Our mission is to encourage a love of reading in children and re-ignite the love in you.
"There is no such thing as a child who hates to read; there are only children who have not found the right book."
Frank Serafini
Easter is almost here! Instead of candy that will rot their teeth and toys that will break the next day. Give the children in your life the gift that keeps on giving! Books!
From today 3/28/12 through 4/3/12 you will receive an "I Love You More than Chocolate Chip Cookies coloring book FREE with the purchase of the book! Be sure to check out the rest of the blog to see all of the other wonderful books you can buy from other wonderful authors!
Fifo "50 States" is a fun and educational book. The states are listed by alphabetical order. It is written in a rhyming prose that makes the information easy to remember. The book presents each state's capital, motto, flower, tree, bird as well as the chronological order that the state entered the Union. I especially love that Fifo the bear is journeying through each of the states. He is so cute in each of his state appropriate outfits. Each state also has pictures and tidbits on the pages of things like what the state is "famous" for.
My 4th grader took it to school to share with her class because they have been working on the states and capitals. I had to hunt the teacher down to get the book back because she loved it so much!
This is definitely a must have for parents, children and teachers!
*A free copy of this book was given to me for a honest review. No other compensation was provided for this review.
Award winning author, Hayley Rose, grew up in the beach side town of Pacific Palisades, California, to a family of visual artists. In the early 1990's she traveled the U.S. with her band Crush Violet. In 1994, after a family reunion, she was inspired to write a children's book. Looking for a cute and catchy name for a main character, she kept hearing "first in, first out". Hence, the name Fifo was born. Hayley's mother would often ask her what she wanted to be when she grew up, so Hayley decided to start her series of "Fifo" books with that very question. Her first book, Fifo "When I Grow Up" was published in 2002. Her love of travel inspired her second book in the Fifo series, Fifo "50 States", published in 2010.
Along with writing children's books, Hayley has been working in entertainment business management for the past 15 years, specializing in concert touring. She has worked with many "A list" musicians including Michael Jackson, Rod Stewart and Candlebox just to name a few. Hayley hopes to one day soon release an album of children's songs. She is a currently member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, and resides dually in Los Angeles, CA and Scottsdale, AZ.
Tell us 3 words that describe you?
Witty, spontaneous, loyal.
What inspired you to write Fifo 50 States?
Fifo “50 States” came from my love to travel. I wanted kids to get out and explore this great country of ours. And since kids usually have to learn the facts by 5th grade, I thought I’d have Fifo jump in and be the tour guide. After reading Fifo “50 States” you will know each state’s capital, bird, tree, flower, motto and much, much more. So far I have personally been to 42 states. Each state is unique and has something special to offer, and one day I hope to visit all 50 states. Of course, the book is all written in rhyme and Fifo is always educational. I am sure you will want to visit all 50 as well.
What are your favorite children's authors/books?
“Green Eggs and Ham” by Dr. Suess, and “Where the Sidewalk Ends” by Shel Silverstein.
What advice would you give other aspiring writers?
Write, write and rewrite; there is always room for improvement. Also, believe in yourself and what you’re writing.
What question have you always wanted to be asked in an interview?
What’s your favorite M&M? Plain or peanut?
How would you answer that question?
Plain, although, the new pretzel M&Ms aren’t bad either.
How old were you when you began to write stories?
I began writing stories as age six after a trip to a farm. I still have that story.
What do you do in your spare time when you’re not writing?
In my spare time I work in entertainment business management specializing in concert touring. I have been lucky enough to work on some great tours over the years including, Michael Jackson, Rod Stewart and Candlebox, just to name a few. I also love to travel, hang out with friends and sing karaoke.
Do you have any other books you are working on? If so give us a sneak peek.
Yes. Right now I am working on a new etiquette book outside the Fifo series called, “Do’s and Don’ts” Lessons in Etiquette, which should be out by November 2012. The book is about a brother and sister who team up to teach an adorable little, green monster a better way to behave. Here are a few lines from the book:
Don’t just rush into an elevator.
Do let everyone out of the elevator first before you enter. “What floor would you like?”
Don’t be rude and cut in line.
Do be patient and wait your turn. “This was definitely worth the wait.”
What do you hope children learn from your book?
I hope that book inspires children to get out and explore this great country of ours. I also hope that it helps them to ace all their tests on the state capitols.
What has been an obstacle in your writing career?
I think sometimes I have been my own biggest obstacle. Anytime you start with the words, “I can’t” then you can’t. For whatever reason you put up your own road blocks. You have to realize you “can” and that anything is possible. If someone says “no” to you, that doesn’t mean that your project isn’t a good one, that just means that they aren’t the right person that can help you. Keep asking and find that person who says “yes” and believe in your own work. There is always a way to achieve your goals as long as you don’t give up.
Welcome to Day #11 of the Bloggers Read Across the Globe (BRAG) Project!
I’m happy to feature Jo Ann Kairys, founder of BRAG, and blogger at Story Quest Books. To do her part in promoting children’s reading and literacy, Jo Ann has been rounding up great information about programs dedicated to helping every child learn to read. Here’s her latest report:
I’ve been scouring the Internet for children’s literacy and reading resources, and am excited to see many wonderful programs and initiatives. Throughout the BRAG tour, I’ve listed as many programs and initiatives as I could find. It’s an affirmation of our global community and the shared goal that every child will learn to read.
Here are some other programs making that goal a reality:
1.Check out the interesting conversation I Have a Dream edition of the Children’s Literacy and Reading News Roundup brought to you by Jen Robinson’s Book Page, The Family Bookshelf, and Reading is Fundamental. These bloggers share one dream: that every child has (at least) one book to call their own and to be successful, happy readers.
2.Here’s a well-established reading motivation program—Reading is Fundamental (RIF) — that shines a light on underserved children from birth to age 8, making reading a fun part of everyday life. Last year, through community volunteers in every state and U.S. territory, RIF provided 4 million children with 15 million new, free books and literacy resources, including Multiculturalprograms and activities.
After what I thought was a pretty extensive Internet search, a new (to me) literacy program suddenly appeared—LitWorld—dedicated to help build literacy skills in the world's most vulnerable children. Then I discovered “New Day, New Friends,” a lovely picture book created for the LitWorld project.
“New Day, New Friends” is a story about values and how they reflect who you are and who you want to be. The 7 personal strengths embodied in the book are a jumping off point to foster fun reading and interaction.
“New Day, New Friends”highlights excerpted from LitWorld’s Discussion Guide:
BELONGING—Identifying as a needed, loved, and respected member of one’s family, community, and world as a whole: What groups are you a part of in your community? How do you feel similar to other people in that group? How do you feel different from them?
CURIOSITY—Fostering a willingness to explore new territory and test new theories: When have you tried something new? What would you like to try that you haven’t already done? What do you wonder about?
FRIENDSHIP—Having close, trusting relationships with others: What qualities make you a good friend to someone else?
COMPASSION—Being tender towards others who are in need, both near and far:
When have you helped others? When has someone helped you? How does being helpful make you feel? How do you feel when someone helps you?
CONFIDENCE—Thinking independently and expressing ideas with assurance:
When have you tried something new and succeeded? When have you tried something new and didn’t succeed? What is your proudest accomplishment?
ESTEEM—Feeling respect and admiration for self and others: How do you feel about people who are like you? How do you feel about people who are different from you? How do the differences bring you closer or keep you apart?
HOPE—Thinking optimistically and believing that today’s efforts will produce good things in the future for self and for the world
I love reading to my grandchildren, and can picture these types of questions prompting some wonderful discussion and dialogue. Thanks to LitWorld for bringing them to us—and to children everywhere.
Now I encourage you to head on back to Story Quest Books to see what’s happening on the Bloggers Read Across the Globe (BRAG) tour and collect some free bonuses
About Jo Ann Kairys
Jo Ann Kairys is co-author and co-illustrator of the children’s picture book, Sunbelievable—winner of the Mom’s Choice Gold Medal 2012 Award. Widely published in the medical/science literature, she recently shifted from highly technical writing to creating stories for young readers. “I don’t know which is more challenging… writing a research article or producing a book that children will want to read over and over again. I love that wonderful stories can last for generations!” Jo Ann is also Founder of the 2012 First Annual Bloggers Read Across the Globe (BRAG) Project—Promoting Children’s Reading and Literacy—one enthusiastic blogger at a time.
Sunbelievable tells of a hilarious and whacky Sun seen through the emboldened imagination of 2 young sisters. Does the Sun ride roller coasters? Eat pizza? This endearing story shows the loving relationship and unbounded curiosity of young children. NASA’s Chief Technologists adds facts about the real Sun as a jumping off point for questions and discussion. The images combine real photographs with magical, digitally created landscapes. “You can’t take your eyes off of the illustrations!” (San Francisco and Sacramento Book Review 2012)
What a wonderfully exciting and innovative book! The illustrations are wonderful. Kidpreneurs is very easy to follow. defines what an entrepreneur is, shows the steps to get started as one, gives your child business examples (dog walking, yard work.) It is a very interactive read. Your child will have forms to fill out and quizzes to take to make sure they understood what they read. Your children will be motivated to start their own businesses! They will feel more creative and know that their dreams are in reach. What an empowering book for our children to read!
*A free copy of this book was given to me for a honest review. No other compensation was provided for this review.
As a life-long entrepreneur, it’s always been important to me to pass on my knowledge and love for entrepreneurship to my own kids. When my daughter was old enough to begin to learn about entrepreneurial concepts, I went searching for a book that would help me teach her in a way that spoke to her age level while instilling practical information that she could use right away as well as throughout her life. I quickly realized there was nothing in print that fit the bill.
My brother Adam and I are always looking for business opportunities and chances to help people succeed – especially kids. And we know the best opportunities often come when you can find a need and fill it. So when we realized the book I wanted didn’t exist, deciding to write one ourselves was pretty natural.
What do you hope your books will impart to children?
Whether we’re talking about money management, organizational and planning skills, or how to work well with others, entrepreneurship teaches lessons that anyone can use throughout their lives. Our goal with Kidpreneurs is to help kids realize all the benefits entrepreneurship and gain critical skills they can use whether they become business owners or decide to work as employees.
What are you working on now?
My brother and I always have a number of projects going at once. Our latest book, Small Business, BIG Vision was recently released by Wiley, we have a number of website projects we’re working on, and our consulting business is going strong. We just love entrepreneurship and can’t seem to get enough of it!
What do you do in your spare time when you’re not writing?
One of the great advantages of owning your own business is that you decide how to spend your time. When I’m not writing or working on a business, I spend quality time with my family, and I really enjoy traveling to exotic destinations.
Who was your favorite author when you were young?
My favorite author was - and still is - Napoleon Hill. Even though his writings were first published decades before I was born, I have always found his advice to be timeless and infinitely valuable.
Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?
It seems like just about everyone has had a dream to write a book at one point or another. But not many people actually make it happen. So my best advice is to just do it. If you’re not sure you’re a good author, don’t worry about it. Just get it down on paper and work on editing and improving it from there. A good editor or writing consultant can help you get your work to where it needs to be, but you have to take the first step and get started.
Describe yourself in 5 words:
Caring , loving, open-minded, unique, honest
If you weren’t a writer, what would you be?
My brother and I don’t actually consider ourselves writers. We’re entrepreneurs who happen to have written books. Our life-long experience in business makes us uniquely qualified to provide advice to entrepreneurs and “Kidpreneurs” and books are a great way to get the message out.
If you could have dinner with one person, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
I’ve been an admirer of Richard Branson since I was a teenager. He epitomizes what it means to be an entrepreneur. Branson lives life to its fullest and gives it his all 100% of the time. On top of that, Branson gives back and serves as an inspiration to millions. Having dinner with Richard Branson would be an awesome evening.
Where can people buy your books?
People can learn more about Kidpreneurs and purchase the book at www.Kidpreneurs.org. Small Business, BIG Vision can be found at www.sbbv.com.
