My friend Zebee at Laughing Zebra Children's Books has something wonderful in store for you this summer. Pretty soon those of us who have school-age children will find that the novelty of summer vacation is wearing off and boredom sets in. If that's true in your household, consider signing them up for this educational activity. There's something new each week. My friends over at Zebee's was kind enough to send me all the info.
Here's what they told me:
Just In Time to Beat Summer Time Boredom: Zebee’s Summer Zoo Camp is Almost Here!
Sign up today. Keep your child happily busy all summer long.
V Zoo, Cyber Space – July 1, 2009 -- Calling all parents, teachers and caregivers with children between the ages of 5 and 8.Do you need some fun educational activities for your children this summer? Can’t afford to send them off to a zoo camp? We have the answer. Starting July 6, 2009 we are holding a Virtual Summer Zoo Camp. It’s online and it’s totally FREE. All you have to do is sign up.
Eight weeks of Zoo animal fun!
July 6-12Meerkat Mania
July 13-17Leaping Lizards
July 20-24Virtuous Vultures
July 27-31Fascinating Frogs
August 3-7Observant Okapis
August 10-14Playful Penguins
August 17-21Slithery Snakes
August 24-28Amazing Antelope
We will be giving away some prizes too, all FREE.
What else will this summer camp have? There will be Games, Animal Trivia, Arts and Crafts and all kinds of Puzzles.
Journalists, newsletter publishers, bloggers and others: You may reprint this to help spread the word. We here at Laughing Zebra – Books for Children thank you
So there you have it. Something to do when your child says to you, "I'm boooored." Feel free to post a comment here about your experience once the camp starts.
Pennsylvania (June 15, 2009)– My Light Magazine, a Catholic centered online magazine for children, announces a new member of the My Light Team. Author Tracy Becker accepted the position of Non-Fiction Editor. She will assist in reviewing and editing non-fiction submissions including Bible stories, articles, profiles on saints and activities. Be sure to catch her monthly column titled “Year of the Priest”.
“If you’re thinking of submitting, please be sure to include a bibliography,” says Editor-in-Chief Jennifer Gladen. “One important duty Tracy Becker will have is to verify the bibliographies.”
Tracy Becker received her education from the Institute of Children's Literature and is a member of the Society of Children's Book Writer's and Illustrators. She has been writing for all ages for almost 15 years. Her work has appeared in Religion Teacher's Journal, Maryfaithful, and the Una Voce Columbus newsletter. She is currently working on 2 adult books and a children's Christmas activity book.
When asked how she felt about joining My Light, Tracy responded, “I am happy to be on the My Light Team!”
Editor-in-Chief Jennifer Gladen is also excited about My Light’s new addition. “Tracy has some great ideas for the magazine. We can’t wait to share them with everyone.”
The My Light Team looks forward to working with Tracy Becker. Non-fiction submissions can be sent to tracybecker@mylightmagazine.com with a bibliography.
The Bounding for Books Blog Tour is over. Thanks to all the authors and illustrators who stopped by the blog. And thanks to all who left comments. This has been a fun tour and I hope you all learned something about these talented guests I've had here. Some have added nice writing tips which will get you far in the writing world. The most important thing to remember is be persistent. Read, revise....revise again (and again) and then find that MS a home.
Today we have talented author Kim Chatel join us! Her latest book, A Talent for Quiet, is more than a story about photography. It includes adjusting to new family relationships, trust, and learning. Kim Chatel incorporated many elements in this story to bring about a full sense of satisfaction by the time you are finished reading. I also enjoyed all the photography tips and information at the back of the book.
Kim Chatel is a Canadian born author, photographer and fiber artist. She is the author of three books for children, The Stone Beach (Eternal Press) Rainbow Sheep and A Talent for Quiet (Guardian Angel Publishing). Her interactive chapter book, Burgher and the Woebegone will be out soon from Guardian Angel Publishing. Kim now lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, daughter and assortment of animals.
Multi-talented author and singer Donna Shepherd joins us today and shares some info on her new picture book Dotty's Topsy Tale.
What's Ms. Shepherd all about? She's a woman of many talents. Check out her bio and you'll see what I mean:
Children’s and Inspirational Writer and Speaker, Donna J. Shepherd looks at everyday life and finds God’s fingerprints everywhere. A columnist for The Dabbling Mum, National Association of Baby Boomer Women, and Christian Work at Home Moms, she has hundreds of articles and devotionals to her credit. Her devotionals and stories appear in Daily Grace for Women, Anytime Prayers for Everyday Moms, and The Best Grandma in the World.
DOTTY'S TOPSY TALE
Dotty's Topsy Tale, the newest in the Topsy Tales series written by Donna J. Shepherd and illustrated by Kevin Scott Collier, features Dotty, a pink hippo that doesn't quite fit in. With help from her best friend, Chizzy, she finds she can be happy with herself no matter what her color. The book introduces a purple baby hippo, Violet, to gently explore the topic of discrimination. Suggested age for readers: 2-5.
What are others saying about this great book?
Dotty's Topsy Tale is a book that has all of the features our family looks for when shop for books. and is published by a great Christian publishing company that caters to families with younger children. It is highly recommended as a self-esteem booster and affirmer for kids and is part 2 of a sequel. It delves into the topic of discrimination and supports community-building values and living by a higher standard.
It espouses the value of change -- we don't always have to live the way we were raised to live, especially when that was based in untruth or ignorance. These are much needed topics of discussion for children to understand while they are young and developing a foundation for their character that will carry them through the rest of their living years in this world. In the face of all of the infamous leadership failures we've all witnessed in recent years, high-quality character development really needs to be at the top of the list of priorities for all educators in public, private, and home schools. Bravo, Donna! The illustrations are stunning due to Kevin's use of contrasting and complimentary colors. Our oldest is an aspiring artist and really enjoyed the pictures. This is our official review as we have added this book into our homeschool curriculum for 2009.
While Donna stopped by, I asked her a few questions:
> Tell us more about Dotty's Topsy Tale.
In Dotty’s Topsy Tale, the main character, a hot pink hippo, deals with the issue of discrimination and the angst of feeling ‘different.’ This story encourages children to look beyond the color of a person's (or a hippo's!) skin. Kevin Scott Collier brings pure genius to the book with his vibrant illustrations, especially with the final one which sums up the message in a unique and wonderful way.
Where did you get your idea for the story? Did something inspire you?
One day while brainstorming with my daughter for ideas, she asked, "Isn't Dotty pink? What if she wanted to play with purple hippos? Would that be a problem?" I decided, yes, it would, but not for Dotty - only those around her, and more specifically, the grownups. Sweet Dotty cannot for the life of her figure out why skin color matters. After all, her best friend is green
What is the best trait about your main character? What is the worst?
Dotty? She's so sweet. She gets Chizzy in trouble in Chizzy's Topsy Tale, but not because she's mean – she's just a hippo in search of a snack. I can't think of a bad trait, except that she tries to sing in the upcoming Sully's Topsy Tale, and it's downright awful.
Describe the world through your character’s eyes. What do you see, hear, feel and think?
Dotty is very one-track minded. Hungry? Let's eat! Feeling playful? Doesn't everyone want to play with her? She lives in a jungle, so there's lots of activity, and in Topsy Turvy Land, everything is bright and colorful thanks to Kevin Scott Collier's illustrations.
Do you have any upcoming books or projects you are working on?
My next book is called Poodle and Doodle and is written from the point of view of a snooty poodle and the 'new dog' - a labradoodle she has to learn to get along with. Jack Foster is illustrating and it's under contract with Guardian Angel Publishing (G.A.P.) I'm posting pics and sneak peeks of the book at 'Oodles of Fun.
I’ve started offering tips on my blog to other authors. What is one can’t-live-without-tip you have for beginning authors?
As writers, we are blessed to be able to create. And as a children's writer, sometimes I'm really blessed, and the words I write are illustrated with pictures. It's so much fun to see my words come to life. I thank God every day for the joy of writing, and for allowing me the pleasure of seeing my words in print.
If you are an aspiring children’s writer, visit your local library or bookstore and read a variety of books for your target age group. Ask the children's librarian for recommendations. They know children’s interests and current trends in children's books.
And no matter which genre you’re interested in, write. Set your mind on a target audience, and then write for ezines or magazines. Write articles, poetry, or a novel. Just write. Then submit. It won’t get published as a file on your computer or a notepad tucked away in a drawer. Writing is fun, but hard work. But did I mention how I feel about it? It’s fun!
I have a treat for you today. Creative author Margot Finke joins us and shares all about her book Rattlesnake Jam. Margot's boy-appeal in Rattlesnake Jam is genius. Even if the thought of jam made out of rattlesnakes makes you squeamish, aren't you a bit curious about it?
Margot Finke has done it again. She mixed creativity, fun, and interest all in one book. And to top it off Kevin Scott Collier illustrated the book and filled it with lively, colorful illustrations. Checking out Rattlesnake Jam is a no lose situation.
I'm honored to share more info about Rattlesnake Jam:
Rattlesnake Jam
(Illustrated by award winner Kevin Scott Collier.)
Reading level: Ages 5 -10
Paperback: 28 pages
Publisher: Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc (G.A.P) - May 2008
"Rattlesnake Jam" is a rhyming romp for reluctant readers - especially boys!
Pa hunts rattlers, and Gran cooks them up into her gooey green rattlesnake jam. Good for whatever ails you, Gran sells her concoction to folks near and far. However, Pa yearns for rattler over rice, or maybe rattlesnake pie: but can he persuade Gran to cook them for him?
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REVIEW:
Rattlesnake Jam is a hilariously funny children's picture book about an old couple who share an irresistible affection for rattlesnakes. There's only one problem: While Pa would rather have the rattlesnakes turned into fritters or pie, old Gran prefers them turned into jam. disgustingly green, sweetened, gooey rattlesnake jam! ...
Collier's colorful, wacky illustrations complement Finke's humorous rhyme perfectly. The book has 28 pages in all, and each story page has an illustration with a short text at the bottom-a two or four line rhyme. Whimsical and amusing, Rattlesnake Jam is one of those books young children will beg their parents to read to them again and again. --Mayra Calvani Midwest Book Review, June 2008
============================= View fun musical Book Trailer + "Puzzle Slides" of other book covers on her Blog: http://margotfinke.blogspot.com Margot's Website for Children's Books, Manuscript Critique Service, Writing Help + her "Musings" column : http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=8096754832384448296 ============================== "Ruthie and the Hippo's Fat Behind," Guardian Angel Publishing - illustrator K.C Snider, is due out soon. Ruthie and her family move far from their old home. The move gives Ruthie a change of personality, as well as a new address. Ruthie's horrible moods drive her parents crazy - Parent/teacher guide is included. ================================== *** At the end of each week Margot will give away 3 FREE AUDIO links. Each link has Margot reading one of her stories + illustrations. These will go to the 3 readers who add that week's most unique comments.
Nothing Stops Noah That is is the latest book by the talented team of author Shari Lyle-Soffe and illustrator Kevin Collier. Nothing Stops Noah is a charming book about never giving up. We join Noah in his adventure on a quest to earn money to buy his mom a gift. This book is tons of fun that will keep youngsters laughing till the end.
Shari shared some more information with us in an interview I did with her. Check it out:
Tell us more about your book.
My book is Nothing Stops Noah. Noah goes to work in his grandfather’s pet store to earn money to buy a gift for his mother. When Grandpa leaves him in charge Noah accidentally lets all of the animals escape. He must find a way to get them back in their cages before Grandpa returns.
Where did you get your idea for the story? Did something inspire you?
My mother used to lecture me with “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.” It just seemed to fit a pet shop full of escaped animals.
What is the best trait about your main character? What is the worst?
His best trait is his determination, and his love for his mother. His worst trait is….not being totally honest about his ability to count.
Describe the world through your character’s eyes. What do you see, hear, feel and think?
Noah doesn’t see problems, he sees challenges. He believes in himself. He thinks he can do anything if he just keeps trying.
Do you have any upcoming books or projects you are working on?
I have two books coming out this year. A Horse Of Course is about a boy who gets a horse for his birthday and is certain he knows how to care for it. Shoo Cat! about a boy who wants a dog more than anything. Eventually he realizes he has some mistaken ideas about what would be a good pet.
I’ve started offering tips on my blog to other authors. What is one can’t-live-without-tip you have for beginning authors.
Read every book in your preferred genre that you can get your hands on.
Thank you Shari! Hey everyone - stop by Shari's Blog.
Leave a comment on http://www.sharilyle-soffe.com during the tour to be entered in a drawing to receive an autographed copy of Nothing Stops Noah in softcover.
