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Listen to this new edition of Book Bites for Kids at BlogTalkRadio.
Host, Suzanne Lieurance, talks with Canadian author, Debbie Spring, about her new book The Righteous Smuggler.
blogtalkradio.com Book Bites for Kids Debbie Spring The Righteous Smugglerblogtalkradio.com Book Bites for Kids Debbie Spring The Righteous Smuggler
Title: I Saw an Ant in a Parking Lot
Written by: Joshua Prince
Illustrated by: Macky Pamintuan
Hardback: 24 pages
Ages: 4-8
Publisher: Sterling Publishing Co., Inc.
ISBN: 978-1-4027-3823-4
Publication: March 2007
On a hot August morning, Dot, armed with a doughnut and coffee, is ready for another day at the parking lot.
“When in came rolling to my lot
a mom, two kids,
and tiny tot,
all safety-belted in a squat
red minivan, prepared to shop.”
When the mom doesn’t see the ant, and the ant doesn’t see the minivan, whatever will Dot do to prevent a horrible accident?
The doughnut, of course! What ant can resist a tasty treat?
In a gallant throw, she hurls the doughnut towards the minivan and ant and prevents a disaster:
“The ant gave chase! The van did not!
Braking fast,
it came to stop
with screeching tires, squeals from tot,
just inches from ant’s breakfast spot.”
The playful singsong rhymes in this book make it a great read-aloud story. The full-page illustrations are bright and colorful, and I find the blending of caricature and cartoon drawings to be a real delight.
I look forward to another book by this duo.
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Reviewed by the NWFCC’s Children’s Picture Book Reviewer, Amy Seim
from Renee Kirchner, Teaching Tips Contributing
It’s that time of year again. Sharpen your pencils and pack your lunchbox because it’s back-to-school time. In honor of the first week of school, here are some great back –to-school stories to read and writing prompts to get you in the mood for the first month of school.
Back to School Books:
First Day Hooray by Nancy Poydar.
Everyone is worried about the first day of school, not just the students. Ivy Green is worried about forgetting her lunch or missing the bus. The bus driver, the janitor, and the principal are all worried too. The first day turns out great for everyone and they were all worried for nothing.
Look out Kindergarten, Here I Come! By Nancy L. Carlson.
Henry is excited about his first day of school. He’s so excited that his mother has to remind him to get dressed, brush his teeth and pack his school supplies. However, once he gets to school he doesn’t feel so confident anymore and he wants to go home. After he makes a friend he feels much better. This reassuring book is great to read to children before their first day of school.
Countdown to Kindergarten by Allison McGhee.
A five-year old girl is very concerned that she doesn’t know how to tie her shoes. She has heard that every kindergartner must know how to do this before school starts. So begins the ten-day countdown to kindergarten. This story deals with this real concern of five-year olds with humor.
Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes.
Chrysanthemum loves being named after a flower until she starts school. Kids make fun of her until they find out the music teacher, Mrs. Delphinium Twinkle, is also named after a flower. This sweet story about the first day of school is complemented by beautiful pen-and-ink watercolor drawings.
Use the following story starters to write a school story.
1. If I were principal for one day I would make some changes. The first thing I would do is…
2. I was walking home from school one day. All of a sudden…
3. A new student just moved to our town. On his first day of school something very unusual happened at Harding Elementary.
4. I was walking by the teacher’s lounge the other day. I always knew they had fun in there. You won’t believe what I saw…
5. Did I ever tell you about the great food fight at my school? It all started when Tommy Green sneezed and his chocolate pudding got all over Morgan Brown
6. If I was a teacher I know just how I would take care of troublemaker kids. I would…
7. My principal wants us to pick a new mascot for our school. I would choose a _________ because…
8. My teacher brought her dog to school one day. Everything was going fine until Rover got off his leash. Then he…
9. My principal is the best because…
10. Our school is thinking of going to year round school. I can’t believe they want to get rid of our summer vacation. We have to stop this plan and I know just how to do it.
11. My class went on a field trip to the aquarium. Billy didn’t listen to the teacher. He jumped into the pool with the dolphins and…
12. Write a letter to your favorite teacher. Tell them why they are the greatest.
Tip For Teachers tips for parentsTip For Teachers tips for parentsThis week’s Children’s Writers Coaching Club member in the spotlight in author Jill McDougall.
Jill lives in Australia and is the author of over 100 books for children.
Jill says, “I started writing seriously in 2001. That’s not long ago for someone who’s on the grey side of 50.
“As I write this six years later, I have just had my 100th children’s book accepted for publication.
“THAT’S RIGHT - 100 books in six years!
“Don’t get me wrong - I’m not talking about 100,000 word novels. I’m talking about writing that pays well but is quick to produce. The list includes easy readers for schools, chapter books, novels, articles, poems, plays, non-fiction books, local histories … I’ve had all of these published and more.
“My children’s books are sold all around the world - in the USA, in Europe, Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, South Africa, Canada, New Zealand and Australia.
“As well as writing books of my own, I teach other people how to reach writing success. For years, I wrote a regular column for the international writers’ mag Writing4Success. I also operate an assessment service and I work as a writing tutor.”
Here’s what Jill is working on now:
“I recently finished a novel for young teens and just today the contract arrived from Walker Books. With a bit of luck, the book will be published in the States by Candlewick Press.
“Right now I’m plotting a novel for the same age group and doing a crash course in SMS messaging. Did you know that BTDTBTS means Been There, Done That, Bought The T-shirt? Love it! It’s a whole new language IYKWIM er, If You Know What I Mean ….”
When we asked Jill what she enjoys most about the Children’s Writers Coaching Club she said:
“The Coaching Club is a fabulous way to tap into the skills and know-how of other children’s writers. It really DOES feel like a club - warm, friendly and fun.”
You can find more writing tips on her website as well as links to hundreds of publishers’ guidelines through her ebook Become a Children’s Writer: Insider Secrets.
Visit her website at http://www.jillmcdougall.com.au
In the Spotlight member spotlightIn the Spotlight member spotlightThank you to everyone who left comments here or emailed them to us about your choice of logos for Book Bites for Kids.
With your help, we’ve selected our new Book Bites for Kids logo. Here it is:
Listen to Book Bites for Kids LIVE today (and every Friday) at www.BlogTalkRadio.com at 2:00 Central Time:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/bookbitesforkids
Call in to the show at 646-716-9239 today at 2:00.
Today’s guest is Canadian children’s author Debbie Spring who will talk to us about her book The Righteous Smuggler.
blogtalkradio.com Book Bites for Kidsblogtalkradio.com Book Bites for Kids
by Sylvia C. Hall, Contributing Editor
As children’s writers, we have a very awesome “job.” A day at the park is never just a day at the park: it is an opportunity to hear dialogue and chatter.
Playing pretend is never “just for kids” because it unleashes the magic of ideas and storytelling. In the world of writing for children, no idea or desire is too silly or too small.
And, in the world of writing for children, there is always an opportunity to share information in a fun and exciting way.
As a children’s writer, I know I have the best job in the world. In order to let myself really flourish, I have to give myself permission to play, pretend, and then, eventually— create!
It isn’t always easy to define my own success and keep the doubts out of my mind. But, then all it takes is this swift reminder, that this is exactly what I want to do!
I have promised myself to behold my passion and embark on my creative journey with determination and with confidence in my dreams! Are you committed to your dreams? What kind of commitment can you make to yourself?
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Visit Sylvia’s Insight for more articles and tips about creativity from Sylvia C.
Listen as children’s author K.C. Dyer talks about her new book, Ms. Zephyr’s Notebook, to Book Bites for Kids host, Suzanne Lieurance.
Thanks to everyone who has left comments about the various possible logos for Book Bites for Kids.
We’ve taken your suggestions into account, and now we have three final logos to choose from.
Help us make the final choice by leaving your comment and choice of the following three logos.
Thanks so much!
Book Bites for Kids, our weekly podcast that features an interview with a successful children’s author and/or illustrator, is coming to BlogTalkRadio.com beginning this Friday afternoon, August 24th.
Click on the button below to find out how to listen to - and call in - to the LIVE show this Friday.
Title: The Bunnies Are Not In Their Beds
Written and Illustrated by: Marisabina Russo
Hardback: 40 pages
Ages: 3-7
Publisher: Schwartz & Wade Books
ISBN: 978-0-375-83961-0
Publication: January 2007
“Nighttime is here. Little bunnies are tucked in bed. Good night, good night, sleep tight. Mama sits in her chair and Daddy sits in his. All is quiet. But then…. Click clack, click clack. What is that noise? Sounds like the bunnies are not in their beds.”
This is a delightful story of three little bunnies that are just not ready to go to sleep. What mischief they can stir up after the lights are out, from trains and horses, to cars and music. Every time Mama and Daddy put the bunnies to bed, another barrage of sounds comes from their bedroom. “BOOM, BOOM, BOOM! HONK, SQUONK, HONK! CLASH, CLASH, SMASH!”
Children will thoroughly enjoy repeating the noises and sounds in the book. Author and illustrator Marisabina Russo really brings these little bunnies to life with her whimsical characters and excellent use of color. Even the book jacket is fun and immediately grabs your attention. It’s the perfect bedtime story. This book is a keeper!
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Reviewed by Amy Seim, Children’s Picture Book Reviewer for the NWFCC
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