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
The Large Rock and the Little Yew by Gregory Ahlijian is an uplifting story of survival about a little yew tree who is trapped in the crack of a large rock. The little yew is determined to find sunlight., soil and water so that it can survive. The large rock is rude, pessimistic and inhospitable. Despite the large rock trying to destroy the little yew tree's dreams of survival by insisting that it will never survive its less than ideal circumstances, it continues to believe that it is unique, valuable and can grow strong. The book is beautifully illustrated by Janna Roselund.
The lesson illustrated by the determination and willpower of the little yew tree is that anyone can achieve their dreams no matter the overwhelming odds and hostile environments that they may be in. The little yew and the large rock are located in Wakehurst, United Kingdom. People travel to see a large rock encased within the roots of a majestic yew.
100% of the proceeds from the sale of this book are donated to Jasper Mountain Center, a nonprofit treatment center, in Oregon, that addresses the needs of emotionally disturbed children and their families. On April 9th, he presented the center with a check in the amount of $30,000!
Gregory Ahlijian has been a mentor at the Jasper Mountain facility since 2008. He has worked in the field of arboriculture for over 30 years. He teaches the children at the center bout nature, trees, character development and poetry. The children of Jasper Mountain were the inspiration for this uplifting story of perserverance and hope. He says that his goal is "..to inspire the child's sense of self-worth by creatively and effectively teaching the components of good character and illustrating them with examples present in everyday activities."
I am extremely disappointed with this book. I typically don't write reviews on "popular" books or write one star reviews, but the author had me really invested in the series with the 1st two books. Man, what a disappointing letdown! If it had been the 1st book I would never had read the others. It seemed rushed. I lost all the interest and care I had for the characters. In fact I pretty much disliked them all. There was one well developed character and he was killed in one unemotional sentence. ( I almost missed it.) This happens at least one other time with another important character. I understand the anti war message but it seemed to overtake the story. There was endless dying and hopelessness. Yes, I know that it is a part of war.
Truthfully, the story was not well written. Was it even written by Ms. Collins? I am not saying this because I did not like the ending ( I liked who she ended up with but not how). I struggled not to skim. I wanted to skip chapters they were so dry. I feel like I could have skipped 3 chapters and 4 pages and ended up at the same place....Katniss, crying, hiding, running, blacking out or sleeping in the hospital.
Katniss seems so dead inside. Even the Gale vs Peeta was not exciting. It seemed like the author was just putting up with the characters to get to her true end...making sure we received her heavily crammed down our throats anti war propaganda. I found myself very confused most of the time. The only reason I finished the book was because I wanted to see what happened to the characters I grew to care about in the 1st two books. I would have rather stopped at "Catching Fire" and made up my own ending.
I'm not sure this book should even be a YA, it is depressing and hopeless. Even the ending, which I guess is supposed to give some sense of hope, doesn't ring true. I respectfully demand a rewrite! Ms. Collins, take your time and stay true to your characters so that this can be a triology that we want to read over and over. I'm not sure I will even read the 1st two again since I know that the third book brings so much hopelessness and depression. The good thing is when this book makes it to the movies it will possibly be changed for the better because I don't see how anyone could watch such a dark, depressing movie for two hours.
P.S. I am not bashing her work. I would never bash another author's work. I am just so disappointed I needed to get it out somehow!
I've been MIA for a little bit but I am slowly coming back. I will begin posting author interviews and book reviews within the next 3 weeks. I'm also looking forward to having some guest bloggers visit with us.
I am now having two new books illustrated. "The Worry Glasses: Overcoming Anxiety & "My Warp Speed Mind: Managing ADHD (cover coming soon). I'm really excited about these books. They have both been endorsed by a child psychiatrist (really cool).
I just thought I would check in and say hello. Hello! I really hope you have been reading everyday. I can't wait to start sharing with you all the wonderful books that have come my way! TTYL ❤ Donalisa
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)
Tell us a bit about you: I'm a first grade teacher and I will have been teaching for 15 years this July. I graduated from the University of San Francisco and went to graduate school at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, receiving my M.A in Elementary Education.
Tell us 3 interesting/crazy things about you
1. I'm a really outgoing and social person so people are surprised to learn that I prefer doing things in a small and intimate setting like reading and watching movies at home.
2. I love, love, love home baked chocolate chip cookies! I can devour them quickly, chased by a super cold glass of milk:)
3. Deep down I would love to be on the show: Dancing With The Stars! Not sure if I would be any good, but I would be up for the challenge.
What inspired you to write Rubber Shoes: A Lesson in Gratitude/Los zapatos de goma?? People often ask me when I make time to write and the truth is I don't have a set time to write. So far the stories that I have written have just come to me during a long run with my dog Chucho. Usually I see an image or two in my mind and in the course of a few months that story literally presents itself to me. And that's when I do sit down and scribble away on a note pad. The wonderful part of this writing process is that the more open I make myself to receiving such stories, the more and more stories that I am able to write and hopefully one day share. That's pretty inspiring!
What do you hope your books will impart to children?
I hope my books impart valuable lessons that teach children and adults love and connection. Children's books are so powerful because they lend themselves to discussing so many relevant topics from girl power, being grateful to taking care of the environment.
What are you working on now?
If all works as planned I will start the next book this spring. I can't say too much about it other than it has to do with girl power and the color pink. Can't wait to see what the finished product looks like.
Do you have any favorite children's authors or favorite books?I want to have my own children's bookstore so I can store and share all of my favorite books. Just today I was introduced to HOW ROCKET LEARNED TO READ by Tad Hills. But my all time favorites are: Ezra Jack Keats' books, author of THE SNOWY DAY. I find it pretty remarkable that he was the first to introduce a little black boy as the main character way back when in the 1960's. Jan Brett books, author of THE MITTEN are great because the illustrations teach kids how to infer. Judy Blume books and RAMONA QUIMBY books are classics that still make me smile.
What author would you like to meet and what would you say?
Neale Donald Walsch, author of Conversations With God: An Uncommon Dialogue. I have read and reread this book many times. I then read book 2 and 3 (it's a trilogy). Needless to say I was blown away. The concepts were so immensely new and yet they absolutely resonated with me. I'm sure it's no coincidence that shortly after reading Conversations With God I began to write. The funny thing about my writing experience is that every time I finish a story I usually end up quite moved with tears in my eyes because I know the lessons contained in the stories come from a higher place other than me.
If you weren’t a writer, what would you be?
Well, I'm a teacher first and foremost. This writing business is very new to me. But given the opportunity I would have loved to be a dancer: a ballerina, a flamenco dancer or a tap dancer. Next, a children's bookstore owner. You never know, I might win the lottery and make those dreams happen.
What obstacles have you experienced in your writing journey?
Too many to tell...but I will share this one experience.
Being that the book: Rubber Shoes/Los zapatos de goma is a bilingual children's book written in English and Spanish, some bookstores have not been interested in carrying it. That's a bummer. But like I said earlier, for every person that doesn't like the book, there's another person saying what a great story it is. I'll just focus on the positive responses, makes for a brighter and more hopeful day.
Chucho
What advice would you give other aspiring writers?
Write! Write! Write! There is a lot of truth in that saying, "There is something for everyone". Someone might think your writing is just plain horrible. However, there might be someone who thinks that what you have to say is just plain brilliant. No matter what, just keep writing.
Anything else you would like to share?
When I was little there were sometimes green monsters under my bed. They would miraculously disappear whenever my mom turned on the night light.
Click here to read Rubber Shoes Book Review Where can people buy your books? Do you have a web page or fan page?Rubber Shoes/Los zapatos de goma can be purchased on my website: www.chuchosbooks.com
On my website parents and teachers can also find educational resources and comprehension questions in both English and Spanish.
Books can also be purchased on Amazon and Barnes and Noble online.
I Love You More Than Chocolate is a sweet rhyming book that will help you share with your child how much they are loved. The story lists all the wonderful things that we see in our own lives. This is a sweet story that is perfect for a bedtime ritual. The author sings a sweet song that matches the words in the book. You can listen to the cd that it comes with while you share the story with your children. What a wonderful way to remind your children how much you love them.
*A free copy of this book was given to me for a honest review. No other compensation was provided for this review.
Melanie is a gifted musician, award winning songwriter and a dedicated preschool teacher. Her children’s concerts are fun with music that is jazzy and entertaining. The lyrics are inviting and relate to the everyday experiences of a young child. You will find yourself humming, tapping and clapping right along with your little ones as Melanie shares her children’s songs.
Melanie’s family concerts will touch your heart in many ways. Her original songs are about real life experiences such as letting go of your children, healing from a miscarriage and falling in love with Jesus. Her songs will make you laugh and cry.
When not writing songs, performing concerts or teaching preschool, Melanie can be found living in beautiful Durango, Colorado with love of her life, her husband, Joe.
What do you hope your book, I Love You More Than Chocolate, will impart to children?
I believe ALL children have the right to feel loved.I also believe it is impossible to overdo it when telling a child they are loved.I hope this book will remind ALL children they are special and loved.If a child feels loved by reading/singing this book, then I have made a difference in the life of a child.
What are you working on now?
I am presently working on 2 more children’s books. Both of the books were originally songs, just like “I Love You More Than Chocolate”. One is about using your imagination and the other is a true story about a little boy who spent a lot of time in the time out chair at preschool, and how I think he felt about it. It is called the “Time Out Chair Blues”.
What do you do in your spare time when you’re not writing?
Spare time? What is that? In my spare time, I love taking long walks with my husband, Joe, while exploring God’s beauty here in Durango, Colorado.
Who was your favorite author when you were young?
I loved Frances Hodgson Burnett! “The Secret Garden”, and “The Little Princess”, were my two favorite books growing up.
Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?
Write about what you know; write about what you have experienced’ and write about what you are passionate about.
Describe yourself in 5 words
Compassionate, sensitive, energetic, spontaneous, and playful!
If you weren’t a writer, what would you be?
I love my job as a preschool teacher, and I love children. I am also a singer/songwriter and my job allows me to use my love of music while teaching children through songs and movements. I guess if I HAD to choose another career it would be the lead singer in a rock and roll band!
If you could have dinner with one person, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
Tim Tebow. I am a huge Denver Bronco fan. Tim Tebow is the quarterback for the Denver Broncos. He has taken so much criticism and yet he always responds with nothing but integrity and class. I would love to know how he has learned (at such a young age) to handle all that pressure so graciously.
Where can people buy your books?
My books can be purchased on amazon.com, on my web site, www.melaniemilburn.com, Maria’s bookstore, in Durango, Colorado and from me!
I also hope this book will help parents put life in perspective. We all have the tendency to get so busy with life that we forget to slow down and make sure our children know how special they are and how much we love them. Children need to hear that they are loved. Parents, cherish your time with your little ones. They grow up so fast.
“Literature is a luxury; fiction is a necessity.”
― G.K. Chesterton
Did you know that reading fiction can strengthen your social ties and even change your personality?
I read an interesting article in Scientific American called Fiction Hones Social Skills. As an avid reader, lover of learning, and a social worker, this article made me extremely happy. I have often heard people talk about how they only read non fiction because fiction is a waste of time. There is scientific reasearch that shows that reading fiction is good for your life.
Researcher, Keith Oatley explains how reading fiction can enhance your life....
1. It can fine-tune your social skills by helping you better understand other human beings.
2. Entering imagined worlds builds empathy and improves your ability to take another person’s point of view.
3. A love affair with narrative may gradually alter your personality—in some cases, making you more open to new experiences and more socially aware.
In an interesting study by Keith Oatley , ninety-four (94) people were asked to guess the emotion of a person by looking at a photograph of their eyes. The study discovered that:
“The more fiction people read, the better they were at perceiving emotion in the eyes, and…correctly interpreting social cues.”
The moral of the story is that reading fiction will help us better understand real human emotion, and in turn improves our social skills.
Continue to read your nonfiction, newspapers, but don't forget to....
Read More Fiction
P.S. You must have a subscription to read the Scientific American
Julia Cook was born and raised in Salt Lake City Utah. While living in Utah, she became actively involved in teaching children how to ski. That experience led to a love of teaching in general. Julia now lives in Fremont, Nebraska. She has a Master’s degree in Elementary School Counseling. While serving as a guidance counselor, Julia often used children’s books to enhance her classroom lessons. She is now well-recognized as a national award-winning children’s book author who has presented in over 700 schools across the country, regularly delivers keynote addresses at national education and counseling conferences, and has 26 published children’s books. The goal behind all of Julia’s books and efforts is to actively involve young people into her fun and creative stories and teach them to become “better.” Inspirations for her books come from working with children and carefully listening to parents and teachers. Julia’s books have been referenced in such publications as Parent’s Magazine, The New Yorker, Yahoo.com, and babyzone.com. In her spare time, Julia enjoys spending time with her husband and family.
Tell us 3 interesting/crazy things about you.
I can ride the unicycle and play the accordion at the same time, I love banana popsicles, I think more like a kid than a grown-up.
What inspired you to write the books?
Kids that struggle with solving their problems
What are your favorite children's authors/books?
The Box Car Children!
What advice would you give other aspiring writers?
Use empathy in your stories so that kids can live what they read
What are you working on now?
I book called I Just Want To Do It My Way – on staying on task and asking for help
What do you hope your books will impart to children?
Help all who read them become life long problem solvers
If you weren’t a writer, what would you be?
A school guidance counselor
What obstacles have you experienced in your writing journey?
Getting my books in the right hands and truly making a positive difference to both kids and grown-ups
Anything else you would like to share?
Never underestimate the power of the words “I Can!”
Where can people buy your books/.Do you have a web page or fan page?
