIDS. The site is more inviting and easy to navigate. Plus, it offers weekly and monthly specials like "Site of the Week" and "Site of the Month."

What a great way to start 2012--a super resource for all your school assignments or just for exploring the wide, wide world of knowledge. I just discovered that an octopus can change color. Who knew?

Spend a little time at some of the sites you'll find at GREAT WEBSITES FOR KIDS and see what you can discover.

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-23T08:16:00.000-08:00

I hope you've taken some time and created a Christmas poem or two of your own. If you haven't yet, you still have time.

I'll include a third and final Christmas poem here today and wish all of you a very Merry Christmas!

CHRISTMAS PEACE

Christmas bliss
Christmas joy
Christmas dreams fill each girl and boy.

Christmas babe
Christmas sights
Christmas stars light up the night.

Christmas hugs
Christmas smiles
Christmas love spreads across the miles.

Christmas hope
Christmas day
Christmas peace brightens our way.

Acrostic Poems

2011-12-15T18:51:00.000-08:00

Did you write a Christmas poem yet? Not sure where to start...

Here is a quick and easy poem to get you started--an Acrostic Poem.
An Acrostic Poem is simply spelling out a word, vertically--one letter on top of the other.
Then you need to think of a word for each letter that helps describe the word itself.

Let me show you:

S parkling
T winkling
A way up high
R adiant sky

Can you think of an acrostic poem for Santa or Elf or Toy???

Or pick any word you'd like.
Give it a try.
An Acrostic Poem doesn't need to rhyme--just spell the word, letter by letter with other descriptive words.

Ready! Set! Write!

Christmas Poetry

2011-12-14T11:30:00.000-08:00

Poem are generally short and packed with lots of colorful images which create instant sensory connections. For me, the Christmas season has always been a special time for writing poetry.

I can remember in 6th grade we spent one afternoon fashioning Christmas cards with an accompanying poem. Of course, I loved combining my two favorite pass times-- writing and art. I made one Christmas card after another. Once I had an image in mind--like the Christmas star or holly or even a candy cane--I would write the poem to go with the picture.

Why don't you give it a try? Your poem doesn't need to rhyme, but it can. That will make it a bit tougher--more of a challenge--but a fun one. Think of capturing feelings, pictures of a time and place with your words.

And poetry is a great place to play with words--not only rhymes, but alliteration (when words in a row start with the same letter--Sam said silly stuff.)

And don't forget about similes--comparing one thing to another using "like" or "as." The stars glistened as bright as 4th of July fireworks. Metaphors use similar comparisons but leave out the "as" or "like." Even the cat's candy cane curled tail reminded me of Christmas sweets.

Here is a link to one of my Christmas poems. How about a Christmas challenge--one new Christmas poem each day now until the 25th!

Ready, set, write!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-23T13:25:00.001-08:00

STORM COUNTRY

2011-11-01T13:29:00.000-07:00

The anthology sponsored by Missouri Writers Guild to raise funds for libraries impacted by the Joplin tornado is now available for purchase. Visit the STORM COUNTRY website for specifics on how to order.

My short story, "The Blizzard and the Baby," is included in the collection of stories and poems, highlighting stormy Midwest weather. This story is a fictionalized account of an adventure in my father's life as a young man living in Northwest Kansas. It was my joy to help him share this experience with others.

What stories can you learn from your parents and grandparents? Why not try writing them down to help preserve a bit of family history? Or use a real-life event as a starting place for a fiction story of your own.

Make A Monster

2011-10-19T12:22:00.000-07:00

In keeping with the season, visit the GOLDEN BOOKS website and their FUN FACTORY where you can create your own monster online. You can even print a picture of your creature. And while you're at it, why not write a story to go along with the picture.

Or try CAT AT BAT, as a tribute to the World Series which starts today in St. Louis. Go Cards!

Spooky Stories Wanted

2011-10-18T08:50:00.000-07:00

A call is out from APPLESEEDS magazine for ghost stories written by kids. Below are the details for submitting your own spooky story. One of my first published short stories was a ghost story written for a local newspaper contest. What fun it was to see my words in the newspaper for everyone to read.

So here is your chance. Scare the socks off some eager readers with your spook-tacular story!

BOO! AppleSeeds is looking for ghost stories from its readers! The October issue is all about ghosts and other spooky things, and readers probably have some great ideas for a story of their own. Have your child send us their ghost story (along with illustrations to go with it) by Nov. 15, 2011. Handwritten stories are okay, but make sure that we can read them. The winner will receive a copy of Robert San Souci's Dare to Be Scared. Send them to AppleSeeds Ghost Stories Contest, 30 Grove St., Peterborough, NH 03458.

Halloween Reading Fun

2011-10-17T11:49:00.000-07:00

Check out LITERATURE FOR KIDS this month where you'll find my Halloween story, "Spider In Disguise."

After you've read the story, why not make a spider of your very own. The easy instructions can be found on my website in the GAMES & CRAFTS section. Then try to create a Halloween mask for your spider, like the one spider had in the story. Or you may want to design your very own mask for spider's trick-or-treat adventures.

Happy Halloween!

Fall Fun!

2011-09-28T10:57:00.000-07:00

September has flown by and the leaves are beginning to change already to wonderful golds and oranges and reds. The fall wind wooshes past, blowing in a new season.

This is the perfect time for fun writing adventures. Try an simple alphabetic poem. Print the alphabet on your paper, one letter on each line. Now think of something "fallish" for each letter.

A is for acorns.
B is for birds flying north.
C is for colors--red, gold, and orange.
D is for daylight becoming less and less.

So you get the idea. If you can't make it through all the alphabet, that's okay. Do as many letters as you can. Or if you're working in a group, assign different letters to different people--or work as teams.

Next week is October already. This month is Children's Magazine Month. Magazines are jam-packed with stories and activities and cool art work. Go see what magazines your school or public library have. Usually you can check out old issues. Or find online children's magazines like Guardian Angel Kids, Highlights Kids, or Literature For Kids, where I'll have a new story--SPIDER IN DISGUISE--in the October issue.

Why not try to write your own story with a fall setting? Perhaps you can write a mystery, or a silly story, or an adventure. Take a piece of paper and start brainstorming ideas. Put your main character in the middle of the paper. Now draw 3 circles above and write 3 possible problems for your main character. Down below write 3 different settings. On each side, write in possible minor characters. Then pick out your favorite problem, setting, and characters. Mix them up and see what happens!

Have a Peachy Day!

2011-09-15T08:48:00.001-07:00

JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH by Roahl Dahl is celebrating its 50th birthday with a fun, interactive site. You can send a "Virtual Peach" to someone special or a "Peach-Gram." Peachy greetings are circulating the globe, almost 800,000 miles worth when I peeked in at the site.

Everyday is the right day to celebrate a great story!

Storm Country

2011-09-07T13:40:00.000-07:00

I had great news yesterday from the Joplin Writers Guild. My short story, "The Blizzard and the Baby," was accepted for publication in the upcoming anthology, STORM COUNTRY. The anthology showcases midwest storm stories and poems. The proceeds will go toward the damaged school libraries in Joplin, Missouri--those impacted by the tornado there earlier this year. The book is scheduled for publication next month in October. I'll keep you posted when I find out more information on purchasing the anthology, but in the meantime you can check out the authors and titles to be included in this fund-raising endeavor.

Back to School

2011-08-18T12:11:00.000-07:00

What an exciting time!
Starting a new school year.
Meeting your new teacher.
Hanging out with old friends and meeting new ones.
New books, new desks, new classrooms...

I hope your summer was as much fun as mine, but I also hope your new school year is an adventure as well.

Summer Surprise

2011-06-28T14:01:00.000-07:00

We had a new tree planted in our backyard, and a pair of industrious robins quickly built a nest in it. Since the tree is small and has lost a number of its leaves with the transplanting, I've been able to keep an eye on the robins' nest. I walked outside last week and there was the mother robin feeding her baby! I didn't even know she'd laid an egg. The robin flew off when I approached, but the hungry chick peeked over the side. Well, actually his eyes weren't even open yet. I'm sure he was hoping for more food. My husband managed to take a picture of him in his nest. At this point, I think the chick was less than a week old. I noticed today that his eyes are open now. I think he should only stay in his nest for another week or so. He is really growing up quickly!

If you want to read some books about baby robins, look for these at your library or bookstore:

FROM EGG TO ROBIN by Susan Cannzares

THE ROBINS IN YOUR BACKYARD by Nancy Carol Willis

ROBINS by Heather Hudak

ROBINS AND THEIR CHICKS by Linda Tagliaferro

What surprises have you encountered this summer???

Father's Day Fun

2011-06-16T14:57:00.000-07:00

I hope you've planned a special day for your special dad this weekend.
Perhaps you're making him a super-duper breakfast. I'm taking my dad to a baseball game--the Cardinals and the Royals. Trouble is we'll be rooting for opposite teams, but I know we'll still both have a fun time.

Here is a puzzle you and your dad could work on together. The HIGHLIGHTS Hidden Picture Puzzle for June.

Or perhaps you're going to read him a book, like ME AND MY DAD by Alison Ritchie.

One of my favorites is DANCE ME, DADDY by Cindy Morgan.

I still remember dancing with my daddy. Thanks, Dad, for waltzing me on the dance floor and through my life as well.

Happy Father's Day!

Kindle Edition of GIFTS FROM GOD

2011-06-02T08:38:00.000-07:00

I'm excited to announce that GIFTS FROM GOD is now available as a Kindle book.

While Mary Sue Roberts' glorious photos are not in color on the Kindle, the uplifting message provided by both the illustrations and text still shines through. Plus, the Kindle edition provides easy access for mobile reading with the kids.

Check out more GUARDIAN ANGEL PUBLISHING books now available on Kindle.

Why Do We Need School Librarians?

2011-05-29T08:56:00.000-07:00

So glad you asked that question. Click on this link and find out 100 Things Kids Will Miss If They Don't Have a School Librarian.

As a former school librarian, I know how important school libraries are--and the people who run them. Studies continue to show that students score better on achievement tests in schools with professionally staffed librarians. Across the curriculum, librarians aid students at their individual levels and needs.

Don't shortchange your students. At a time of budget cuts in many school districts, fight to keep the libraries well-stocked and well-staffed. Every school needs a great library and a great librarian!

Children's Choice Book Awards

2011-05-12T12:17:00.000-07:00

For a list of this year's winners in the CHILDREN'S CHOICE BOOK AWARDS--books chosen by the children who read them--click on this link.

Rick Riordan was a big winner! For more info--and tons of photos--visit this Publishers Weekly website.

National Picture Book Week

2011-05-02T07:28:00.001-07:00

This is it! NATIONAL PICTURE BOOK WEEK

Celebrate it in style--take out your favorite picture books, some brownies (or snacks of your choice) and ENJOY!

Or take a trip to the library and feast on a huge stack of new picture books!

Or visit a local bookstore and pick out your new favorite picture book to take home with you, settle in with more brownies (or snacks of your choice) and ENJOY!

Oh, and here is a fun little video to watch as well.

National Poetry Month

2011-04-18T07:36:00.000-07:00

I hope you've been celebrating NATIONAL POETRY MONTH. Even though we're more than halfway through the month, it's not too late to start. Click on the link above, and you'll find lots of ideas. A really simple and wonderful idea is to write a poem each day.

If you're a teacher, this link offers ideas on ways to use poetry with your students. If you're a student, you could try to finish the Limerick or create a special poem of your own. Want to read some poems? Check out these classic children's poems. For some silly poems, check out Giggle Poetry--or a collection of Shel Silverstein poems like WHERE THE SIDEWALK ENDS.

What is your favorite poem?

Zig and Wikki

2011-04-12T11:26:00.000-07:00

I happened to be in New York last week and was able to pop into the Strand Bookstore to hear author, Nadja Spiegelman, and illustrator, Trade Loeffler, read their new graphic novel for beginning readers--Zig and Wikki in Something Ate My Homework. Ms. Spiegelman and Mr. Loeffler each took one of the book's characters and brought the story to life for a small group of listeners on the bookstore's second floor--in, of course, the Children's Department.

The three chapter book contains a lively and humorous story, combined with a bit of nonfiction information on four earth animals encountered by the space-traveling duo. The illustrations are bright and entertaining. The story is told in easy reader vocabulary. Combine the two and PRESTO! You've a fun read for 4-8 year-olds.

Check out this title and other TOON books for more graphic novel adventures.

Now Is Your Chance to Vote

2011-03-16T14:33:00.001-07:00

CHILDREN'S CHOICE AWARDS is here again! And now is your chance to vote on your choice for best books.

This is the only child-chosen book choice award. Now through April 29, you can pick the winners. On May 2, at the Lighthouse in New York City, the lucky chosen will be announced to celebrate Children's Book Week. To find out more about the voting, click on this link.

To find out more about CHILDREN'S BOOK WEEK, click here.

Read a Book Give a Book

2011-03-11T12:30:00.000-08:00

Penguin Books and the Pearson Foundation are sponsoring a wonderful program to provide needy children with books. Visit the website where by simply reading one of the many great picture books you can help put a book into a child's hands.

Some of the fun books I read were

NOBUNNIES PERFECT by Anna Dewdney

FREAK OUT: ANIMALS BEYOND YOUR WILDEST IMAGINATION by Ginger L. Clarke

Check out this fun website--winner of the NEA Foundation Award for Teaching Excellence!

World Read Aloud Day

2011-03-09T12:36:00.000-08:00

Today, March 9, is WORLD READ ALOUD DAY. You can celebrate the day with a free read aloud book on BE THERE BEDTIME STORIES. Choose one book, record your reading of it, and share it with someone special in your life.

My book, KITTY KERPLUNKING, is one you can choose from there.

Happy Reading!

Busy Days in New York

2011-03-02T08:56:00.000-08:00

MISSOURI SCRIBBLES, the online newsletter of Missouri's regional SCBWI organization, is where you'll find some great writing tips--including my article, "The 10 Most Important Things I Learned in New York." These highlights are from my January visit to the SCBWI Conference--amid the snow and slush. Take a peek and find out the inside scoop to the children's literary world.

NonFiction for Black History Month

2011-02-03T17:21:00.001-08:00

Booklist provides information on the TOP 10 BOOKS FOR YOUTH for Black History Month.

Another title to add to this list, especially for younger readers, is this year's Caldecott Honor winner and Coretta Scott King Award: DAVE THE POTTER: Artist, Potter, Slave by Laban Carrick Hill & Bryan Collier. This biography explores the life of a 19th century slave, master potter, and poet.

Black History Month

2011-02-02T12:44:00.000-08:00

February is BLACK HISTORY MONTH.

Some of my favorite African-American authors are Patricia McKissack and Christopher Paul Curtis.

I love Ms. McKissack's historical fiction novels in the Dear America Series, like Color Me Dark.
I love Mr. Curtis's historical fiction as well, particulary Bud Not Buddy and The Watsons Go to Birmingham.

Nikki Grimes is another favorite African-American author with a beautiful, poetic voice. I love her picture book, When Daddy Prays and A Pocketful of Poems
--truly delightful.

Treat yourself to some exceptional reading this month and explore Black History.

ALA's 2011 Notable Children's Books

2011-01-19T16:40:00.000-08:00

If you are looking for some good children's reads--young, middle, and older-- look no further than this year's list of NOTABLE CHILDREN'S BOOKS from the American Library Association.

Interrupting Chicken by David Ezra Stein is one of my favorites from the list.

Tell me which ones are your favorites.

Award Winners

2011-01-13T09:45:00.000-08:00

It's that time of year again for children's book awards. Below are a few of the most recent announcements:

NEWBERY--Moon Over Manifest by Clare Vanderpool

CALDECOTT--A Sick Day for Amos McGee by Philip C. Stead

PRINTZ--Ship Breaker by Paolo Bacigalupi

Children's Literature News in the New Year

2011-01-06T13:39:00.000-08:00

Here are some of the latest in literary Apps for children. Included are favorites like Clifford, the Big Red Dog and Magic School Bus.

There are no end of book lists for children, but how about one compiled by a pair of seven-year-olds, Hayden and Mason. Check out their list on BookList's Book Blog.

Finally, on a sad note, I learned today of the death of a beloved children's author, Dick King-Smith. He is most well known for his book, Babe, The Gallant Pig. His humor and unique characters made his books entertaining reads.

Happy New Year!

2010-12-30T11:34:00.000-08:00

I wish all of you the very best in the coming year.

A great, fun start on New Year's Day would be listening to a cool story online.
Visit STORYLINE ONLINE and pick out a book or two.

One of my favorites is HARRY THE DIRTY DOG.
But there is also a great seasonal title, THE POLAR EXPRESS.

Plus, many more to choose from.

You can never read too many books--so pick as many as you want.
Enjoy!

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-24T15:01:00.000-08:00

As I watch the snow fall softly outside on this Christmas Eve, I want to wish you a blessed Christmas.

PEACE and JOY!

FREDERICO, THE MOUSE VIOLINIST

2010-12-21T10:37:00.000-08:00

Fredrico: the Mouse Violinist by Mayra Calvani; illustrated by K.C. Snider. Guardian Angel Publishing, 2010.
ISBN: 9781616331139 (hardcover)
ISBN: 9781616331252 (eBook)
ISBN: 97816163314116 (paperback)

Frederico is a mouse interested in music, specifically violin music. He lives in the house of famous violinmaker, Antonio Stradivari, in 17th-18th century Italy. One night, curious Frederico explores a violin while Stradivari sleeps. Frederico discovers a talent for the stringed instrument. As the story progresses, he teaches himself to play and is secretly observed by Stradivari himself. When Frederico unboxes a special gift created especially for him by Stradivari, he is in musical heaven.

This delightful story combines the magical element of an anthropomorphic mouse with a famous historic musical figure. Vocabulary words and interesting facts are woven into the story, making this an educational as well as entertaining read. Illustrator, K.C. Snider’s artwork hits all the high notes as well. Her depictions of the intrepid Frederico bring the story to life with vivid and colorful details. Additional information and activities—including a matching pictures game, glossary, and word search—encourage young readers to explore the book’s content in greater depth. The book is available in paperback, hardcover, and eBook versions.

Congrats to Ms. Calvani on another endearing children’s tale.

Be There Bedtime Stories

2010-12-09T11:52:00.000-08:00

KITTY KERPLUNKING is now available through Be There Bedtime Stories

At Be There Bedtime Stories, you can personalize the eBook experience for some special child in your life. How does it work? In three easy steps: 1) select a children’s book from the bookstore, 2) read the story in front of a webcam as it displays on the computer screen, 3) the child receives an email with the link to view the e-book on the website with video of the storyteller positioned on each page.

What a great gift idea for distant grandparents!

National Novel Writing Month

2010-12-08T06:53:00.000-08:00

Sorry it's been a while since I've checked in here. November was a busy month. I signed up for the National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) and finished the rough draft of a middle grade historical fiction story. So I was quite busy.

I've been asked, "Now what do you do?" Well, a rough draft is just that--rough. It still needs lots of work. I've already started to analyze the plot for weak spots, as well as the characters. Since this is historical fiction, I also need to do much more research to insure the accuracy of the time period.

But the initial readings of the story by some of my writer colleagues has been favorable. In the next few months, I hope to get feedback from a few industry professionals at Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators events I'll be attending.

Darcy Pattison has a great website offering writerly advice. She sent out updates throughout the month of November with plot tips. They were wonderful. You can sign up to receive her weekly updates. Plus, she has a great book on revising a story, Novel Metamorphosis: Uncommon Ways to Revise. I'll be referring to that for help with improving my new story.

Now back to my writing...

Book Giveaway & National Family Literacy Day

2010-11-02T04:26:00.000-07:00

K. Dawn Byrd is featuring GIFTS FROM GOD at her blog this week. Stop by and leave a comment. You'll have a chance to win a copy of the book. What a great way to celebrate NATIONAL FAMILY LITERACY DAY! The official day was last Tuesday, but everyday should be a family literacy event. Check out the website for lots of information on helping your child become a better reader and writer.

Reluctant Reader Tips and An Art Contest

2010-10-29T06:44:00.000-07:00

You know I love to encourage young readers--especially reluctant ones.
Here is a great post with six tips for reluctant boy readers.

And for any young local artists, the St. Louis County Library is sponsoring a YOUNG @ ART CONTEST for students in grades K-12. This is a chance to have your artwork on display. The contest starts November 1. Visit www.slcl.org for more information.

October Highlights Hidden Picture & More

2010-10-27T10:55:00.001-07:00

Not much time left now to find all the hidden pictures at HIGHLIGHTS spooktacular online site. Scurry over and see if you can do it.

Or if you'd like to do some thrilling reading in the Halloween theme, go to my website where you'll find FRIGHTFUL READS.

Always popular this time of year is MAKE A SPIDER craft. I know I'd much rather make them than find them unexpectedly. The ones you make are soft and fuzzy. You can make them in a variety of colors and sizes--just right to frighten a friend, or not.

Your friends would certainly enjoy SPIDER SNACKS. They are a treat to make and yummy to eat.

And last but not least, a Halloween joke for you:

What kind of pants do ghosts like?

Boooo-jeans!

Jennifer Donnelly, Author of REVOLUTION

2010-10-22T10:14:00.000-07:00

I had the great privilege of hearing Jennifer Donnelly speak this Wednesday. She is on the second week of her book tour for REVOLUTION--a story which bridges the centuries with the lives of two teenage girls.

Ms. Donnelly titled her presentaion, "The Past Is Present: Writing REVOLUTION." The story involves the French Revolution, but it also deals with the revolution inside each of us. The author said, "All the books I've written have taken me on a journey. This book's journey has been the most rewarding."

The idea for the story started with a news article in the New York Times about the heart of the last dauphin, the son of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette. The dauphin died at the age of 10 while still imprisoned. His demise was one of the many tragic deaths during the Revolution's upheaval.

In REVOLUTION, Ms. Donnelly wanted to explore the cruelty of a world where the deaths of innocent children were almost overlooked. The dauphin's heart is still kept on display at the Basillica of St. Denis in Paris--a sad testimony to a tumultuous time.

Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators

2010-10-19T06:31:00.000-07:00

I've been busy preparing for a presentation next month on November 6 at the Missouri SCBWI Conference.
I'm excited to have been asked to talk about "How to Get Published." So I'm trying to condense about a semester's worth of information into an hour and fifteen minutes. But writers are good at editing, right? :-)

The conference should be great fun. Lin Oliver, co-founder, and Steve Mooser, executive director of SCBWI, will be joining us this year. How cool is that?

Hope to see you there!

Picture Book Woes

2010-10-15T15:45:00.000-07:00

THE NEW YORK TIMES printed a controversial article recently about the decline of picture books. The article presents children's book publishers and booksellers who note the drop in sales and an acceleration of young children toward chapter books.

Librarians were quick to respond. An excellent blog on the topic can be found at EARLY WORD. Blogger, Lisa Von Drasek, notes the importance of picture books in the lives of children. Picture books provide young listeners an exposure to higher level vocabulary as well as visual literacy. For a list of great read-alouds, check out this site, as well as more info on my website:

Read Aloud Wonders

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Reading Aloud

Don't give up on picture books! Reading would never be as fun without these colorful, clever, WONDERFUL books.

Down Syndrome Awareness Month

2010-10-12T12:14:00.001-07:00

October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month. My niece, Katie, has a beautiful son, Jack, who was born with this syndrome. Katie does an excellent job explaining the condition on her blog, HAPPY JACK AND BABY EVAN. Please stop by and read her revealing insights about Down snyndrome.
Check out these stats on Down syndrome.

Below is a short list of lovely children's books on this topic. Your library will probably have many more.

The Best Worst Brother by S. A. Bodeen

Victoria's Day by Maria Campos.

My Sister, Alicia May by Nancy Tupper Ling.

Russ and the Apple Tree Surprise by Jane Elizabeth Rickert

Scholastic Reading Survey

2010-10-08T00:28:00.000-07:00

Scholastic recently released the results of a survey of children and parents on current reading trends. 86% of kids feel a sense of accomplishment after reading a book themselves. And while only 50% of kids consider reading enjoyable or important, 75% know they should read more.

The study also found that kids are drawn to electronic reading options. This information supports the growth of ebooks in children's literature. But the study also concluded that other technology options--like texting and online fun--can use up reading time opportunities for students.

For wonderful ideas on helping your child become a reader, visit the READING IS FUNDAMENTAL website.
And for some additional ideas, check out my website as well.

Happy reading!

How to Get Boys to Read

2010-10-04T23:47:00.000-07:00

In recent years this has become an ongoing educational issue: boys are falling behind girls in reading. This is a serious problem. Students who don't read at grade level will not be able to succeed in school--or in the world.

A recent Wall Street Journal article presented interesting new information on this topic. A study conducted by Dr. Robert Weis of Denison University found that boys with video games available to them at home spent less time reading. It seems a rather simple and obvious finding, but it presents compelling evidence to the importance of limiting video play time. Instead, boys need easy and plentiful access to good reading material--which should be readily available through their school or local library.

Perhaps if parents spent more of their resources--time and money--on providing reading material for their sons and less on easy access to video games, there would be no literacy gender gap.

October Fun

2010-10-01T12:39:00.001-07:00

HIGHLIGHTS Magazine has some fun October online activities.
Try your skills at Build a Scarecrow. Create the scarecrow of your dreams, then print your creation.

Or there is JACK-O-LANTERN MAKER. You can even make it glow.

While you're there, read a spooky story. MYSTERY OF THE HAUNTED HOUSE by Ellen Javernick is sure to scare you silly.

And if you want a snack to go with your story, mix a batch of SPIDER SNACKS. They're frightfully delicious.

Halloween Coloring Page

2010-09-28T14:22:00.001-07:00

Here is the link to a fun Halloween coloring page by illustrator, Jack Foster.
The characters are from Donna Shepherd's POODLE AND DOODLE picture book.

I know it's early yet, but have you decided what you're going to be for Halloween?
You know what would be fun...read a Halloween book every day until the big day on October 31.
Here is a good one to try: J IS FOR JACK-O-LANTERN: A HALLOWEEN ALPHABET by Denise Brennan and illustrated by Donald Wu.

More GAP Illustrators and Authors

2010-09-27T11:20:00.000-07:00

Here are the last of the Guardian Angel Publishing photos taken at the Borders book signing last weekend.
Author and illustrator of GILLY THE SEASICK FISH, Susann Batson is busy autographing books as author Donna Shepherd looks on. Donna's latest picture book, BRADYBUG, is illustrated by Kit Grady--the illustrator of two of my Pet Grammar Books, DOGGIE DAY CAMP and HAMSTER HOLIDAYS.

K.C. Snider, illustrator of a variety of books like THE MAGIC VIOLIN by Mayra Calvani, stands next to Marilee Crowe, author of DOWN BY THE SHORE. The beautiful photos in this poetic gem were created by MarySue Roberts, the illustrator for my picture book, GIFTS FROM GOD.

What a fun event, hanging out with such a creative crew.

More GAP Pictures & Rick Riordan Event

2010-09-23T08:15:00.000-07:00

Take a look at Connie Arnold and her book, ANIMAL SOUND MIXUP. What would happen if animals made rather unexpected sounds? Check out Connie's book to find out.

Here is Sue Berger, along with her books from Guardian Angel Publishing. She likes to talk to kids about her book, EARTHQUAKE. The book is full of cool facts about earthquakes, and Sue's been through a few earthquakes herself. She knows all about "rock 'n roll."

Kim Chatell is making another RAINBOW SHEEP. The colorful little critters are made from dyed wool. Kim shapes the wool in a number of different of creations, like snails and kitties. Felting for fun!

Finally, if you're a Rick Riordan fan, you might want to sign up for the launch of THE LOST HERO, his first book in the new series, THE HEROES OF OLYMPUS. The event happens on October 12.

Illustrators & Highlights Hidden Picture

2010-09-22T14:28:00.000-07:00

As promised, here are a couple more photos from the Guardian Angel Publishing events last weekend.

These two pictures show illustrators, Jack Foster and Eugene Ruble, in action.
Jack is demonstrating his drawing techniques for the eager audience. He's showing them how he developed the characters in Donna Shepherd's POODLE AND DOODLE picture book.
Eugene is creating on-the-spot cartoon portraits of lucky kids. Eugene captured each child's likeness in a flash. And what fun the kids had posing and then seeing themselves come to life in pencil.

All this was happening at the St. Louis Children's Illustrated Art Museum last Friday.

While we're on the subject of art, why not pull up this month's Highlights Magazine Hidden Picture and challenge yourself to see how many objects you can find. Maybe you'll want to try your own hand at a little illustration as well.

Have fun!

Borders Book Signing

2010-09-20T19:57:00.000-07:00

14 authors and illustrators from Guardian Angel Publishing came together on Saturday at the South County Borders in St. Louis for a mega-event. What a fun celebration of children's literature!

Thanks to publisher Lynda Burch for making it all happen. And thanks to all the amazing authors and illustrators who traveled from across the United States to "meet me in St. Louis." It was great to get to know them and share our stories.

I'll share more pictures of the two-day events, but for right now here is a picture of me with two of my Pet Grammar Parade books.

Book Events

2010-09-17T07:00:00.000-07:00

A number of Guardian Angel Publishing authors and illustrators will be in St. Louis today and tomorrow.
This afternoon from 1:00-4:00 pm, they will be hosting a series of activities at the Children's Illustrated Art Museum in Crestwood Mall.
Tomorrow from 11:00-1:00, they will all be signing books at Borders at South County Mall.

Please stop by for a visit if you can.

Game Day

2010-08-27T09:54:00.000-07:00

I just discovered some very cool word games at Merriam-Webster's Word Central. The games are specifically designed for kids with fun sounds and cool graphics.

In Alpha-Bot, a robot challenges you to a spelling contest.

In Robo-Bee, a bee sends you flying after just the right word--synonyms, antonyms, and more.

Bigbot involves hand-eye coordination as well as a good command of vocabulary, as you try to feed the ravenous robot.

And finally, my favorite game--JUMBLE KIDS. I tried to do my own version on July 27.
You'll love the Merriam-Webster version. You earn puzzle points and play against the clock.
Don't wait to explore the possibilities...

Picture Adventure

2010-08-23T12:15:00.000-07:00

Summer is already over for many students, but there is still time to enjoy the August HIGHLIGHTS Hidden Picture

This beachy scene will help children enjoy the sand, surf, and sun for perhaps one last time this year. What a great way to help expand your child's vocabulary and reading skills, along with puzzle-solving practice.

Some suggestions for using the Hidden Picture:

For younger students
--look for the pictures that have "b" in them; or "s" or "p", etc.
--have child write out each picture word he finds in the puzzle
--count the seashells in the picture
--discuss what is happening in the picture
--can the child explain how to build a sand castle?

For older students

--alphabetize all the hidden picture words
--have the child select 1-3 of the words and use them in a story
--have the child write the directions for building a sand castle
--have the child give the pictured children names and create a story about them
--can the child draw her own illustration with one or more hidden pictures?

Raising a Reader

2010-08-12T13:51:00.000-07:00

It is always a mission of mine to stress the importance of reading to, with, and by children to help them be successful in school and in life. RAISING A READER is a national nonprofit organization whose goal is the same, and it is meeting with great success in locations across the U. S.

One such location is the Seattle Public Library, where young readers experience the joys of reading and libraries.

My hat is off to Raising A Reader and all the libraries across the U.S. who have helped make summer reading possible for so many children!

Beezus and Ramona

2010-08-11T10:34:00.000-07:00

For a limited time HarperCollins is providing BEEZUS AND RAMONA by Beverly Cleary free online. The story told from older sister Beezus' viewpoint highlights the annoying antics of young Ramona.

I love the new illustrations as well by Tracy Dockray. The lively artwork brings this classic kids' lit to life for another generation of young readers. And I predict once you've read one Beezus and Ramona book--just like eating potato chips--one will not be enough.

But rest assured, there are plenty more of Ms. Cleary's books to enjoy. One of my favorites is DEAR MR. HENSHAW--about a troubled boy reaching out through a series of letters to his favorite author.

And please do read THE MOUSE AND THE MOTORCYCLE with adventurous Ralph the mouse and his notorious motorcyle.

An Evening With Uri

2010-08-09T07:32:00.000-07:00

Here is the link to an article I wrote on Uri Shulevitz, celebrated children's author and illustrator.
The article, "An Evening with Uri," is in the current online edition of MO SCRIBBLES, the Missouri Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators newsletter.
I hope you are able to enjoy at least a few of his picture books. You'll be in for a treat.

Puzzle Answer

2010-07-30T08:18:00.000-07:00

Here is the answer to Tuesday's puzzle--if you've not already figured it out.

The scrambled words were

dOg

NoUN

vErB

suMmER

When all the numbers from ONE to TEN had a race, Number SEVEN won. In the race she was NUMBER ONE.

Have a great weekend!

Summer Puzzle

2010-07-27T08:23:00.000-07:00

Wow! This summer is zipping by. We've had special family celebrations, a bit of travel, some company, and lots of big summer projects. I'll bet you've been up to fun stuff as well.

One of the great books I've read this summer is Jody Feldman's THE SEVENTH LEVEL. The main character in the book, Travis, has to solve some tricky puzzles to reach the seventh level. I did pretty well as I tried to solve all of Travis's puzzles along with him.

I've become hooked on the JUMBLES puzzles in our newspaper each day. The JUMBLES are mixed up letters in a word--much like the puzzles in each of my PET GRAMMAR PARADE books. But in the JUMBLES puzzles, you not only need to unscramble the letters. You must also use the circled letters to create the answer to a question.

Do you want to try one?

OK--1. Unscramble the letters in each of the four words below.
2. Use the circled letters from each of the four unscrambled words to form the answer to this riddle:

When all the numbers from ONE to TEN had a race, Number SEVEN won. In the race she was __ __ __ __ __ __
__ __ __.

You Tell on You Tube

2010-07-02T08:53:00.000-07:00

OK, I just saw this cool idea for a fun summer project for kids. Our local county library is sponsoring a video contest called Art@yourSt.LouisCountyLibrary.

What a great creative challenge for kids with some time on their hands. This is wonderful opportunity to tell a story--in a different format. Young script writers need to develop interesting characters, dialog, and plot--just as in a written story. But they also have the challenge of making it work on a visual level.

Are you up to the challenge? I hope so.
Even if you don't enter this contest, challenge yourself to create an entertaining short video. Write an engaging script. Round-up some of your friends and family for cast. Find just the right props and settings. Then video tape it.

Finally, share your screen art with all the cast and crew--and be sure to pay them back with some popcorn and snacks at the premier showing.

Happy 4th of July, Everyone!!!

The Seventh Level

2010-06-30T12:12:00.000-07:00

I had the good fortune to attend Jody Feldman's book launch on Saturday at Main Street Books in St. Charles.
Jody was excited to present her newest novel, THE SEVENTH LEVEL, with middle-schooler Travis and his knack for getting into trouble.

This new title poses more suspense and puzzles like her first book, THE GOLLYWHOPPER GAMES.
For a fun & fast-paced summer read, grab a copy of THE SEVENTH LEVEL and a cool glass of lemonade. You'll have it made in the shade.

Character Talk

2010-06-24T11:27:00.000-07:00

If you, or someone you know, is looking for a summer activity, why not try writing a story. When I visit schools, I'm always amazed at the students' creativity. They invent some of the most fun, unusual, and truly interesting characters. I just help them along a bit with some suggestions.

How can you get started with a story? One good way is to get to know your main character. Take a peek at these pages on my website to help you.

Character Description
A girl
A boy

When you flesh out your character, more than likely you'll discover what her problem is. You'll know which characters will help and which will stand in her way.

The biggest improvement needed in the student stories I review is usually dialog. Too often students' stories have little or no dialog, yet dialog is one of the easiest (and I think) most fun ways to reveal the characters in your story. Here is an example of boring dialog:

"Hi! How are you?"
"Fine. How are you?"
"Ok, I guess."

This is chit-chat. Readers want more than chit-chat. They want interesting, quirky, humorous, adventurous, tension-filled dialog to emphasize what's happening in the story. Dialog which shows how the characters react.

Here is a better example of dialog:

"Come over quick," cried Angela into the phone. "Mosby has escaped again. I don't know how long he's been free."
"Not again," said Ginger with a huff. "I thought you fixed the holes in the fence."
"I thought I did too, but he must have found a new way out."
"He's a dachshund magician," said Ginger with a sigh. "Ok, I'll come help...again."
"Hurry! We'll need to scout the neighborhood. He's so little. A car will never be able to see him until it's too late." Angela jammed the phone in her pocket and shot out the front door.

Just from this short conversation what did we discover about Angela?
*She has a dog--a dachshund--who escapes quite often from her backyard.
*She sounds like she is very concerned about him getting hurt.
*She's enlisting the help of her friend, Ginger, who has helped her numerous times in the past.

What do we know about Ginger?
*Although she's Angela's friend/neighbor, she's not exactly eager to help find the lost dog.
*Even though she seems a bit upset at Angela for letting her dog escape again, she does agree to come help. We assume she must be a pretty reliable friend.
*She sees a bit of humor in the situation, when she calls the dog a "magician."

Now suppose Angela and Ginger encounter the boy character from the character studies as they search for Mosby.

*How will he react to them? You should know if you've fleshed out his character.
*What is his name?
*How will he talk?
*Will he be helpful or rude?
*What secrets does he have?
* Will his secrets impact Angela or Ginger or even Mosby?

Give it a try. Then you can finish the dialog below:

"Hey," yelled Angela. She waved her arm at a lanky boy ahead. He was walking a pudgy brown dog. "Have you seen a miniature dachshund?"

Free Online Storytime at Barnes & Noble

2010-06-11T11:57:00.000-07:00

Barnes & Noble this week began a storytime feature on its website. The first selection is Fancy Nancy: Bonjour, Butterfly by author, Jane O'Connor. In addition to the audio rendition of the popular title--complete with full-color pages from the book--patrons are offered a discount on Fancy Nancy titles for a limited time.

Each week a new book will be featured. What a fun way to spend some time "reading" with your children, or perhaps they will also want to try reading along on their own. For more information on this new B&N feature, you may want to read the article in Publisher's Weekly.

Keep The Kids Reading This Summer with Graphic Novels

2010-06-01T10:27:00.000-07:00

Too often students lose academic ground during the summer when they fail to keep their minds in motion as well as their bodies. Here is a list of fun graphic novels that will not only keep them reading, but this group of books will educate them as well. BOOKLIST ONLINE provides a wide variety of books and topics to choose from. Even the most reluctant reader should be able to find a title to enjoy among these math and science selections.

The featured books are suitable for K-8th grade students. Examples include:

HOWTOONS: THE POSSIBILITIES ARE ENDLESS! by Saul Griffith and Joost Bonsen--a book chock full of young inventors creations (5-8th).

ZIG AND WIKI IN SOMETHING ATE MY HOMEWORK by Nadja Spiegelman--an alien encounters some earth animals (K-2nd).

BABYMOUSE: DRAGONSLAYER by Jennifer L. Holm and Matthew Holm--geometry and arithmetic come in the form of a dragon that Babymouse attempts to conquer(4-6).

Kitty Kerplunking Book Report

2010-05-22T07:31:00.000-07:00

Kindergartner, Madeline, was told to choose her favorite book for her book report. As you can see, she chose KITTY KERPLUNKING.

And what a great job she did illustrating Preppy's lunch with a friend. :-)
Thanks, Madeline, for sharing your book report, and here's a wish for lots of great reading this summer!

Children's Book Council Awards

2010-05-17T11:18:00.000-07:00

The 2010 Children's Choice Book Awards were announced last week. Take a look and see if one of your favorites was picked.

What book would you nominate for the award?
Which author or illustrator???

School Visit to POINT ELEMENTARY

2010-05-10T11:27:00.001-07:00

I had a great day last Friday, May 7, visiting with all the students at Point Elementary in the Mehlville Schools in St. Louis. As I walked into the library, I was met with this great banner. Judy Carter, the school librarian, welcomed me. What a fantastic job she did arranging my day. I had the incredible privilege to meet about 450 students from Kindergarten through 5th grade.

Unfortunately, my camera was not working that day, but Ms. Carter and the students took lots of photos. So as soon as I receive some of their photos, I'll post some of the day's highlights.

And don't forget, today is the start of CHILDREN'S BOOK WEEK.

Sad Days in School Library Land

2010-04-16T09:06:00.000-07:00

As National Library Week comes to an end, I'd like to draw attention to a sad current trend in school libraries. Here is a map of school libraries in the United States which have been eliminated or reduced in some capacity. This is indeed a tragic state of affairs. Numerous studies have shown the importance of a school library in students' academic lives. To find out more information about all this, visit the American Library Association website for an update.

National Library Week

2010-04-12T11:45:00.000-07:00

Here it is: NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK!

How are you celebrating?
Taking a library book out to lunch?
Giving your favorite librarian flowers?
Inviting a friend to visit the library with you?
Reading your favorite library book to your Mom, Dad, or little brother or sister?

There are so many ways to celebrate National Library Week.
But if you aren't able to visit your library this week, never fear. The American Library Association has a fun list of great web sites you can visit at home.

How am I celebrating National Library Week?
Today I volunteered in the library at St. Joseph Institute for the Deaf. I had a wonderful time reading with Isaiah, Michael, and Giuad. I learned of North American exploration and settlement. I shared the fun adventures of Frog and Toad, and I enjoyed a poetic biography about Coretta Scott King.

So, what are YOU doing to celebrate NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK?

More FUN POEMS

2010-04-07T09:23:00.000-07:00

Poems don't always need to be serious. They can be tons of fun. Here is a light-hearted poem I created today:

KITTY ACROBATICS

My clumsy kitty, Henry,
Today was an acrobat.
He leaped from stair to chair
But landed flat upon his back.

He fluffed his tattered tail out
And twisted to a stand.
I pretended not to see his stunt
And giggled behind my hand.

My Henry is not graceful
Or light upon his four feet,
But he purrs most perfectly
And couldn’t be more sweet.

For more fun poems, look for these books at school or at your local library:

A LIGHT IN THE ATTIC by Shel Silverstein
ALMOST LATE TO SCHOOL: AND MORE SCHOOL POEMS by Carol Diggory Shields and Paul Meisel
ROLLING IN THE AISLES: A COLLECTION OF LAUGH-OUT-LOUD POEMS edited by Bruce Lansky
WALKING THE BRIDGE OF YOUR NOSE by Michael Rosen

April POETRY

2010-04-05T15:31:00.000-07:00

I know it's hard to believe April is here already.
But when I look out my window and see the trees and daffodils in bloom, I know it's true.
And what a better month to celebrate poetry than in this colorful month of APRIL.

A HAIKU is a perfect poem to start the month off with. A short, simple poem which usually highlights nature--only three lines. The first and third lines each has five syllables and the second line has seven.

WHITE
A scrubbed puppy just
after a bath and just
before a mud puddle.

I gave this Haiku a title, but you don't have to.
See how easy that is. Go ahead--give it a try!

Happy Easter!

2010-04-02T08:23:00.000-07:00

Wishing all of you a most blessed EASTER!

March Adventures

2010-03-24T07:53:00.000-07:00

Poet, Kenn Nesbitt, has a fun mobile poetry site you can enjoy wherever you are. Using a iPhone, Blackberry, or other mobile web brower, type in this link: http://poetry4kids.com/m. You'll be able to read and hear Kenn's silly poetry. You can also visit his online site: poetry4kids.com

Can you write your own silly poem? Why not give it a try. I bet you'll be surprised with the results.

If you enjoy puzzles, challenge yourself to HIGHLIGHTS March Hidden Picture Puzzle. Can you find all the hidden pictures?

Have fun!

This blog has moved

2010-03-23T13:35:00.001-07:00

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Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2010-03-17T10:47:00.000-07:00

Here is wee Henry James to wish everyone a Happy St. Patrick's Day!

For fun, visit my website and try to make your way through the

maze and reach the leprecaun's gold before he does.

And you'll be wanting to try your hand at writing a Limerick, for sure now. Here's all you need to get you started, plus a clover leaf shape to write it on.

Congratulation to Kim Chatel, RAINBOW SHEEP Author

2010-03-15T07:12:00.000-07:00

Kim Chatel, author of RAINBOW SHEEP from Guardian Angel Publishing, has just been asked to create some of her wonderful fiber art illustrations for Colin Thompson's new book for the Save the Children Foundation. Mr. Thompson discovered Kim's illustrations at the Children's Illustrated Art Museum in St. Louis.

Kim is the book trailer creator for all my Guardian Angel books, so you can see some of her handiwork on my website: Kitty Kerplunking, Doggie Day Camp, Hamster Holidays, and Gifts from God. And for a sneak peek at Kim's RAINBOW SHEEP, visit this month's edition of Guardian Angel Kids, an online interactive ezine for kids.

Congratulations, Kim!

Helping Children Write

2010-03-02T11:28:00.000-08:00

Today I read a short article by author, Anastasia Suen, about "Teaching Sentence Fluency with Wordless Books." She suggests using wordless picture books and letting the students write the story based on the pictures.

We did much the same technique when I worked in an elementary school library. Each year we would have the three second grade classes put into words the wonderful wordless classic, THE SNOWMAN by Raymond Briggs.

With each different class we had them decide as a group what the name of the characters in the story were to be. Then 2-3 students would be given one page of the story to tell. We would gather each group's page, put them in order, and post the entire story on the wall outside the library. The students loved this activity. They enjoyed reading the other two classes' stories as well--because even using the same illustrations, the three classes' stories differed. A wonderful way to emphasize the unlimited creativity we each possess--how we each see the world a bit differently.

What a great way to encourage young writers and readers. This activity could easily be used at home as well. The simple truth is the better a child can read and write the better he will do in school. Help your child(ren) become great readers and writers and have fun while doing it.

Grammar Games

2010-02-23T13:53:00.000-08:00

Hey, I had a really nice thank you note today from a mom who bought a copy of DOGGIE DAY CAMP. When she shared it with her stepson, who was struggling a bit recognizing adverbs, Bubba's story seemed to flip the adverbial light on for him.

Hip-hip-hooray for all THE PET GRAMMAR PARADE critters! Their mission is to make learning fun for kids-- KITTY KERPLUNKING and HAMSTER HOLIDAYS.

Check out these online grammar games for more grammar fun:

Fun Brain Grammar Gorillas

Grammar Blast from Houghton Mifflin

Celebrate Black History Month with Books

2010-02-11T12:26:00.000-08:00

I found a great site featuring Coretta Scott King Award winning books at TeachingBooks.net.

The site presents all the winning and honor books with presentations from the authors and illustrators.

Hear illustrator Sean Qualls talk about how he illustrated BEFORE JOHN WAS A JAZZ GIANT by Carole Boston Weatherford. (2009 Illustrator Honor book)

Or listen to author Joyce Carol Thomas read from THE BLACKER THE BERRY: POEMS.(2009 Illuatrator Award winner and Author Honor book)

What a great way to connect with the creative talents who made these books happen!

What a great way to celebrate Black History Month.

February Fun

2010-02-07T10:48:00.000-08:00

HIGHLIGHTS has a "click and play" Hidden Pictures interactive game just in time for Valentine's Day. See if you can find all the hidden pictures and make the illustration transform into bright colors--"Making Valentines."

For more interactive kid computer fun, check out Guardian Angel Publishing's new online magazine GUARDIAN ANGEL KIDS. Here is the link to their Games. You can draw and paint, solve puzzles, and find matches. Or watch one of the book videos. Or download one of the free books or coloring pages. There's more than enough fun stuff to fill your week as you countdown to Valentine's Day.

And don't forget to read "The Foolproof Valentine's Plan" right here on my website.

The Biggest Book in the World

2010-01-29T08:56:00.000-08:00

The Klencke Atlas is 350 years old and it is the biggest book in the world. It is 5 feet tall and 6 feet wide. The atlas was a gift to an English king, Charles II, 350 years ago. Six people are needed to just to lift the book--that's some heavy reading.

For the very first time in 350 years, the atlas is going to be on public display at the British Library. The display will highlight 100 maps, showing off their wonderful artwork.

If you wanted to make a book as huge as the Klencke Atlas, what would the book be about? Think about how big you would need to make the book mark for such a book. And how would you read the Klencke Atlas? You certainly couldn't hold it on your lap.

Just some interesting book stuff for Friday...what are you reading this weekend???

Fun and Games and Writing

2010-01-21T06:51:00.000-08:00

Let's have some fun today. Do you like to play memory games?

How about matching up cards or answering game questions?

HIGHLIGHTS has a colorful memory game online this month--Memory Lanes.

I plan to go back and play the game again and try to beat my score. I didn't have as good a memory as I thought. :-)

Exploring your memory is a great way to create details for stories.

Pretend you wanted to set your story in your house.

What color is your front door?
What material is the floor in your living room? What sound do you make walking across it?
How would you describe the view out your bedroom window?
What do you hear when you open the window?
What do you smell cooking when you walk into the kitchen?
Is it warm or cold when you step outside?

I hope you enjoy challenging your memory today.

Pura Belpre Awards

2010-01-20T13:15:00.000-08:00

Also announced at the ALA MidWinter Meeting in Boston on Monday were the winners of the Pura Belpre Awards, which "honor Latino authors and illustrators whose work best portrays, affirms, and celebrates the Latino cultural experience in children’s books."

The 2010 winners were Rafael López, illustrator of Book Fiesta!: Celebrate Children’s Day/Book Day, and Julia Alvarez, author of Return to Sender. Check out the ALA link to find out more about the books and their creators.

Coretta Scott King Awards

2010-01-19T10:13:00.000-08:00

The Coretta Scott King Awards were presented this week for outstanding books for children and young adults created by African-American authors and illustrators.

This year's King Author Book winner is BAD NEWS FOR OUTLAWS: THE REMARKABLE LIFE OF BASS REEVES, DEPUTY U.S. MARSHAL by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson.

The King Author Book honor selection is MARE'S WAR by Tanita S. Davis.

The King Illustrator award was given to MY PEOPLE, illustrated by Charles R. Smith, Jr. and written by Langston Hughes.

The honor book for the illustrator award is THE NEGRO SPEAKS OF RIVERS, illustrated by E. B. Lewis and also written by Langston Hughes.

Congratulations to all the winners!

New ALA Book Awards

2010-01-18T13:09:00.000-08:00

The winners have just been announced and they are....TA DA!

2010 Newbery Award--WHEN YOU REACH ME by Rebecca Stead

Honor Books--CLAUDETTE COLVIN: TWICE TOWARD JUSTICE by Phillip Hoose

THE EVOLUTION OF CALPURINA TATE by Jacqueline Kelly

WHERE THE MOUNTAIN MEETS THE MOON by Grace Lin

THE MOSTLY TRUE ADVENTURES OF HOMER P. FIG by Rodman Philbrick

2010 Caldecott Award--THE LION AND THE MOUSE by Jerry Pinkney

Honor Books (this one was a favorite of mine)--ALL THE WORLD illustrated by Marla Frazee and written by Liz Garton Scanlon

RED SINGS FROM TREETOPS: A YEAR IN COLORS illustrated by Pamela Zagarenski and written by Joyce Sidman.

More award-winning books tomorrow...

Frosty Feathered Friends

2010-01-07T16:18:00.000-08:00

This is turning out to be an awfully cold winter.

Lucky for us we can go inside where it's warm.

The birds and other wildlife don't have that opportunity, so it's important they are able to find food to fuel their bodies.

If you can, leave some birdseed out for them. You'll enjoy watching the variety of birds who come to feast on the tempting treats you've provided.

HIGHLIGHTS online magazine has a fun bird quiz you can play. You'll not only be able to see possible bird visitors to your feeder. You'll be able to hear them as well.

You can go to the library where you'll find books on birds, like BACKYARD BIRDS OF WINTER by Carol Lerner. You'll discover interesting information about the birds visiting your backyard. You can even keep a log of the different birds you see each day. Keep binoculars handy and a camera. Can you snap a shot of one? Or try to draw a picture.

Which ones are your favorites?

Hands Up to Start a Story

2010-01-05T15:40:00.000-08:00

The new year is a great time to start writing--a story a week would be a great goal.

All you need to start your next story is your hand.

That's right.

Place your hand flat on a piece of paper.

Trace around it.

In the center of your hand, write one sentence about the story you want to write.

A story about bringing my dog home for the first time.

Above the little finger, write "WHO."

Then above the next finger, write "WHAT."

Above the next finger, write "WHY."

Above the next finger, write "WHEN."

Above the next finger, write "WHERE."

Now fill in the information on each finger.

WHO: my dog Patches and me

WHAT: bringing Patches home from the animal shelter

WHY: to show how scared Patches was at first

WHEN: last summer for my birthday

WHERE: at my dad's house

Now, using your handy outline,

start at the beginning--

and tell your story.

Don't forget to give your story a fun title, like "A Place for Patches."

You can even add illustrations or photos.

Get ready, set, write!

HAPPY NEW YEAR-- 2010!

2010-01-01T07:58:00.000-08:00

Wishing all of you a wonderful start to 2010!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

2009-12-24T08:05:00.001-08:00

Christmas greetings to everyone!

May the Christ child's gift of peace and love light the way in your New Year.

I share with you my poem, "Christmas Day."

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Teachers First with Poetry

2009-12-21T13:06:00.001-08:00

I am very pleased to announce that TEACHERS FIRST.com chose my poem, "Buggy Alphabetics," as a teaching poem on their website.

Click on the link to TeachersFirst.com and scroll down the page a bit for a quick hands-on poetry lesson featuring my poem--so wonderfully illustrated on my website by Nikki Schaefer. Of course, you'll want to visit my acrobatic bugs in the

Writings section of my website, so you can enjoy the slideshow as well.

If you want to try an ABCEDARIAN--an alphabetic poem that uses the letters A-Z in proper order as the first letters of every line--start with only a few letters. As you become more comfortable with this poetic challenge, see how far you can go--alphabetically--with your lines. In a new Abcedarian I created below, I give myself a little leeway with an extra word, here and there, after the main letter word on a few lines. I also use two semi-invented words. (Can you find them?) That's why poetry is so much fun--it's puzzles and puns and wordplay all wrapped up in the coolest formats.

Give an ABCEDARIAN a try!

*****

FEATHERED FESTIVITIES

Bright

Cardinal--

Dressed

Elegantly--

For the Festivities,

Gathered

Holly berries

In a

Jaunty

Kitbag

Loaded with

Miscellaneous

Nuts and

Offerings,

Perfect

Quota for the

Robins,

Sparrows, and

Turtle doves'

Up-tempo

Vocal

Warblings and

X-citing

Yuletide

Zelebration!

A Snowy Treat

2009-12-19T10:06:00.000-08:00

Well, it is beginning to look a little more like Christmas here. We had a dusting of snow last night. In the spirit of the snowy season, here is a link to a recipe for SNOWMAN SOUP--a hot cocoa mix you and yours can make to enjoy or give as a gift.

Have fun and bundle up!

Let It Snow!

2009-12-16T12:26:00.000-08:00

HIGHLIGHTS Magazine has a new hidden picture puzzle for December: Let It Snow by Linda Weller.

Click on the link to download the picture and start searching. I am always amazed how the artists manage to hide all the objects in plan sight. Remember, sometimes it's easier to find a hidden object by turning the picture upside down or sideways.

Life can be like that sometimes too--when you take a look at something from a totally different perspective, you can find new answers or ideas. And since I can truly stand on my head, I do know what the world looks like upside down. Do you?

What would snow look like if you were standing on your head? Would it be falling down or falling up? Here is how I would write the letters if I were upside down...

Tis the season to be silly!

Holiday Dinosaurs

2009-12-15T12:48:00.000-08:00

I visited New York City last week to hang out with my son Matt. We braved the wind and rain on Wednesday to visit some museums. Guess where we found a pair of evergreen dinosaurs?

At the Museum of Natural History. The dinosaurs smelled super fragrant and were very, very big!

So that started me thinking, what do dinosaurs do for the holidays? You, of course, know where to look for the answer to that question--picture books!

Here are some suggested titles to help discover all the dinos' holiday happenings:

DINOSAUR ON HANUKKAH by Diane Levin Rauchwerger

THE DINOSAURS NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS by Anne Muecke

HAPPY HOLIDAYSAURUS by Bernard Most

If you wrote a story about dinosaur happenings over the holidays, how would your holidaysaurus be celebrating?

Fun New Reads

2009-12-05T13:38:00.000-08:00

Although it gets rather crazy this time of year, I have been able to read some new picture books. A few I really enjoyed--both for the stories and the illustrations--are listed below:

THE ODD EGG by Emily Gravett/ Simon & Schuster, 2008.

I love the softly drawn animals--who all have an egg, "except for Duck."

Duck finds a special egg and proceeds to hatch it, despite the hoots from the others.

The book has some fold-and-reveal flaps which young readers will enjoy.

And when Duck's egg finally does crack, everyone is in for a surprise.

ALL THE WORLD by Liz Garton Scanlon/ illustrated by Marla Frazee/ Beach Lane Books, 2009.

Even though this is not a Christmas book per se, its message is the Christmas message of "hope and peace and love and trust."

This is a lyrical book, with an unassuming rhyme and easy flow, as writeen by Ms. Scanlon.

I was already a fan of the illustrator, Ms. Frazee--who I've had the privilege of meeting.

She creates lush pages, splashed with color and life.

This would be a sweet present to find beneath the tree for most anyone.

YUMMY: EIGHT FAVORITE FAIRY TALES by Lucy Cousins/ Candlewick, 2009.

I'm a fairy tale fan from once upon a time, and this new collection--written and illustrated by Ms. Cousins--presents easy to read stories with bright, bold pictures sure to capture young readers' interest.

I shared this book with a second grade student, and he thoroughly enjoyed reading three of the eight tales--we ran out of time for more.

Too many young readers are not given adequate exposure to the richness and fun of classic fairy tales. Thanks, Ms. Cousins, for creating this wonderfully magic tale collection.

Reading with the children in your life is the best gift you can give them.

Have fun!

Turkey-Time Fun

2009-11-24T10:40:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving is almost here--fun with the family and lots of luscious food. But if you want to have some creative fun this Thanksgiving, here is a link to HIGHLIGHTS magazine. You'll learn how to make your very own TURKEY FINGER PUPPET.

You might want to make up your own Thanksgiving story to accompany your turkey--and perhaps you'll want to make additional finger puppet characters as well.

Or perhaps you'll want to use your turkey puppet to help tell what you're thankful for this year.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Illustrator Floyd Cooper in St. Charles

2009-11-08T01:08:00.000-08:00

I had the great opportunity yesterday to see illustrator, Floyd Cooper, in action at the Missouri SCBWI conference in St. Charles. The award winning illustrator demonstrated his unique style of erasing--using a kneaded eraser to create the underpainting for his works of art. Somehow Mr. Cooper was able to create a quick portrait for us as he talked, the microphone in one hand and the eraser in the other, as he worked with the paper virtually upside down to his perspective. It was amazing, but then he is a Coretta Scott King Award winning illustrator.

He is the illustrator for MEET DANITRA BROWN by Nikki Grimes, whom I met a couple years ago at a writers' workshop. What an incredible combination of words and art!

What's New With Cynthia Reeg

Take Your Child to the Library Day

Save the Children

Websites for Kids

Merry Christmas!

Acrostic Poems

Christmas Poetry

Happy Thanksgiving!

STORM COUNTRY

Make A Monster

Spooky Stories Wanted

Halloween Reading Fun

Fall Fun!

Have a Peachy Day!

Storm Country

Back to School

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Kindle Edition of GIFTS FROM GOD

Why Do We Need School Librarians?

Children's Choice Book Awards

National Picture Book Week

National Poetry Month

Zig and Wikki

Now Is Your Chance to Vote

Read a Book Give a Book

World Read Aloud Day

Busy Days in New York

NonFiction for Black History Month

Black History Month

ALA's 2011 Notable Children's Books

Award Winners

Children's Literature News in the New Year

Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas!

FREDERICO, THE MOUSE VIOLINIST

Be There Bedtime Stories

National Novel Writing Month

Book Giveaway & National Family Literacy Day

Reluctant Reader Tips and An Art Contest

October Highlights Hidden Picture & More

Jennifer Donnelly, Author of REVOLUTION

Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators

Picture Book Woes

Down Syndrome Awareness Month

Scholastic Reading Survey

How to Get Boys to Read

October Fun

Halloween Coloring Page

More GAP Illustrators and Authors

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Illustrators & Highlights Hidden Picture

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Raising a Reader

Beezus and Ramona

An Evening With Uri

Puzzle Answer

Summer Puzzle

You Tell on You Tube

The Seventh Level

Character Talk

Free Online Storytime at Barnes & Noble

Keep The Kids Reading This Summer with Graphic Novels

Kitty Kerplunking Book Report

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More on Helping Kids Become Readers and Writers

School Visit to POINT ELEMENTARY

Sad Days in School Library Land

National Library Week

More FUN POEMS

April POETRY

Happy Easter!

March Adventures

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More on Reading--Of Course