Interview with Author Hayley Rose of Fifo "50 States"

 

About Hayley Rose

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 5^th 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. 

Fifo 50 States Book Review

Visit Hayley's website:  Fifo the Bear and FaceBook

Bloggers Read Across the Globe—Promoting Children’s Reading and Literacy

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 Multicultural programs 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)

From My Bookshelf to Yours: Kidpreneurs by Adam & Matthew Toren

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.



Click here to read Matthew Toren Interview

Check out the I Love You Better Than Chocolate Chip Cookies book trailer

I

Interview with Matthew Toren, author of Kidpreneurs

What inspired you to write “Kidpreneurs”?

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.

Do you have a web page or fan page?

In addition to the websites for the books, we have Facebook pages for each, at www.facebook.com/KIDPRENEURS, and www.facebook.com/SmallBusinessBigVision.

Anything else you would like to share?

I’d just like to thank you for taking the time to learn more about Kidpreneurs. I really appreciate it and love what you’re doing.





Click here to read Kidpreneurs Book Review

World Read Aloud Day is March 7, 2012

Celebrate the Power of Words and Stories and Take Action for Global Literacy with LitWorld

I am so excited to share with you an event I am going to participate in. World Read Aloud Day!

About World Read Aloud Day
Worldwide at least 793 million people remain illiterate. Imagine a world where everyone can read... 

On March 7, 2012, LitWorld, a global literacy organization based in New York City, will be celebrating World Read Aloud Day. World Read Aloud Day is about taking action to show the world that the right to read and write belongs to all people. World Read Aloud Day motivates children, teens, and adults worldwide to celebrate the power of words, especially those words that are shared from one person to another, and creates a community of readers advocating for every child’s right to a safe education and access to books and technology. By raising our voices together on this day we show the world’s children that we support their future: that they have the right to read, to write, and to share their words to change the world.
To learn more about LitWorld and to register to participate in World Read Aloud Day, please visit: LitWorld



Be sure to follow LitWorld!
 FaceBook
 Twitter
 Tumblr

From My Bookshelf to Yours: Rubber Shoes: A lesson in gratitude/ Los zapatos de goma

Rubber Shoes: A lesson in gratitude/ Los zapatos de goma is a beautiful story about being grateful for what you have. Gladys gets a new pair of ugly brown rubber shoes. She is very unhappy about this and set about to destroy them, lose them, get rid of them any way she can. Unfortunately they are indestructable. Finally when she grows out of those "ugly" shoes her mother takes her to give the shoes to another little girl. Gladys sees how the other little girl feels about those "ugly" shoes she learns about gratitude.

This book is written in English and Spanish which makes it rich in cultural diversity. The illustrations are very gentle in a beautiful color pallette. You and your child will love this story and its powerful but not overwhelming message. This is one of my new stories that I will use in therapy with my clients.

*A free copy of this book was given to me for  a honest review.  No other compensation was provided for this review.

Click here for Interview with Gladys Barbieri

Interview with Gladys Barbieri, author of Rubber Shoes: A Lesson in Gratitude

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.

From My Bookshelf to Yours: I Love You More Than Chocolate

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.

Click here to read Interview with Melanie Milburn

Interview with Author Melanie Milburn of I Love You More Than Chocolate

About Melanie

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!

Do you have a web page or fan page?

 Yes, I have a web site.  It is www.melaniemilburn.com

Anything else you would like to share?

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.

Click here for the Review of I Love You More Than Chocolate