We all know what a disgrace I am, and I’m sure if I’d had the patience to wait until late Thursday morning, I’d have been furnished with the full results for my local book awards. But I didn’t, so that’s why a Wednesday evening event gets reported on Friday morning.

What I knew before the event, was that Mary Hooper won her category with Newes From the Dead and that Sally Nicholls would be in town, presumably to receive her prize for Ways to Live Forever. That was as far as my detective work got me, and I spent some time even getting that far.

I double checked the website on Wednesday night in the hopes that the results would miraculously have appeared. All I found was the information that it was a quarter to seven arrival for a quarter past five start. Yes, I know. I’m being picky, again. But some awards not only have press releases, but proof read their stuff before publishing.

Tried to do some clever guessing, and decided that Frank Cottrell Boyce was very likely to win with Cosmic, which he did. Good choice! Beware of the Frog by William Bee won the second youngest category, and I’m blushing as I admit to having no knowledge of either the book or the author. Luckily I have heard of Nick Sharratt, whose The Foggy Foggy Forest won the youngest age group prize, with what sounds a very FFFine book.

As I said, I know Sally and Mary both intended to travel to Stockport. Would have liked to know if the others were here to receive their awards. Frank doesn’t have far to come. All winners tend to get carted round to a school, or two, so I suppose that’s where they are as I’m writing this. It’s a cold and dismal day, but warmed by a book award it might feel better, and Stockport may even look half lovely.

Everybody has a friend or family member like Hamster.  He loves being the center of attention, he’s selfish, and greedy.  His friends Rabbit, Snail, Squirrel, Mole and Hedgehog all know what he’s like but love him no matter what.  Reflections of a Solitary Hamster is Gecko Press’ first graphic novel, written by Astrid Desbordes and illustrated by Pauline Martin.  Through each quirky episode Hamster and his friends learn some important lessons about friendship, sharing, and that it is the thought that counts.  Gecko Press’ ‘curiously good books’ are always presented so beautifully and Reflections of a Solitary Hamster is no exception.  Great for children and teens but particularly adults as they will get the often subtle sense of humour.

Good for You, Good for Me by Lorenz Pauli and illustrated by Kathrin Scharer is one of my favourite Gecko Press books so far.  Dormouse meets Bear one day while he is walking along playing his flute.  Bear gives Dormouse his favourite red cushion so that he can have a play of his flute.  This deal is good for them both; Bear has the flute and Dormouse has a cushion to sit on.  It turns out that Bear can’t play the flute very well and so they swap back and decide to travel together.  They make a good pair and discover that if they work together things will be ‘good for you, good for me.’  The illustrations are delightful and show Bear and Dormouse playing together in the sun and the rain.  I especially like the black and white line illustrations of Bear dancing while Dormouse plays his flute.  This is a great books for sharing with young children and is a perfect bedtime story.

My husband thinks some of my story ideas are too negative.  Well okay the adjectives used were closer to ‘dark, depressing, sinister.’  Maybe I’m covering the wrong genre and I should move over to writing horror stories.  But wait a minute, let’s have a look at the classics first shall we.  The following titles need no further explanation:  Sleeping Beauty, The Three Billy Goats Gruff, Little Red Riding Hood, Hansel and Gretel and the list goes on…  Okay, so I am writing for the younger end of the 3-8 market, but he doesn’t know that.  Maybe I could come up with a cute idea some time or maybe I might just have the next Little Red Riding Hood style epic up my sleeve.  For now we will not know, but watch this space…  I’m off to dream up a christmas pb for my critique group’s Christmas challenge – nothing sinister about that or is there?  Ho, ho, hoooooo.

Ich habe mich aus dem Projekt 52 einfach davongeschlichen. Ich habe einfach nicht mehr genug Zeit dafür, und werde die Wochen seit Nr. 18 auch nie wieder aufholen können. Aber zum heutigen Thema habe ich sofort ein Bild. Es gibt verschiedene Sonntage. Solche mit Frühstücken gehen in der Sonne, mit Besuch und Kuchen, solche, an denen man entweder “Sunday Morning” von Velvet Underground oder “Lazy Sunday” von den Small Faces hört, solche mit Sektabenden oder Spaziergängen an der Elbe,  und solche, die man mit Kopfschmerzen vom Tanzengehen am Vorabend komplett verschläft. Im Moment habe ich Sonntage am liebsten, die man mit einem Buch, im Moment “Der Geschmack von Apfelkernen“, oder ruhigen und traurigen Gedanken und einer Kanne Tee drinnen im Warmen verbringt, während es draußen regnet und stürmt und die Regentropfen gegen die Scheibe prasseln und im Licht glitzern.

Toulouse on the Loose! by Kimberly Thompson and Illustrated by Chris Easey (ages 3-6)

Fancy Nancy would be proud of this little French bird. Toulouse, an artist turkey from France, comes to America to paint some of our national treasures. Unfortunately Toulouse makes that visit right before Thanksgiving. Little does he know that he might end up becoming part of the menu. Will Toulouse be pardoned by the President in time?

A little larger than the average picture book, Toulouse is filled with fine illustrations of some of our Nation’s most recognizable monuments. Illustrator Chris Easey also deftly handles the illustration of the President; showing him only from behind or in part to allow for genericness for future elections (until we have a woman President). In the back there are some Thanksgiving recipies and pages for you to write down your own travel memories. A great book for Thanksgiving’s for years to come.

Toulouse on the Loose
Little Pigeon Books
$19.95

The Clock Struck One: A Time-telling Tale by Trudy Harris (Author) and Carrie Hartman (Illustrator) is a new version of the “Hickory Dickory Dock” nursery rhyme.

Hickory dickory doo, the grandfather clock struck TWO.
It woke the cat, who sprang from his mat, hungry for mouse-tail stew.

Word Choice Mini-lesson
Primary/Intermediate: Ask students to write their own “time” poem. Use the Describing Wheel graphic organizer to create a list of things that can happen in a single hour.

Literacy Links

Copyright © 2009 Anastasia Suen All Rights Reserved.

I spent my afternoon skipping through pages of books in the shelter of the local Borders. Since I was there for a purpose, my travels were mostly limited to the children’s section. To some it may seem a dull section, but to me and young readers alike it is a section of limitless possibilities. In no other section could I devour green eggs and reside in a juicy peach or befriend a cookie-addicted mouse.

After scouring through the most well known books I came across a book far less talked about. Out of instinct, I pulled up one of the cheap supplied stools and began to read. At first glance it looked very ordinary. After scanning its reviews, I quickly decided against that assumption.

Most children’s books never address the true trials and hardships of life. It is rare to meet a child in a picture book with a debilitating disease or in dire financial need. Instead, children are fed spoonfuls of rainbows and fulfilled fantasies. Of course, we want to create optimistic children. Yet, shouldn’t we also want children with a realistic view of life?

I have yet to dive in to the realm of children’s literature myself. I imagine how hard it may be to write a book for a child and immediately become intimidated. But, as always, why?

Alongside of fairy littered stories and tales of epic baseball wins, there is always a moral. Hidden in a character, or in the depths of an event, is a small lesson the author hopes to convey to each child reader, one he or she will hold forever. Children’s authors cannot make these morals too obvious though. No child wants to be lectured in their favorite storybook. Authors are then forced to teach through entertainment. That entertainment must then be at a level of understanding that a child could grasp. A children’s story is full of hurdles.

It did not take me long to finish my newfound picture book. Forty pages of easily understood words and to-the-point sentences. At the end, my eyes were damp with tears. It was a touching story, especially in these economic times. My experience occurred in the pages of Eve Bunting’s Fly Away Home.

As I left Borders, I considered the endless possibilities of ideas for children’s books. Now, writing this, I dream, that one day far from now, I may write an unknowingly influential children’s book. Time shall tell.

Muktar and the Camels by Janet Graber (Author) and Scott Mack (Illustrator) takes place in an orphanage on the border between Kenya and Somalia.

But Muktar gazes out of the window, across the dusty landscape. He remembers a time before drought and war engulfed his homeland.

Conventions Mini-lesson
Primary/Intermediate: Ask students to write their own “golden rule” story. Remind them to add quotation marks to any dialogue.

Literacy Links

Copyright © 2009 Anastasia Suen All Rights Reserved.

cover

This is the cover of “Dear Primo, a letter to my cousin.” It’s my first picture book. I wrote the story and illustrated it. Its published by Abrams and it will be in stores March 1st.

The story is about Carlitos and Charlie, two cousins that write letters back and forth to each other. Carlitos lives in the countryside in Mexico. He rides his bicicleta to school and loves quesadillas. Charlie lives in a city in the US. He rides the subway to school and always gets a slice of pizza on his way home.

There are words in Spanish scattered throughout Dear Primo and a glossary at the end. These are some spreads from the book:

p8-9

p12-13

p18-19

p30-31

Carlitos and Charlie’s environments are vastly different, but at the end of the day the two primos are more alike then different. Primos are primos. The story is inspired by my own experiences and observations. I grew up in Mexico, but have lived for a significant amount of years in the US.

I received a copy of the book from my publisher this last week. Here are some pictures of it:

p14-15

p22-23

I’m so happy with how it came out.  My mom and I got very emotional when I translated the author’s note to her.

my mom and the primos

I can’t wait to see it in libraries and bookstores, but more importantly, to see children reading it.

cover

I plan on being in NY for the release of the book and hopefully I’ll be doing some book readings too. More on that once I know the details.

The book is 32 pages long, full color. It’s 8.5 x 11 inches, and it has a hardcover with a jacket. If you are interested in pre-ordering the book you can click here and to see the Abrams spring 2010 catalog you can click here or visit www.abramsyoungreaders.com

Red Ted is a teddy bear who finds himself on a high shelf in the Lost and Found of a large train station. He’s desolate that his owner, Stevie, left him behind when getting off the train. The toy Crocodile next to him tries to comfort him with resignation, but Red Ted instead resolves to find Stevie. Together they escape the Lost and Found and on the way meet a street-wise stray cat. The threesome brave the dangerous streets, and with luck and perseverance, get to Stevie’s house. Stevie is a young girl with a big heart, and she knows just what to do to reward Red Ted and his new friends.

Contrasting against blurry but detailed sepia backgrounds that evoke a time-worn city, the characters—rendered in loose line and muted color—move forward with fear of abandonment but smart cunning.

Picture Book, ages 4-6.  Recommended- Amelia L. Carling (Pelham)

Grandpa and Grandma are too busy, so their little grandson turns to his friend Elephant, who is always eager to play. A trampled flower bed, puddles of water in the bathroom, spilled orange juice, all kinds of mischief—they are all Elephant’s fault, the little boy says, when asked who did it by his grandparents. The little boy feels bad about telling on his imaginary friend the Elephant, but with his grandparents’ help, he finds the comfort and understanding of a loyal friendship. Clear and direct illustrations drive home a message about making and keeping friends.

Picture Book, preschool to age 6.  Recommended- Amelia L. Carling (Pelham)

On a rainy day the four Patterson puppies run out of things to do. That is, until they let their imagination take them to the beach and into the ocean in wildly fun rumpus. After clean up, a bowl of spilled popcorn leads them into a pretend winter landscape, and more fun. Young readers will delight in these imaginary adventures set off by ordinary things. Illustrated with bold black line and color and told with easy words, these puppies’ story is full of camaraderie and charm.

Picture Book, Preschool.  Recommended- Amelia L. Carling (Pelham)

Freight Train
by Donald Crews
This freight train is on the move! Picture Book

I Love Trains
by Philemon Sturges (Author) and Shari Halpern (Illustrator)
A rhyming look at the cars on a train. Picture Book

Stop, Train, Stop!
by Rev. W. Awdry (Author) and Jane E. Gerver (Illustrator)
Thomas the Tank Engine rushes past all his stops! Easy Reader

Two Little Trains
by Margaret Wise Brown (Author) and Leo and Diane Dillon (Illustrators)
A classic picture book by the author of Goodnight Moon with new art.

Window Music
by Anastasia Suen (Author) and Wade Zahares (Illustrator)
Ride the train from Grandma and Grandpa’s all the way home. Picture Book

Literacy Links

Copyright © 2009 Anastasia Suen All Rights Reserved.

Dewey: There’s a Cat in the Library! by Vicki Myron and Bret Witter (Authors) and Steve James (Illustrator) is the picture book version of the New York Times bestseller. Someone left a cat in the book return at the library.

When Vicki the librarian found him the next morning, the kitten was cold and scared and very, very dirty.

Word Choice Mini-lesson
Primary/Intermediate: Ask students to write their own version of this story. What could happen if they met Dewey in their library? Use the Describing Wheel graphic organizer to make a list of words for the story.

For a weekly themed list of books for young readers, subscribe to my 5 Great Books blog.

Literacy Links

Copyright © 2009 Anastasia Suen All Rights Reserved.

Trouble Gum by Matthew Cordell lives up to its name!

Gum wasn’t often allowed. It tended to make a mess.

Ideas Mini-lesson
Primary/Intermediate: Ask students to write their own version of this “chewing gum” tale. Use the Idea Wheel graphic organizer to brainstorm before writing.

Literacy Links

Copyright © 2009 Anastasia Suen All Rights Reserved.

Kung Fu Kitty
By Lauri Bortz
Illustrated by Marianne Nowottny
Abaton Book Company 
September 2009
112 pages

In the Monkey Kingdom, all cats live as slaves of the monkeys. Wu Zhua was born with five claws into a family of six-clawed cats. The Monkey King denounces her and demands she be drowned. Her mother, Ma Mao cannot bear to see her special kitten destroyed. With the help of Zhi Shui Zhi Shen, the Water God, she sends Wu Zhua upriver to live with the exiled Monkey Princess Shuang Wei who was banished for her own particular deformity. Wu Zhua and Shuang Wei live together like sisters for many years until one day the Monkey King becomes ill. Shuang Wei is called upon to fulfill her duties as Heir to the throne.

The sudden calling thrusts Wu Zhua and Shuang Wei back into the Monkey Kingdom where monkeys and cats are not friends. They are master and slave and Wu Zhua’s master is the Princess. Wu Zhua learns the truth about her past and the plight of the oppressed cats and kittens. Zhi Shui Zhi Shen makes an unusual return appearance and shows Wu Zhua the path to her destiny. Must Wu Zhua go to war with Shuang Wei in order to liberate the cat kingdom?

Based on the story of Exodus, Kung Fu Kitty illuminates a different way to achieve courage and strength. Bortz has created a mystical tale – in more ways than one – of self-discovery and friendship. Wu Zhua will pounce into the hearts of readers. Nowottny’s black and white drawings add just the right amount of Chinese flavor to spice this up into an original and appealing graphic novel.
 
As an added bonus, this book comes with a DVD. The video presentation of the story is narrated by Lauri Bortz. It stars four talented live cats, a horde of mischievous stuffed monkeys, and eye-popping special effects. Altogether this makes a uniquely charming package.

Copyright (c) 2009 by Peggy Tibbetts

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Cool Cars and Trucks by Sean Kenney (Author) shows how to use LEGO to make cars and trucks.

If you don’t have enought LEGO pieces to build a big car, try making the same car in a smaller size.

Organization Mini-lesson
Primary/Intermediate: Ask students to write a procedural “how to” article about something they like to make. Use the Step-by-Step Chart graphic organizer to list the order before writing.

This week’s Nonfiction Monday Round-up is at Tales from the Rushmore Kid.

Literacy Links

Copyright © 2009 Anastasia Suen All Rights Reserved.

I feel like Lewis and Clarke right now. Exploring the wild yonder, venturing into unknown territory.  Why?  Because I have rough drafted a chapter book. Normally, I write early readers and picture books. So this is definitely a new direction for me.

The interesting thing is that it started out as a picture book and morphed. The more I wrote, the more the story needed and before long I had chapters. I now realize I need more details to fill it out, but they come at me fast and furious.  So, I scribble them down with whatever I have and stick them in a folder for the book. Then I work it into the appropriate sections.

Research is going to be key. Not for the subject matter, it’s fiction, so, it will be whatever I make it. But as far as how long it is supposed to be, how many chapters I need, how long should the chapters be? Since it’s for the 6-8 year old range, I am thinking about 2-3 pages per chapter.

Well, it looks like I have some reading to do, so I am off to my sons room to dig into the book shelves! Hard work, huh?

In Ocean’s Child by Christine Ford and Trish Holland (Authors) and David Diaz (Illustrator), the children of the ocean go to sleep.

Safe and snug in his leafy bed,
Baby Otter is rocked to sleep.
To Ocean’s child, we say good night.
Good might, little otter, good night.

Voice Mini-lesson
Primary/Intermediate: Ask students to write their own “good night” poem. Will they use the “I” or “we” voice, the (first person point-of-view) like this poem did? Or will they use the third person point-of-view), the “he or she” voice?

Literacy Links

Copyright © 2009 Anastasia Suen All Rights Reserved.

The princess is always cold. She lies in her bed covered in blankets and the servants warm her room with roaring fires, all to no avail.  A dark stranger appears, promising the king and queen that with his magic he will make their daughter warm, but for this, they must agree to let him take her away to be his wife.  The princess herself is fearful of this stranger with cruel eyes. She resists; she is as cold as the ocean, as cold as the forest, as cold as the mountain, as cold as the earth.  Each blanket that the stranger flings on her takes away the fish from the ocean; the fruit, the wood, and the animals from the forest; the rain and the rivers from the mountain; the food, the flowers and the soil from the earth.  And the people suffer. Still, the princess resists the arrogant stranger.  One day a musician wonders into the gloomy land and upon hearing the story of the princess, approaches the castle and asks to see her.  Her beauty inspires him to play his flute and as they fall in love, his touch makes the stranger’s blankets fall away, restoring all the lost goodness back to the world and the people.  The stranger is never heard from again.

In the tradition of a fairy tale narrative, this story is told with powerful poetic language. The artwork, accentuated with stone-like shimmers of metallic foil, is equally as mysterious and compelling in its evocation of the deepest textures and emotions we harbor about the ocean, the forest, the mountain, and the earth. For a story that is so entrancing to listen to, it is unfortunate that the text is set in a small font size that crowds as many as twenty words on a single line. This may make the book hard to read aloud to a group of children.

Picture Book, ages 4-8.  Recommended- Amelia Carling (Pelham Public Library)

The beloved and inquisitive King of Quizzical Island decides, against all advice, to sail out to the edge of the world “and find… what I shall find.”  In a tumultuous adventure narrated in verse and nonsensical rhyme, the King discovers unimaginable lands and creatures and, sailing from place to place, makes it back to his castle, thus proving that the world is not flat but round.  His people cheer his amazing discovery, but only the Owl casts doubt on it.  Instead of rebuffing Owl’s doubt, the King then decides to seek further proof that the world is round by digging a hole that will come out at the other side of the world, thus setting off another adventure of discovery and questioning.   With humorous and whimsical black line drawings and minimal color, the illustrator captures the spirit of persistent curiosity that drives the King and encourages the reader to do the same.   This story celebrates the child’s natural imagination and inclination to ask questions that can lead to more questions.

Picture Book, ages 4-8.  Recommended- Amelia Carling (Pelham Public Library)