by Kelly J Carey I remember a preschool mother coming out of a teacher conference annoyed that the word “shy” had become a bad label. Her daughter was shy, but she was a happy shy child. In Alicia Potter’s book, Miss Hazeltine welcomes the shy cats of the world and while she gently helps them with lessons like “How Not to Fear the Broom”, she doesn’t “mind if some cats only watched.” It is perfectly fine to be shy and fearful at Miss Hazeltine’s home. With humor and giggle worthy illustrations, Miss Hazeltine’s home proves to be a safe place free of judgment and full of encouragement and love. Miss Hazeltine even shares her own fears: mushrooms, owls and the dark. A mishap during a milk run finds Miss Hazeltine face to face with all three! With a charming loop back to the lesson’s Miss Hazeltine has taught them, the cats set out on a rescue mission. The feared broom even comes into play. This story is as much about growing and being brave as it is accepting who we are and being happy with ourselves. Share this book with children who may be shy or fearful and you may hear a gentle purr of contentment. Writing Potter does a wonderful job of creating loops in her story. Miss Hazeltine’s shared fears come back to haunt her, the lessons she taught the cats become necessary for her rescue and yet the cats solve the final problem without the help of the adult in the story. Potter executes a complete story arc with sweet humor, and quiet wit; perfect for skittery cats. Her lovely lesson is so neatly tucked into the story about Miss Hazeltine and the shy cats that it will curl into the readers lap without them even realizing it. I’ve read it again and again – and I'm allergic to cats! ACHOO!
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~by Amanda Smith In LITTLE RED WRITING by Joan Holub (2013, Chronicle Books), a little red pencil tries to stay on the precarious path of storytelling, but gets side tracked into numerous adventures until she ends up in Principal Granny’s office. But my, Principal Granny has quite a growly voice, a long, tangly tail and big sharp teeth! Whatever happened to Principal Granny and will Red complete her journey on the story path in time to read her story to her classmates? Along her journey, Red and the readers are playfully introduced to story structure, vivid verbs and other parts of speech, and their effect on storytelling. The colorful, brilliant illustrations by Melissa Sweet add punch to each of the parts of speech. The leaves in the descriptive forest are covered in adjectives and the glue drops emphasize the conjunctions in a run on sentence. Different fonts, bright pages, and at times a comic book-style lay out make each page-turn a surprise. Every page is a party for the eyes! On Writing: Joan Holub uses humor, playfulness and tongue-in-cheek puns to teach concepts that children might think of as dry and lifeless. This book is a complete and fun adventure that can be appreciated purely as an entertaining read-aloud story, but it offers an extra layer that makes it a boon for language arts teachers. This fractured fairy tale filled my storyteller soul with warm fuzzies and made my grammar teacher heart pump chocolates. Kids will love it for the vivid art and frolicking adventure. Joan’s newest picture book, THE KNIGHTS BEFORE CHRISTMAS will be on shelves September 2015. Picture Book A disagreement erupts between two critters regarding who is big and who is small. The adorable characters learn that everything is relative when two more creatures—one bigger and one smaller—stomp and drop into the middle of their debate. Author Anna Kwan uses minimal text in a magically engaging way, highlighting basic concepts and opposites in her delightfully humorous story. Illustrator Christopher Weyant’s use of simple, fun illustrations and white space makes the banter pop off the page. YOU ARE (NOT) SMALL is picture book for children ages 3-6. This story is a snappy, charming read-aloud you’ll enjoy sharing with your little one again and again. On Writing: Kwan’s artful use of sparse text delivers punch and rhythm to her story. YOU ARE (NOT) SMALL is a strong example of how, in picture book writing, less is often more. ~Annie Cronin Romano Picture book Such simple errands as buying new shoes were not easy—or equal—for African Americans in the years of segregation. When Ella Mae learns first hand that she is not allowed to try on shoes at her local shoe store because of the color of her skin, she and her cousin, Charlotte, channel their disappointment and anger into positive action. They figure out a way to ensure that others in their neighborhood can “try on all the shoes they want” and be treated with the respect they deserve. Author Susan Lynn Meyer’s beautifully written story sheds light on this disturbing occurrence of inequality and shows the grace and dignity of two young girls determined to make a difference for others in their community. The story is beautifully illustrated by Eric Velasquez, whose rich artwork flawlessly coveys the strength and depth of Meyer’s story. Put together, the text and illustrations reveal the sadness of the inequalities of the past and the brilliance of Ella Mae’s determination to rise above prejudice and affirm the humanity of her race. NEW SHOES is picture book for children ages 6-9. This historical fiction story is a treasure and shares a vital message of the importance of equality and pride in the face of adversity. A must-have book for every classroom and household! On Writing: Meyer’s message in NEW SHOES is powerful yet gently delivered. This historical fiction picture book bravely approaches the inequitable treatment of African Americans from a new angle, showing how important historical lessons can be integrated seamlessly into the picture book format. ~Annie Cronin Romano Congratulations with the release of MOMMY'S LITTLE WORDLINGS. It is nice to have you on 24 Carrot Writing, Linh. Amanda, thank you so much for having me here! 1. What is your work schedule like when you are writing? I have a fulltime job, so writing for me right now is when the kids are in bed and during the weekends. I wish there were more time in the day for writing. But don’t we all want that? 2. At 24 Carrot Writing we talk a lot about goal setting when it comes to writing. Do you set writing goals? What are some of your writing goals for this year? I do set goals for each day. Sometimes I can only write for an hour or two in the evening and that’s fine. My goals are usually flexible. Right now, the goal is to have at least 1 or 2 finished stories every year, but for picture books, I also do the illustration so that takes more work to complete. 3. What do you do to grow in your craft? I read books and review works from my critique partners. I learn a lot from receiving critiques and giving them. Reading is extremely helpful in improving your craft. You see the techniques used by authors and compare them to your own. Finding the time to read a book is like finding time to write. It’s hard! My goal used to be read a book a week. Lately, that hasn’t happened. 4. What is your publishing story? My story is simple. I love to create stories, and although my day job keeps me busy, I make time to do what I love. When I had my book—MOMMY’S LITTLE WORDLINGS—completed with illustrations, I submitted it. Fortunately, a publishing house loved it too and offered a contract. 5. What is your favorite picture book? I don’t think I have a favorite book, just like how I don’t have a favorite author. I like different books for different reasons. But the one that came first to mind is A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man by James Joyce. I read it in high school and it made me think on a new level. It was about the intellectual awakening of a young man. That book was influential for me at that time. 6. Tell us about the concept of the Little Wordlings. Why did you decide to use adjectives and expressions of endearment on their bodies? Do you see these characters in other books? I wanted to “dress” these characters in a way that was simple and cute. I think little kids would appreciate the simple words worn on the Little Wordlings. Yes, I do see them in other books because I am creating a Daddy version of the Mommy book. But I also see them in other versions down the road too. The stories of the Little Wordlings are endless. 7. Pick five adjectives to describe yourself. If you were a Wordling, which words would be written on your body? Interesting question! I think the words that best describe me are: creative, imaginative, loving, kind and determined. Linh lives with her family in Massachusetts where she gets to enjoy the four seasons. She love unique and interesting things—things that make a lasting impression. She is constantly looking for inspiration that she can use in her writing. Everything has a story to tell. MOMMY’S LITTLE WORDLINGS was released by Anaiah Press, April 7, 2015 and is available at Barnes and Noble and Amazon. Linh can be contacted at: Website: http://www.linhnguyenng.com Twitter: @linhnguyenng Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/#!/lnguyenng Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/29730214-linh-nguyen-ng Google: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/29730214-linh-nguyen-ng Picture Book
- by Amanda Smith In her debut picture book, Mommy’s Little Wordlings, Linh Nguyen-Ng’s characters walk us through the many things mothers do for their children every day. The Little Wordlings are cheered up by “mommy ways” of providing for both material and emotional needs. They are grateful for the wisdom their mother imparts and talents she passes along. The charming characters wear “love words” on their bodies. These words, along with sweet illustrations, portray a caring home and tender mother-child relationship. Mommy’s Little Wordlings helps kids express love and gratitude and would make a lovely Mother’s Day gift. Mommy’s Little Wordlings from Anaiah Press was released April 7, 2015. Be sure to read 24 Carrot Writing’s interview with Linh Nguyen-Ng on April 22. By Kelly Carey Never before has vacuuming led to the adventure that Kate DiCamillo creates in Flora & Ulysses. She uses hilarious antics and crazy props, like a lamp shaped like a shepherdess, and a flying superhero typing squirrel named Ulysses to deliver Flora from a lonely life where she feels ignored and misunderstood. Flora’s parents are divorced, and she lives with her romance novel writing mother. Flora’s mother is kooky and totally obsessed with writing her novels. Like so many kids, Flora cannot forge a connection with her mother. Her father used to read her the comic book adventures of the Amazing Incandesto, but he doesn’t live at home anymore and Flora is struggling to make sense of how their new relationship works. DiCamillo now adds a superhero squirrel, a quirky boy with trauma induced blindness , mayhem at a Donut Diner and a bag and shovel! As Flora likens Ulysses to the comic book hero Incandesto, her mother becomes Ulysses’ arch-nemesis and the tension builds so high the reader will scream “Holy bagumba!”, a favorite Flora phrase. As sweet as it is funny, readers will be both charmed and moved by Flora & Ulysses. Writing DiCamillo finds a way to make the absurd and ridiculous blend seamlessly into a story of vanquishing loneliness and finding friendship. She mixes the unreal with the real and creates a page turner that is both silly and serious. Despite the many adults populating the story, DiCamillo keeps her child protagonist in charge and her reader fully engaged. Picture Book Written by Kobi Yamada Illustrated by Mae Besom What do you do with an idea? When a young boy asks himself this question, he finds himself facing situations even adults find intimidating. Kobi Yamada’s lovely, thought-provoking reflection on WHAT DO YOU DO WITH AN IDEA? (Compendium, Inc., 2014) depicts this young boy as he embraces his creativity and nurtures his dreams. The story is magically illustrated by Mae Besom, whose initial illustrations have a muted palette which bursts into vibrant color as the idea erupts into reality. Yamada and Besom take the reader on a touching realization that childhood innocence can be wiser and braver than most will admit. The text and illustrations integrate flawlessly to illuminate the wonder of holding tight to your ideas no matter how far-flung they may seem. WHAT DO YOU DO WITH AN IDEA? is picture book for children ages 4-8. Get your hands on this treasure. It’s a timeless inspiration for children and adults alike. On Writing Yamada’s text is clever and encouraging. WHAT DO YOU DO WITH AN IDEA? is a solid example of teaching a life lesson without being preachy or heavy handed. ~Annie Cronin Romano Picture Book by Annie Cronin Romano Mia wants to play with her big brother, but he is always busy. Does Mia pout? Beg? Whine? No. Instead, Lola Schaefer’s delightful ONE BUSY DAY (Disney/Hyperion Books, 2014) depicts Mia’s ability to pass a gleeful day using her own creativity and imagination. Magically illustrated by Jessica Meserve, Mia has one adventure after another, eventually catching the attention of a particular sibling who realizes that playing with his little sister may be more exciting than he first thought. Schaefer and Meserve take the reader on a delightful journey into the magic of a child’s imagination. The text and illustrations blend seamlessly to convey an enchanting tale of the changing dynamics between siblings. ONE BUSY DAY is picture book for children ages 3-5. Get your hands on ONE BUSY DAY and enjoy a story to inspire the imagination. On Writing Schaefer’s use of text is crisp, fresh and rich in imagery. She uses alliteration subtly and effectively. ONE BUSY DAY is a solid example of using minimal text with maximum impact in a picture book format. For more information about Lola Schaefer’s work, visit her website at www.lolaschaefer.com. To learn more about Jessica Meserve, visit her website at www.jessicameserve.com. Young Adult Fiction by Francine Puckly Padma Venkatraman’s “A Time to Dance” is a young adult novel-in-verse which carries your heart to emotional highs and lows as you journey with a young Bharatanatyam dancer, Veda, through the joys and triumphs of her dance competition to the despair of a heart-wrenching physical setback and into the recovery of her dreams. Because the book is written as novel-in-verse, the author is able to impart the story through flashes of emotion, action and character, giving the reader a deep emotional link to each scene in very few words and lines. It is with these well-chosen words and sparse but conscious writing that Venkatraman carries the reader through the tale of holding and developing new goals and aspirations, as well as growing into a more conscious human being. Each chapter reads as its own beautiful poem, and these poems are threaded together into a captivating story of hope and renewal. I was eager to turn the pages, entranced by the characters and plot, but I also look forward to revisiting the book to savor each poem for its simplicity, beauty and poignancy. On Writing: For those of us who have little experience reading or writing novels-in-verse or who might be exploring different formats to express the stories we’re bringing to the page, Venkatraman’s novel is a wonderful study in how to use sparse, well-chosen words and create individual poems that lift and carry the reader through their very own emotional arcs, while at the same time pulling the reader poem-by-poem through a greater story arc of character, plot and emotion. For more information on Venkatraman’s process in writing this bold cultural and spiritual book for teens, visit http://nancytandon.com/2014/11/11/a-time-to-dance-interview-with-author-padma-venkatraman/. And for three additional writers’ perspectives writing-in-verse, check out http://www.axonjournal.com.au/issue-4/writing-young-adult-verse-novel. - Francine |
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