Category: writing

Book Review and Author Interview: Katie Williams

Posted in book review, picture book, Review, writingTagged , , , , Leave a comment

I’m excited to share with you an inspiring biography picture book of a puritan woman named Anne Bradstreet, whose passion for writing poetry broke barriers. POET, PILGRIM, REBEL: THE STORY OF ANNE BRADSTREET, AMERICA’S FIRST PUBLISHED POET is written by Katie Williams and illustrated by Tania Rex.

Let’s dig in and find out more about author Katie Williams’ 2021 debut picture book and her direct connection to the main character, Anne Bradstreet.

Katie Williams

First and foremost, thank you for writing such a wonderful story that highlights the achievements of a strong and courageous woman. This is truly a must-read for all children and a great addition to any library. 

Where did you come up with the idea for this story? Is there a backstory behind Anne Bradstreet that connects with you? 

A few years ago my mother told us that our family lineage had been traced directly back to Anne Bradstreet. I thought it was really cool, but didn’t think about it much until I got more into writing picture books. She seemed like the perfect person to write about, especially given all she had overcome as a female writer during that time.

How long did it take you to write this story? 

The story went through several major revisions and probably took about a year to write, not including revisions after it was acquired by Beaming Books.

What kind of research did you do to help write this story?

I was lucky to find a primary source on Anne Bradstreet, the book Mistress Bradstreet, by Charlotte Gordon. It was packed with great information about her early life, and was not only informative, it was just a really good read! I also had Anne’s beautiful poetry which is written in such a heartfelt way that it continues to resonate over 400 years later.

How many revisions did you go through?

I honestly stopped keeping track of the revisions, but I’m sure there were over 10. I tried out different points of view, settings, timelines…and once I settled on the who, what, and where, I still had to trim it down to a manageable length! It was a really fun challenge, and having mentor texts like Jen Bryant’s Six Dots really helped.

As a mom, nurse, and author, how do you find time to write?

I sneak it in here and there. Sometimes on breaks at work, sometimes late in the evening (just like Anne!), sometimes on weekends. I realized early on that if I didn’t write, I couldn’t sleep, so I’m very motivated to make it happen!

What’s coming up next for you? 

I recently signed with Suzy Evans, a wonderful agent with the Sandra Dijkstra Literary Agency. She’s been submitting a new story of mine, and I’m also working on a new picture book biography. Fingers crossed for more good news at some point!

If any readers want to learn more about you or follow you on social media, where can they find you?

I’d love to connect with readers! 

They can find me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/KatieWills79, 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ktwills79/ 

Or my website: https://katiemundaywilliams.com/about-katie/ 

Thank you again for sharing this remarkable story with us. 

Thank you so much for having me!

You can purchase POET, PILGRIM, REBEL: THE STORY OF ANNE BRADSTREET, AMERICA’S FIRST PUBLISHED POET here:

Book Shop

Amazon

Happy Reading!

Book Review and Author Interview: Rosie Pova

Posted in book review, Family, picture book, Review, writing11 Comments

To celebrate spring, I have a wonderful book to share–one that I think many kids can relate to. Let’s dive in!

Title: SUNDAY RAIN

Genre: Picture Book

Ages: 2-6

Author: Rosie J. Pova

Illustrator: Amariah Rauscher

Publisher: Lantana Publishing

Synopsis:

Elliott has just moved into a new house. He spends his days with his fictional friends, immersed in a book. When an inviting Sunday rain gathers the local kids to play in the puddles, Elliott longs to join in, but he’s too shy to go outside. Soon, Elliott discovers that new friendships are like a new book—you just have to plunge into the adventure.

Now, let’s meet the author behind this adorable story!

Picture
Rosie J. Pova

Hi Rosie! Thank you for stopping by my blog and sharing with us about your sweet new book, SUNDAY RAIN. 

What was the inspiration behind this story?

Thank you for having me, Katie!

The initial spark came from a childhood memory of playing in summer rain, but the story took its own direction from there. The main character, Elliott, and I have a lot in common: introverts who like to read, have big imaginations and love to spend time daydreaming or being lost in a world of fictional characters. 

In addition, this particular story was influenced by my love for poetry as well, so it’s lyrical and reads almost like a free verse poem. I’m glad that I was able to capture that moment in time from a happy memory of mine and that it became a book that I can now share with kids!

The illustrations in SUNDAY RAIN are lovely. Did you get to work directly with illustrator Amariah Rauscher? What was that process like?

Sunday Rain | Lantana Publishing

Thank you — the illustrations are quite adorable and I am so happy and grateful that my publisher paired me with Amariah Rauscher whose art is perfect for the story! And no, we did not communicate during the illustration process, so we were not in contact while the book was in production. The publisher worked with Amariah. Later in the process, they did ask for my feedback and input and considered my suggestions. I am so pleased with the finished product and proud of the book!

What is something you would like your readers to take away from this story?

I hope that they will be reminded to keep their imaginations wild, be encouraged to be spontaneous, confident in their ability to adapt to a new situation, and also embrace change. But most of all, to be themselves!

In addition, they will discover a few surprising elements when they read the story, but I’ll let them discover those on their own when they read the book. 😉

Sunday Rain: Pova, Rosie J., Rauscher, Amariah: 9781911373971: Amazon.com: Books

If you could share a piece of advice with writers, what would it be?

Read a lot of newly published books in your genre and know the market. If you’re writing picture books, in particular, for the younger audience, read your stories aloud and imagine you have 300 kindergarteners in front of you. Could you hold their attention? Could you imagine their reactions to the story? Would they be engaged and intrigued? Then go back to your draft and revise with that in mind.

What is coming up next for you?

I have another book in the pipeline titled THE SCHOOL OF FAILURE: A STORY ABOUT SUCCESS that will be released in the spring of 2022 from Yeehoo Press and I can’t wait to share it with readers! In the meantime, my agent and I are on submission so hopefully there will be more books to announce soon!

Congratulations!!

If any readers want to learn more about you or follow you on social media, where can they find you?

There are lots of fun activities and videos on my website for parents and educators. Writers can subscribe to my blog, KidLit Oasis where I post weekly interviews of authors, illustrators, editors, and agents, and also have many wonderful giveaways. I also invite you to follow me on Twitter and Instagram and “like” my Author Facebook page to stay in touch and get my updates. Links below… 

Website: http://www.rosiejpova.com

Twitter: @RosiePOV  

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rosiepova/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RosieWrites

You can purchase Sunday Rain here.

Thanks for stopping by and happy reading!

Book Review and Author Interview: Aneta Cruz

Posted in book review, contest, goals, picture book, Review, writingTagged 8 Comments

I’m super excited to share with you today’s STEAM inspired picture book. A story about a young girl’s dream to be an astronaut.

Title: ASTRONAUT TRAINING

Genre: STEAM Picture Book

Ages: 3-7

Author: Aneta Cruz

Illustrator: Olivia Aserr

Publisher: Boyds Mill Press

Synopsis:


Astrid is training to go to space! But as she builds her shuttle, cooks astronaut food, and practices floating in zero gravity, Dad tells Astrid that the ship’s construction is too dangerous, she’s too little to cook alone, and she’s not allowed to flood the bathroom. That night, when Astrid dreams she’s an astronaut, the challenges she encounters are overwhelming. Astrid realizes she isn’t as ready as she thought. Back on Earth, Astrid turns to her loving and supportive Dad, who helps Astrid continue her astronaut training.

Now, let’s meet the author behind this out of this world STEAM story!

Aneta Cruz

Welcome Aneta! I’m super excited to have you on the blog!

I know a lot of children would love to be astronauts just like Astrid. What was your inspiration behind ASTRONAUT TRAINING?


Being an astronaut was my childhood dream as well and I see a lot of my young self in Astrid. My most treasured memories are those of staying up way past bedtime and reading by my moonlit window because there was always one more chapter, one more book I had to finish. I am forever grateful to the Cosmos for giving me its light and to books for enlightening me.

No description available.

Did you publish this agented or unagented? What was that process like?

This book was published without an agent. I participated in Twitter’s #DVPit where I pitched Astrid’s story as “Goldilocks (in space) x Where the Wild Things Are.” Jes Negron, who was then the acquiring editor at Boyds Mills & Kane liked the pitch and requested to see the MS after I queried her. With her guidance, I revised the MS a couple of times, and she made an offer. Jes literally opened the publishing doors for me. I appreciate all her thoughtful suggestions and the love and support she has given to Astrid and her story.

Those are great comps and Jes sounds amazing to work with.

What is something you would like your readers to take away from this story?

I hope this book will show children that in order to make their dreams come true, they have to put in the effort, follow through, and ask for help if something doesn’t go right. 

I hope that parents take away the message that our children are going to thrive when we give them support, guidance, and love no matter how big or small their dream is.

And, finally, I hope that both children and parents will see that the key to it all is patience.

The illustrations in your book are amazing! Did you get to work directly with illustrator Olivia Aserr? If so, what was it like?

No description available.
No description available.

I did not, unfortunately, get to work with Olivia directly. However, my publisher included me in the process, for which I’m thankful. They asked for my vision as far as scenes and characters go, sent over the very first character sketches (amazing), followed by the cover illustration (OMG!), then the first pages, and kept me up to date with the progress of the book. Although I never got to talk to Olivia, it feels like we were on the same brain wavelength. Or she snuck into my mind while I was asleep, scooped up the characters, and brought them out into the world. Her illustrations are exactly like I had envisioned. When I first saw the cover of ASTRONAUT TRAINING, the saying, Never judge a book by its cover, popped into my head, and I was like, “Scratch that. Please judge my book by its cover. It’s absolutely gorgeous!”

I would agree! It’s truly an eye-catcher.

I guess I’d say, be like Astrid. Follow your dream, don’t be afraid to make a mess out of your MS–it can always be cleaned up, but also don’t be afraid to ask for help. There are so many wonderful authors and writing communities either on Twitter or Facebook that offer everything from writing advice to manuscript swaps. Join in and be part of the kidlit world. Communicate, collaborate, connect. Polish that MS and hit send. Most importantly–don’t count your rejections. All you need is that one YES. (Patience!)

Fabulous advice.

What is coming up next for you?

I am back on the Submission Train, so more books, I hope. I am now an agented author, and have multiple MSs, from PBs to dark fairytales and adult romcoms, of which several are out on submission. Thus, most of my day is spent by either crossing my fingers or obsessively checking my email. Sometimes I manage to write a line or a chapter. After that, I grab a spoon and dig into my jar of Nutella. 

If any readers want to learn more about you or follow you on social media, where can they find you?

Readers can find me on:

Twitter: @AnetaCruz

Instagram: @aneta.cruz

Good luck to you. I can’t wait to see more amazing work with your name on it!

Thank you for writing and sharing your story with us. Also, thank you for taking the time to answer some questions!

It was my pleasure, Katie. I wish all your readers only the best and hope that they will never give up on their dreams.

As an added bonus, Aneta is kindly offering a non-rhyming fiction picture book critique to one lucky reader of this post! All you have to do is share this post on Twitter or comment on this post, and follow my blog to enter. The contest ends on Friday, April 9th at 7 pm CST.

You can purchase ASTRONAUT TRAINING here.

Thanks for stopping by and happy reading!

Book Review: Mona Lisa in New York

Posted in book review, picture book, Review, writing12 Comments

I’m excited to feature another picture book by the very talented Yevgenia Nayberg! Her recent story, Mona Lisa in New York, showcases the big city in a new shade. Check out the details below.

Title: MONA LISA IN NEW YORK

Genre: Picture Book

Age: 4-8

Author and Illustrator: Yevgenia Nayberg

Publisher: Prestel Junior

Synopsis:

In this love letter to New York City, Mona Lisa is a tourist who experiences the city for the first time, and finds art, love, and inspiration in unexpected places.

Mona Lisa is taking a trip to New York from the Louvre. Yes, that Mona Lisa. The one with the knowing smile. After hanging in the museum for a while she decides to explore the city. She slips out of her painting and meets Tag, a street art figure. He takes her on an adventure from the Bronx to the Brooklyn Bridge and it turns out Mona Lisa doesn’t know as much as she thought. 

Throughout the story, Yevgenia highlights some of New York’s iconic places like listening to jazz in Harlem, eating pizza in the Bronx, dancing salsa on the High Line, and swimming at Brighton Beach.

Once again, Yevgenia shows off her trademark illustrations blending various styles into what one could easily describe as a masterpiece. Featuring illustrations of graffiti and classic paintings, this book introduces children to different styles of art.

What makes this story extra unique is Yevgenia’s connection to this story. As an immigrant from Russia and finding herself in the city of New York, Yevgenia she shows young readers all that’s to love about the Big Apple, while providing the perfect opportunity to talk about art and culture.

Check it out!

You can purchase MONA LISA IN NEW YORK here

Author’s Website: https://nayberg.org/

Thanks for stopping by and happy reading!

Book Review and Author Interview

Posted in book review, Family, News, Parenting, picture book, Review, writingTagged , , , , 3 Comments

Today’s picture book review post is an inspirational one. During a time when women’s choices were limited, Emily Roebling had the courage and determination to do something unthinkable. She led the engineering process in building the beautiful Brooklyn Bridge.

Illustrations by Rachel Dougherty

Title: SECRET ENGINEER: HOW EMILY ROEBLING BUILT THE BROOKLYN BRIDGE

Genre: Picture Book

Ages: 5-8

Author and Illustrator: Rachel Dougherty

Publisher: Roaring Brook Press

Synopsis:

On a warm spring day in 1883, a woman rode across the Brooklyn Bridge with a rooster on her lap.

It was the first trip across an engineering marvel that had taken nearly fourteen years to construct. The woman’s husband was the chief engineer, and he knew all about the dangerous new technique involved. The woman insisted she learn as well.

When he fell ill mid-construction, her knowledge came in handy. She supervised every aspect of the project while he was bedridden, and she continued to learn about things only men were supposed to know:

math,
science,
engineering.

Women weren’t supposed to be engineers.

But this woman insisted she could do it all, and her hard work helped to create one of the most iconic landmarks in the world.

Now, let’s meet the author and talented artist behind this inspirational STEM story!

Rachel Dougherty

First and foremost, thank you for writing such a wonderful story that highlights the achievements of yet another strong, courageous woman in the engineering field. This is truly a must read for all children and a great addition to any library.

Where did you come up with the idea for Secret Engineer? Did something inspire you?

I watched a documentary on the Brooklyn Bridge, not thinking I was doing any kind of official research. I was initially just curious about how the bridge was designed and built, but when the narrator briefly mentioned Emily’s role in the construction my ears perked up. I was so surprised I’d never heard her story!


How long did it take you to write this story?

It took a few months of research and several tries to get an initial draft together, and then my agent and I worked on polishing up the draft and the first dummy for a few more months and sent it out to pitch. We received some interest from Roaring Brook Press, but contingent on some revisions to the story and art, and wanted to see a revised dummy before accepting the project, so I worked with my editor for a few additional months to change the pacing of the story and revise some of the sketches before we were even under contract. I guess I would say all told it took about a year before we were actually ready to go to final art.


What kind of research did you do to help write this story?

Oh, so much research! I started by reading everything I could get my hands on that covered the bridge, the construction, the Roeblings, and especially Emily. David McCullough’s The Great Bridge and Marilyn E. Weigold’s Silent Builder were immensely helpful. I also visited the Brooklyn Bridge and contacted the Cold Spring Historical Society (they’re now called The Putnam History Museum), which is the town in New York where Emily was born, learned a lot from the Roebling Museum in Trenton, read tons of information on civil engineering and pulled the equations that appear throughout the book from a text I found dated to 1916 called The Civil Engineer’s Pocket Book.  Once I started sketches, I pulled tons of reference photos from the Library of Congress – I needed so many construction photos of the bridge, photos of 1870s Brooklyn, photos of period-appropriate clothing and interiors, elevations and construction drawings,  you name it. My reference collection for this project is absolutely enormous, but every photo was essential to making the art as accurate as possible.

There is a lot of new vocabulary throughout specific to the engineering process. Were you familiar with these terms or was it something new for you?

Most of it was new to me! I really learned so much throughout the process of working on this project, and I had a great time doing it.


How many revisions did you go through?

I’m not exactly sure what counts as a revision, so it’s tough to answer that. Some changes were really quick and could be turned around in an afternoon, and some were absolute overhauls. I guess it’s easiest to say a whole lot. I do think that every revision we made help to make the book stronger, I wouldn’t take any of them back.

At the end of the story, there are historical photographs of the Brooklyn Bridge and a drawing of the bridge. How did you go about acquiring these?

My editor and book designer sourced the photos from the Library of Congress and I found some additional ones myself to throw into the mix. Ultimately, we agreed on the set that appear in the endpapers, and I think they really help readers get a sense of the construction-era bridge versus the modern bridge.

What’s coming up next for you?

I’m working on a manuscript about colors in historical and cultural context at the moment, but it’s in pretty early stages. I’m hoping it will grow into something as wonderful as Secret Engineer.

If any readers want to learn more about you or follow you on social media, where can they find you?

Readers can find me on:

Twitter @r_dougherty

Instagram @racheldoughertybooks

Or drop by my website at www.racheldougherty.com

Thank you again for sharing this remarkable story with us!

You can purchase SECRET ENGINEER: HOW EMILY ROEBLING BUILT THE BROOKLYN BRIDGE here

Thanks for stopping by and happy reading!


Book Review and Author Interview with Lindsay Leslie!

Posted in Adventures of Parenthood, book review, Family, Parenting, picture book, Review, writingTagged , , , , , , , , , , , , 3 Comments

I’m super excited to share with you a new picture book that is ready for little hands and creative minds everywhere on February 19th. Along with a sneak peek of the story, author Lindsay Leslie was so nice to answer my questions about her engaging new book. So sit back, grab a cup of tea, and join me. I’m glad you’re here.

Title: THIS BOOK IS SPINELESS

Genre: Picture Book

Ages: 4-8

Author: Lindsay Leslie

Illustrator: Alice Brereton

Publisher: Page Street Kids

Synopsis: Using the five-senses this wary and ‘spineless’ book tries to figure out what kind of story it might have on its pages.

Does it hear spooky wails from a ghost story?
Can it see a mysterious something peeking around a corner?
Is that the dizzy feeling of zero gravity it senses?
Might that be the stinky smell of animals in nature it detects?
Could it be tasting the saltiness of a story on the high seas?

Playful and humorous, Linsday Leslie invites the reader on an adventurous journey as the book grows braver and braver with each page until finally, it grows a spine!

The illustrations are quirky, textured, shape-oriented and colorful. They have an optical illusion effect begging the reader to take a closer look.

Now, it’s time to meet the awesome author, Lindsay Leslie.

Welcome, Lindsay! First and foremost, what was your inspiration behind this engaging title?

My inspiration was two-fold. One, I really had no control over. I remember walking into my youngest son’s room and stepping on one of his picture books because naturally, they were littering the floor. My subconscious took over. I thought things like: Did I break the book? Did I mess up its spine? What if this book were spineless? And, then, I said out loud, “This Book Is Spineless!” I immediately put the title in my notes section on my phone. I knew I had something with that title.

The second inspiration for this book is my personal experience with anxiety. I was an anxious kid and tried to hide it always. I was the kid who didn’t want to go on the roller coaster even though my mom bribed me with a puppy. I was the kid who didn’t want to learn how to swim. I was the kid who feared and feared a fair amount of things. The anxiety shifted over time and became different and not very fun as an adult, but I have developed better coping mechanisms. I was interested in looking at fears, fear of what’s inside all of us, and putting that on the page in a quirky, fun, relatable way. I also wanted the narrative to mimic the anticipation and heightening of anxious emotions and then the calming down.

You also use many sensory elements (hear, see, feel, taste, etc.). How did you come up with this unique twist to the story?

Oh, wow. How did I come up with that? Great question! I haven’t really thought about how that came to be until now. The sensory elements were not in my first awful draft, so it didn’t flow out of me in a flurry of words. They showed up in the second draft. I think with the first draft I was getting to know my character, which is the physical book, and with the second draft, I was exploring more of what the book was experiencing. I think I was trying my best to bring the book to life and to dig into its experiences. Because the book is afraid of the story on its pages, pulling on the senses became more apparent to me as I wrapped in various genres of stories that might be there.

There is a lot of fun play on words using alliteration in your story. Is the Thesaurus your go to?

The Thesaurus is my friend. Oh, yes it is. While some of these words popped into my head, I did spend a lot of time looking and searching for just the right words, like how to describe a particularly odoriferous animal or an alleyway that looks less than inviting. I love nothing more to go on a word hunt because I find some real treasures.


The illustrations are out of this world. There is very much an optical illusion element to it. Is this how you imagined them to be when writing your story?

No, not at all, which is FANTASTIC! I hold these illustrations close to my heart. Alice Brereton is a magician with her powerful, quirky, and thought-provoking art. If you can’t tell, I’m elated that what Alice created looks NOTHING like what was in my head.

How long did you work on this particular story?

I began writing this story in August of 2016. Page Street Kids offered me a contract late June of 2017. Together, my editor and I worked on it well into 2018. Word changes here and there.

If you had one piece of advice for writers, what would it be?

I’ve got so much advice that I could really annoy everyone with it. How about one piece of advice that would resonate no matter where someone is in their writing journey? That piece of advice is to enjoy. Find the work you enjoy, the topic you enjoy, whatever inspires you to start typing or scribbling on paper. Don’t chase the trends. Don’t watch what everyone else is doing. That all changes and you aren’t everyone else. When you write with joy, the reader will read with joy.

What is coming up next for you?

I’ve got some cool stuff going on that I’m excited about. I’ll be at TLA this year, so if you are attending or anywhere Austin, swing on by and do let me know! My second picture book, NOVA THE STAR EATER (illustrated by John Taesoo Kim, Page Street Kids), comes out May 21. I have a third book called DUSK RAIDERS WANTED slated for Spring 2020 with Page Street Kids, illustrated by Ellen Rooney. And, I’m on submission with other work, so fingers crossed!

Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions and for sharing your amazing story with us!

Thank you for having me!

And there you have it.

To check out and purchase THIS BOOK IS SPINELESS visit here.

Want to read more of Lindsay’s picture books? Check out NOVA: THE STAR EATER here.

If you’d like to learn more about Lindsay and see what she’s up to visit her website: https://lindsayleslie.com/

Or visit her social media feeds:

Twitter: @LLeslie

Instagram: @lindsaylesliewrites

Thanks for stopping by and happy reading!


New Year, New Ideas

Posted in Adventures of Parenthood, contest, Family, goals, Goals, holiday, Life, new year, Parenting, picture book, Review, Thoughts, writingTagged , , , , , , , 1 Comment

The new year is upon us, and there’s another writing challenge about to begin.

If you’ve ever visited my site before, you know how much I love writing contests and seeking out ways to help me generate new ideas. If you’ve never been here, well, I love writing contests and seeking out ways to help me generate new ideas. 🙂

Why? They push me to create. While some of the ideas remain locked inside my GoogleDocs without seeing the light of day, others take on a different form and are like a jumping off point a.k.a. somewhere to get started.

It’s about creating. Getting words on paper that can, and often do, spark a new idea. The best writing feeling in the world? When that idea pops in your mind and BAM! You write, and write, and can’t stop until every last word is down. Obviously, the story is nowhere close to being finished. But, it’s not about that. It’s the feeling of motivation and inspiration all in one. That, you’ve-just-got-to-get-it-down-on-paper feeling.

Where am I going with this?

Each January another awesome and free (yes, free!) writing challenge begins. It’s called Storystorm. Chances are you’ve heard of it. If not, you’re in for a treat! Hosted by Tara Lazar, a fabulous children’s book author, Storystorm is for all writers. “Any genre, style, student, amateur, hobbyist, aspiring author, or professional,” can join Tara says.

Intrigued? Here’s how to start:

Begin by signing up on her website. Then, every day in January you will receive a daily post with a writing challenge. The objective is to garner 30 new writing ideas by the end of the month. Some might see the light of day, others may remain locked in your GoogleDocs. 🙂 Again, it’s about creating.

But wait! There are prizes! If you create 30 ideas by the end of the month, you sign a pledge on her website, and you’re eligible to win some awesome prizes like professional consults, book signings, original art, and more.

So, if you’re looking for some extra motivation in the new year and want to have more ideas in your back pocket, come join us. If you’re looking to take part in something fun just because, come join us.

If you have another idea that keeps you writing and creating, please share in the comments below. Like I said, I’m always open to new ideas. 🙂

Cheers to the new year and happy writing!

Holiday Contest

Posted in contest, Family, writing17 Comments

It’s that time of year for jolly, holly fun! After a recent revision on one of my manuscripts, I needed to take a break, try something new, and recharge. So why not enter a holiday writing contest? Perfect! This one is put on by the fabulous picture book writer Susanna Leonard Hill. 

The guidelines?

  1. It must be kid-friendly
  2. 250-words or less
  3. About a holiday hero or act of heroism

Thanks, Susanna for putting on another fun writing contest! 

Inspired by my family’s recent trip to the Christmas tree farm, here is my submission. Happy reading and happy holidays to you!

LITTLE SPRUCE 

236-WORDS

Out in the country and high on the hill sprawled a Christmas tree farm. Hidden among the tall, perfectly shaped Evergreens, grew the short, and crooked trees that no one wanted.

“It’s not fair.” Little Spruce shook. “I’ll never find a good home. I’m too small.”

“But you have strong branches,” said a Fir tree.

“Perfect for hanging ornaments.” swayed another.

No one would ever want a tree like me. Little Spruce thought.

Just then, he heard a voice. “Over here, Grandpa!”

A young girl in a knitted hat popped out from behind Little Spruce. Not far behind an exhausted old man followed. “I think we’ve tested every tree,” Grandpa laughed. “How about we take this one?” 

Molly waved the branch up and down. “No. Too wobbly.”

She tried another.

Suddenly, Little Spruce felt a tug. 

“It’s perfect!” said Molly. “Grandma will love it!” 

Little Spruce shook with excitement. Was he finally getting a home? He wondered.

After arriving at the hospital, Molly carefully hung each ornament on Little Spruce’s branches.  

“I knew you were strong enough,” Molly whispered to Little Spruce.

Little Spruce didn’t care about being small anymore. Instead, he was mighty.

“Are you ready?” the nurse peeked in.

Molly nodded.

The nurse slowly pushed Grandma in her wheelchair.

Grandma’s eyes lit up. She waved for the nurse to push her closer. “So strong.” Grandma marveled at Little Spruce. “And beautiful.”

“Just like you,” said Molly.


A Story for the Season

Posted in Adventures of Parenthood, book review, Family, Life, News, Parenting, picture book, Review, Thoughts, writing5 Comments

I love this time of year. We get to be with our friends and family to celebrate the season and give thanks. 

Recently I discovered another heartwarming story that provides a wonderful opportunity for discussions about giving, helping others in need, and empathy. 

What a perfect story to share with my children and kindergarten students this time of year!

Picture Book Title: SHELTER

Written by: Celine Claire

Illustrated by: Qin Leng. 

Publisher: Kids Can Press (2017) Age Range: 4-8

 Synopsis: A storm is coming and the forest animals rush to prepare when two strangers emerge from the fog. The animals wonder: Who are these strangers? What are they doing here? What do they want?

When the strangers kindly ask to exchange tea for a chance to sit by a warm fire, or have some cookies for dipping, even just a spot to take comfort in the light of one’s hearth, the strangers are turned away. Except for one generous critter named Little Fox. Because of his kindness, the others discover the meaning of compassion and generosity.

So there you have it! If you’re on the lookout for a picture book to read this time of year, check out Celine Claire’s heartwarming story.

Also, if you have a picture book about kindness, generosity, empathy, etc. that you enjoy reading with your family (or just love reading!), please feel free to leave it in the comments below.

Happy reading and Happy Thanksgiving!

Halloween Contest

Posted in Adventures of Parenthood, contest, Family, halloween, holiday, Life, Parenting, picture book, Thoughts, writing15 Comments

 

Author Susanna Leonard Hill is hosting her 8th annual Halloween writing contest. Here’s the catch from Susanna’s blog:

THE 8TH ANNUAL HALLOWEENSIE CONTEST
~ FOR CHILDREN’S WRITERS ~
AAHHHRRROOOOOOOOO!!!!!

The Contest: write a 100 word Halloween story appropriate for children (children here defined as 12 and under) (title not included in the 100 words), using the words shiver, cauldron, and howl.  Your story can be scary, funny, or anything in between, poetry or prose, but it will only count for the contest if it includes those 3 words and is 100 words (you can go under, but not over).

I love being challenged to write something in so little words. It gets those creative juices flowing! Check out her sight to read other fabulous and frightening entries. Thanks, Susanna for the festive activity!

Here are my entries:

Halloween Surprise (99-words)

“Last stop,” Dad says pausing by an old house.

I squeeze his hand.

“This isn’t Grandma and Grandpa’s?”

“Come on.” He winks.

The wind howls around me.

I shiver. Even my fairy wings tremble.

Dad knocks.

Creeaakk…

Inside, a cauldron bubbles.

An old lady wearing a pointed hat stirs the pot.

“Come in,” she cackles.

I hide behind Dad.

“Her stew’s full of eyeballs and spiders!” I whisper.

I yank Dad to escape.

“Happy Halloween!”

“Grandma!” I giggle at her witch costume.

“Welcome to our BOO-tiful new house!” Grandpa howls, carrying candy.

“Now, that’s a trick, but such a treat!”

 

Halloween Mishap (90-words)

Time has come

What to be?

On this frightful Halloween.

 

Find a spell

add some goo

In the cauldron, stir the brew.

 

Gulp! I sip

down it goes

Pop! Out sticks a pointy nose?

 

What is this?

The wrong spell?

I’m not feeling very well.

 

Long black hair

to my knees,

In flies Broomstick on a breeze.

 

Help! I cry,

and I howl

now I’m feeling very foul.

 

Pop! A wart

more green skin,

shiver like a skeleton.

 

It’s too late

I guess I’ll be,

just a witch for Halloween.