ReaderKidZ Review - On the Wing

I write reviews for children's books for many reasons.

One, I know what it feels like to discover a gem of a book you haven't heard about or seen before and I want to share the magic of that discovery with other readers.

Two, I think writing children's book reviews is another tool a writer can use to educate themselves on the craft of writing. You learn so much when you examine a book with a reviewer's eye. With picture books, you focus on the blend of art and text and you look to see how the story is extended through the illustrations. You examine the text for its musicality, rhythm, cadence, and patterns. Is it fun to read? Does the story engage? Then surprise you at the end?

And three, I write children's reviews because I LOVE language and I LOVE story.

So on that note hop on over to ReaderKidZ and read my review of On the Wing by David Elliott and Becca Stadtlander (Candlewick, 2014) HERE.

Enjoy the incredible art by Becca Stadtlander in the book trailer!

ReaderKidZ - This Orq. (he cave boy.)

It's hard to believe we're into the middle of September already! I hope many of you have had a soft launch re-entering the school year and no major hassles or hang-ups. At our house, it's been an exciting few weeks. Middle school for the almost 12-year-old is cool with the addition of a locker and  having a special space at school to call her own. The 5th-grader loves his new teacher and all the prestige and responsibility that comes with being the "leaders" at the school. I can remember when he was the smallest and youngest back in kindergarten and it's so nice to see him watching out for and making friends with the incoming kindergartners.

Speaking of friends, over at ReaderKidZ, friendship is the theme of the month. They're welcoming parents, educators, librarians back for another year of great books geared to the K-5 crowd. Check out   these two wonderful books mirroring friends who always have each other's back!

Read the ReaderKidZ review HERE for This Orq. (he cave boy.) by award-winning author David Elliott, illustrated by Lori Nichols.

Read the ReaderKidZ review HERE for Maggie and Milo by debut author Juli Brenning, illustrated by Priscilla Burris.

Be certain to check out all the books being reviewed by the talented crew over at ReaderKidZ who volunteer their time to inspire and foster a love of reading in kids K-5.

Happy September!

ReaderKidZ Review - Books to Celebrate Back-to-School

It's Thursday and we're almost knocking on the door of Labor Day weekend! As promised, I've reviewed several books to celebrate back-to-school over at ReaderKidZ today and I hope you'll stop by and check them out. Click HERE.

Rufus Goes to School by Kim Griswell, illustrated by Valeri Gorbachev
(Charlesbridge, 2013)

And don't stop there! ReaderKidZ is geared to fostering a love of reading in the ages K-5 so don't be shy, go ahead and explore the website. You're sure to find new favorites and timeless classics. Haven't you already fallen in love with the pig above and his curlicue tail!

If you're not too busy, drop me a line at ReaderKidZ or comment on my blog and let me know what you think of the recommendations.

Have a wonderful Labor Day weekend!

Winner of picture book Oh, Nuts!

Congratulations Caryn Caldwell on winning the giveaway for the picture book Oh, Nuts! by Tammi Sauer and Dan Krall!

The book is on its way to be enjoyed by you and your family!!  Hooray!!

Thanks to everyone who participated in the giveaway. If you missed the review of Oh, Nuts! on ReaderKidZ, click HERE to read it.

Author/illustrator Interview: Doug Cushman

I’m thrilled to be interviewing Hen & Ink coop mate, Doug Cushman about his newest book Pigmares: Porcine Poems of the Silver Screen (Charlesbridge, 2012). When I signed with the agency in the Spring, I thought “WOW” for obviously a number of reasons, but having heard many of Doug’s early reader series read-aloud by my children – I was a huge fan and excited to know we were within the same barnyard, so to speak. 

Plus, my husband and I honeymooned in Paris and toured the French countryside so anybody who lives in France has a special place in my heart. Not to mention, anyone who can draw silly pigs and make me laugh is a friend of mine.  Mais, oui?

From the Jacket Flap copy of Pigmares: Porcine Poems of theSilver Screen:

Whether it’s the lonely outcast Frankenswine, the crabby Porker form the Black Lagoon, or the sleep-loving Pigzilla, the creatures in this clever mash-up of poetry, monsters, and piggy puns are sure to curl your tail and tickle your hooves.

Author and illustrator Doug Chushman hams it up in this hog-wild homage to classic monster movies.

Bienvenue, Doug!

Tell us a little about yourself and how you came to be a children’s author and illustrator? What were you like as a young child? How did your childhood influence the books you write and illustrate today?

I was born in Springfield, Ohio and moved to Connecticut with my family when I was 14 years old. From Day One (almost), I was drawing and writing stories, copying cartoon characters from the newspaper and inventing my own characters. While in junior high and high school, I created comic books lampooning my teachers, selling them to my classmates for a nickel a piece. So I had a commercial bent of mind from the start.

I watched some of the old westerns on TV like the Lone Ranger and Wild Bill Hitchcock and of course classic cartoon shows like Rocky and Bullwinkle. I read lots of books throughout my childhood, the usual stuff mostly like the Hardy Boys, The Three Investigators, Sherlock Holmes and some sci-fi. And of course comic books. All of it added to my backlog of references for my own books.

What was the inspiration behind Pigmares: PorcinePoems of the Silver Screen (Charlesbridge, 2012)?

I love old cheap B movies, the corny monster movies. Some of them actually are very well made and have heart to them. Look at Boris Karloff’s portrayal of the Creature in Frankenstein, he almost makes one cry. And of course I love drawing pigs. Such intelligence and grace. And silly. What could be better, writing and drawing pigs as classic monsters? A match made in heaven, in my opinion.

What came first the pictures or the poems? The characters or the plot?

There really isn’t a “plot” per se in Pigmares, more of a theme, classic movie monsters parodied in poetry using pigs. I never liked poetry much. One of my high school teachers shoved Rod McKuen down our throats. Awful stuff. I hated him. Never read poetry afterwards. It wasn’t until I began writing my own picture books that I discovered poetry was the perfect vehicle for a picture book text.

In a picture book text each sentence, word, each comma and period is important just as in poetry. The rhythm is paramount in both as well. But even then I hesitated because it was so hard to do. Most of what I read was rubbish and maudlin in picture books. Cute and cheap. Even today most of what I read isn’t worth the paper it’s printed upon (or the digital space it takes up in an ebook).  I was after something that could work on a number of levels, funny, some clever rhymes and a surprise twist and, with luck and a lot of work, some intelligence.

It’s important to note that this is my first, full blown, no holds barred collection of poems, written and illustrated by myself. Even though Pigmares is a humorous poetry book poking fun at classic movie monsters this was one of the most heavily researched book I’ve ever done. I watched and re-watched every movie in the book and researched each one for the Poem Source pages at the end of the book making it a good introduction to the history of each movie. In one case, for instance, I timed the actual screen appearance of the monster. Even the hand lettering on each poster was researched to give a historical sense of the movie, in most cases using the original posters as the main source.

The book took about a year to do although many of the poems were written years before. But, as the book evolved and the format of movie parody and information came together, old poems were rejected and new poems were written.

Which is harder, writing or drawing? And why?

Writing by far. The first draft of anything is always the hardest. I’ve always said that there are no such creatures as “writers”; we are all “re-writers”.  I love playing with words, moving them around, creating an image with just words. But when I can’t, my pictures come to the rescue. In a picture book the words only do part of the job, the pictures only part of the job. But when they work together it’s brilliant. But the reader has to do some of the work too. That is what makes it a satisfying experience.

Can you share one aspect of your writing or illustrating process?

The most fun I have is making a dummy for a picture book. I literally cut and paste (yes, with REAL scissors and tape) and make a collage–book of picture and words, physically moving them around throughout the dummy. The studio is a mess (well, it’s mostly a mess anyway….). But it makes for a VERY active and living process.

Where do you find your story ideas?

Everywhere. My problem isn’t so much finding story ideas as trying to settle on one I want to work on at that moment and KEEP working on. You have to love your idea for at least 3 years or so (preferably longer) because, if that book is accepted, you’ll be living with it on an almost daily basis for at least 3 years.

What’s the best experience you’ve had in publishing? What’s the worst?

I’ve been through pretty much all the experiences, cancelled contracts, rejections, bad printing, etc. I choose not to focus too much on the negative ‘cause I love my job so much. Just knowing I can get up every morning and draw some pictures and write some stories is wonderful. Cliché and maudlin, I know, but it’s the truth.

With over 120 published books, do you have a favorite or a favorite character? And why?

That’s like asking a mother who her favorite child is. And I ain’t going there! ;-)

Whose books do you admire? And why?

E.B. White was a brilliant writer and not just Charlotte’s Web. His prose is simple and clear and seemingly effortless…and hard to achieve. James Thurber is a favorite as well as Dorthy Parker. I read a lot of S.J. Perelman, another humorist from the ‘30s and ‘40s. Then Wilkie Collins, a contemporary of Charles Dickens is a favorite.

Can you speak about your successes and challenges in this competitive children’s book market?

For myself, I’ve followed pretty much my own heart, or “gut” while trying to stay flexible in this always changing market. I don’t follow trends or the “genre du jour”.  I can only write and draw what feels right, trying to stay true to myself. It doesn’t always work but trying to work JUST for the marketing trends is a waste of one’s time and talent. I’ve gained a bunch of awards along the way but they really don’t mean much; you’re only as good as your last book especially in this market. The challenge is to move on and hone my craft. I still have to get up each day and try to do better. My biggest challenge is to find something new and interesting that will excite me, perhaps even reinvent myself.

The market in children’s literature is tough but not impossible. I’m not afraid of ebooks, apps and self-publishing, though I am a dedicated print guy. What concerns me the most is content. Any idiot with a computer and a rhyming dictionary can publish a book and tout him or herself as the new Dr. Seuss. But there has to be some “meat” to the story and poems, a good, strong plot line, strong characters, good, believable dialogue, etc. You know the litany. That’s why the classics are still classics, they have all of that. That and a spirit that can’t be taught but can be inspiring and can make a writer push him or herself further and higher.

Cimetière du Père-Lachaise

What are you working on now? And what do you do when you’re not working?

I go out and paint en plein air here in Paris. My favorite place is the grand cemetery Pere Lachaise. I set myself up behind a tomb and throw watercolors around. Sort of a busman’s holiday, I suppose.

If you weren’t an author/illustrator, what would you be?

Dead.

Tell us 3 things you can’t live without.

A blank sheet of paper, my paints and Delta blues music.

Tell us 3 things you wish were never invented.

Cell phones, screw caps on wine bottles and Abba.

Thanks, Doug!!!

Look for my review of Pigmares: Porcine Poems of the Silver Screen at ReaderKidZ on October 24, 2012.

One Day I Went Rambling

Join Kelly Bennett on the Let's Go Rambling Blog Tour and celebrate her newest book One Day I Went Rambling, illustrated by Terri Murphy (Bright Sky Press, 2012).

This book is for everybody. You don't need to be a kid to enjoy it but you do have to be a kid-at-heart! In One Day I Went Rambling, Zane sees magic in the ordinary when he goes rambling. How about you? What do you see when you go rambling?

The Village of Dunottar Beach, Lake Winnipeg

My kids and I love to go rambling. Just the other day, we were on the shores of Lake Winnipeg looking for the extraordinary. They collected unusual rocks and shells and each different shape sparked a new image in their minds. One thought a shell was the perfect bowl for clam stew. While oldest pretended to fasten a couple around her neck like she was wearing a string of pearls. What do you imagine when you hold a shell in your hand?

One Day I Went Rambling is a gem of a book and I've ordered my copy from Tergesen's General Store in Gimli, Manitoba while I'm on vacation. Do you have your copy, yet? 

For additional ways to enjoy this gorgeous book, head on over to ReaderKidz and download the discussion/craft guide created by Debbie Gonzales by clicking HERE. Also visit Terri Murphy's blog for a chance to win giveaways by clicking HERE.

I also enjoyed reading the recent interview with Kelly and Terri at Kiss The Earth with contributors Sharry Phelan Wright and Tamara Ellis Smith. I love learning about the author's birth of a book and how the illustrator envisions her interpretation of the story. It's fascinating. I'm sure you'll enjoy the interview, too.

Time to go rambling!

Austin SCBWI Meeting and News

There's a lot going on in our Austin SCBWI community and this week is no exception.

Author/illustrator Salima Alikhan will address how to take criticism and turn it around so it motivates you as opposed to letting it depress you. Her talk "Writerly Despair: How to be Inspired Rather Than Crippled by Criticism" takes place at 10am at BookPeople on Saturday, May 12, 2012.

I'm really looking forward to hearing what she has to say. I think it's easy for us to stay in our caves especially after we've received a healthy dose of criticism and weeding through the tough love can be difficult so tomorrow's chapter meeting will no doubt be jam-packed. And I love spending time with peeps, too!

This week also brought along some sad news as we said good-bye to a literary giant in the world of children's literature, award-winning author/illustrator Maurice Sendak. Cynthia Leitich Smith put together a lovely post in his honor. Click HERE if you missed it. Also literary magazine Hunger Mountain has a submission call out, they're putting together a special edition to celebrate Sendak's life and work. Click HERE to get all the details.

As a contributor to ReaderKidz, I'm excited today for the post on author Cynthia Levinson's magnificent book We've Got A Job: The 1963 Birmingham Children's March. Click HERE to see the post. A truly inspiring story about the difference a group of children made during the Civil Rights Movement. There's also a plethora of educational materials to accompany the book on Cynthia Levinson's website. If you haven't read the book yet you owe it to yourself to read it, you won't be disappointed.

ReaderKidz Review in the Book Room - Picture Books!

In celebration of poetry month, I've contributed to the wonderful ReaderKidz this month. If you haven't visited ReaderKidz before it's an absolute must!! I'm lucky to be a contributor but the real credit goes to the authors Debbie Gonzales, Dianne White, Stephanie Greene, and Nancy Bo Flood who came up with the idea to build a website aimed at fostering a love of reading for the K-5 crowd. Each month they have author interviews, activities to extend the reading experience with your favorite books, book reviews and so much more.

Today, I've posted a review on two amazing books. Click HERE to see the reviews on Emily and Carlo by Marty Rhodes Figley, illustrated by Catherine Stock (Charlesbridge, 2012) and Under the Mambo Moon by Julia Durango, illustrated by Fabricio VandenBroeck (Charlesbridge, 2011).

Enjoy these new titles if you haven't already!

Picture Books - For the Love of Bears

Chilly or stormy nights demand a steaming cup of cocoa or tea and a good book to chase away the howling wind. That’s why I’ve put together a picture book post on some of my favorite characters, who happen to all be bears.

There’s something so inviting and soothing about a bear, their cozy fur, big paws, generous girth and the fact that they love naps. What’s not to love about bears! I guess I’m not the only one as the  New York Times just reviewed several books for children this past Sunday and I'm including the article In The Company of Bears by Pamela Paul because these books sound adorable and worth checking out.

One of my favorite bear books of all time is We're Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury. It's a classic tale that never gets old. I love making the sounds with my kids as we read this book aloud. Don't you?

A series favorite of ours began with A Visitor for Bear by Bonny Becker, illustrated by Kady MacDonald Denton (Candlewick Press, 2008) and the latest book out is The Sniffles for Bear. If you've never read this series than you're missing out on one of the best friendships to come along since Arnold Lobel's Frog and Toad series. Mouse and Bear are the perfect companions. Most of the time! These books are clever and funny and touching.

And what about the gorgeous illustrated dancing polar bears in Nancy Tillman's On the Night You Were Born (Feiwel & Friends, 2006) or the black bear in Wherever You Are My Love Will Find You (Feiwel & Friends, 2010) Magical. Whimsical. Heartfelt books. You may have seen some of them this past Christmas during the holiday season as they were featured in Kohl's stores across the nation.

I’ve always been drawn to bears in part because of their massive size and strength. No one messes with a bear and it’s one of the reasons why they make such good characters in picture books. They’re protectors. But sometimes they need protecting in real life and that’s why I was moved to write the picture book A Voice for the Spirit Bears: The Simon Jackson Story, about a boy who has dedicated his life to saving the ghosts of the North. To learn about these rare bears and Simon Jackson, you can visit the Spirit Bear Youth Coalition and lend your voice to the campaign, too.

Photo courtesy of D. Simon Jackson

In closing, do you have any favorite books with bear characters you enjoy reading? Care to share? Or maybe you're writing your own "bear" book. And if you are, I say good for you! I think there's always room for one more. Let me know your favorite bear books, I'm sure there's a few out there that I've missed over the years.

Also if you have the time, check out my reviews at ReaderKidz on books celebrating the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. here and books celebrating the Chinese New Year here. You might even find a few new ones to enrich your library.