Kirby Larson's Blog, page 74
April 28, 2011
From Our Kid Readers
Back in March, I had some AWESOME visits in Ohio with kids so sharp I had to stock up on bandaids. I thoroughly enjoyed my conversations at Emma Bailey Elementary with the Newbery Club and at Botkins Elementary with a big group of passionate readers. I asked each of these groups if they'd give me some feedback, as readers, on books. And being the good souls that they are, they all said yes.
Emma Bailey Newbery Club
First up are some thoughts from the Bailey Newbery Club on book endings (check back in May for Botkins' comments on the topic of character) While at the school (thanks again, librarian Bill Prosser!), I had a lively discussion with the kids pictured above who had pretty strong feelings about this topic. What got us started is the fact that there was a contingent of girls most distressed about how Jennifer Holm ended her Turtle in Paradise. I don't want to spoil the book for the 2 people who haven't read it yet, so let's just say it did not have a Hollywood happy ending. That led me to ask about book endings in general and here is what Vince and Delaney from the Bailey crew had to say:
Does a book have to have a happy ending to for you to like it?
Vince: No. Sometimes good books have very sad endings, like when a likable character dies or things don't plan out exactly the best way.
What is it about an ending that makes you feel like it's the right ending?
Delaney: I think it's the right ending when it doesn't leave me hanging or if there is a good guy and bad guy, and the good guy wins.
Can you describe an ending that wasn't satisfying to you?
Vince: I am not happy with endings that are rushed such as the ending of Woods Runner by Gary Paulsen. He is one of my favorite authors and I loved that book, but the ending was rushed and I felt like it was incomplete.
If you could rewrite the ending of any book what would you do?
Delaney: I would rewrite Hattie Big Sky. I would have Hattie and Charlie live together at Hattie's house. Also I would have Lottie die from the influenza not Mattie because it feels like Hattie and Mattie were close for some reason.
Do you like to be able to predict the ending of a book?
Vince: No. What is the point of reading a book if you know what will happen? Some of my favorite books have a twist at the end that made me keep reading.
Should the character get everything they want by the time the book ends? Why or why not?
Delaney: Both, because the main charactor could be a criminal and if he/she got what they wanted it would be the end of the world. But it could be a nice happy main character and they should get what they want. Also, I like happy endings, but I have different opinion than everyone else
What advice would you give to a writer about book endings?
Vince: Don't rush the ending or make the book predictable.
Delaney! Thank you, Vince and Delaney for these great insights about book endings.
Fellow writers: take note!
Emma Bailey Newbery ClubFirst up are some thoughts from the Bailey Newbery Club on book endings (check back in May for Botkins' comments on the topic of character) While at the school (thanks again, librarian Bill Prosser!), I had a lively discussion with the kids pictured above who had pretty strong feelings about this topic. What got us started is the fact that there was a contingent of girls most distressed about how Jennifer Holm ended her Turtle in Paradise. I don't want to spoil the book for the 2 people who haven't read it yet, so let's just say it did not have a Hollywood happy ending. That led me to ask about book endings in general and here is what Vince and Delaney from the Bailey crew had to say:
Does a book have to have a happy ending to for you to like it?
Vince: No. Sometimes good books have very sad endings, like when a likable character dies or things don't plan out exactly the best way.
What is it about an ending that makes you feel like it's the right ending?
Delaney: I think it's the right ending when it doesn't leave me hanging or if there is a good guy and bad guy, and the good guy wins.
Can you describe an ending that wasn't satisfying to you?
Vince: I am not happy with endings that are rushed such as the ending of Woods Runner by Gary Paulsen. He is one of my favorite authors and I loved that book, but the ending was rushed and I felt like it was incomplete.
If you could rewrite the ending of any book what would you do?
Delaney: I would rewrite Hattie Big Sky. I would have Hattie and Charlie live together at Hattie's house. Also I would have Lottie die from the influenza not Mattie because it feels like Hattie and Mattie were close for some reason.
Do you like to be able to predict the ending of a book?
Vince: No. What is the point of reading a book if you know what will happen? Some of my favorite books have a twist at the end that made me keep reading.
Should the character get everything they want by the time the book ends? Why or why not?
Delaney: Both, because the main charactor could be a criminal and if he/she got what they wanted it would be the end of the world. But it could be a nice happy main character and they should get what they want. Also, I like happy endings, but I have different opinion than everyone else
What advice would you give to a writer about book endings?
Vince: Don't rush the ending or make the book predictable.
Delaney! Thank you, Vince and Delaney for these great insights about book endings.Fellow writers: take note!
April 27, 2011
Boeblingen
Finally! A chance to post about my great visits to DOD schools! On Monday, gracious host Tessie Hughes drove me to Boeblingen school where I had my first DOD school visit. The PTO folks, led by Susan Bartheld had one goal: fatten Kirby up! They started with obscenely large pastries, moving on to huge sandwiches and brownies at lunch and at the end of the day, they sent me off with even more food! Somehow in between I managed to chat with three wonderful groups of kids plus a charming crew of prospective writers who helped me eat the brownies at lunch. What I loved about this crew of Bulldogs is their patience and kindness with their visiting author.
After a last flurry of signing books, I was whisked back to the Hughes' to pick up my suitcase and delivered to the Stuttgart train station.
It was a lovely and peaceful early evening trip until I began to wonder if I was really on the right train-- there was no announcement of my destination city of Kaiserslatern. Luckily, I was on the right train and made a timely connection with hostess supreme Cleo Strazdas.
A quick drive to Schonenberg- Kubelberg (the village where Cleo lives) and I was soon ensconced in Chateau Cleo, one whole luxurious floor of her house all to myself. The weather was balmy so I slept with the window open and fell asleep to church chimes and woke up to chattering birds. Off we went again to Smith Elementary where I met with yet another schoolful of terrific kids. Cheryl patterson and her partner in "crime" Carrie Meade took such good care of me, even driving off base to get me a cup of coffee. As soon as I can figure out how to load the zillions of photos I've been taking, you'll be able to see for yourself what I've been trying to describe.
Lunch with Smith faculty provided a recharging moment in my day. Before I left I found myself the recipient of an overflowing armful of thank you notes from several classes.I especially liked Sara's which said, "I love your books. They are so interesting and when you start one you can't put it down." And Dominick pointed out the error in my German -- I should have titled my earlier blog post, "gute risen." Thank you, Dominick, for that correction!
After a great day at Smith, Cleo and her friend Jeremy took me on a tour of Bernkastel-kues, enjoying this city on the Mosel and a delicious Indian dinner. Home late; sleep fast.
Up and at'em to get to Landstuhl! Once again, I was treated to uber PTA hospitality (after art teacher Kathryn Lindley took me for morning coffee)and once again spent the day in the company of terrific kids. I had the pleasure of lunch with 8 students who volunteer to mentor new students (a big factor in dept. Of defense schools). We enjoyed lively conversation and red velvet cake baked by mom Jane Ellen (who grew up in New Orleans).
After school, Cleo and I walked around a lake in her village and came back to make a delicious salad for dinner. Early to bed tonight and off to Volgeweh tomorrow.
Anybody out there know how to upload photos in blogger on an iPad?
After a last flurry of signing books, I was whisked back to the Hughes' to pick up my suitcase and delivered to the Stuttgart train station.
It was a lovely and peaceful early evening trip until I began to wonder if I was really on the right train-- there was no announcement of my destination city of Kaiserslatern. Luckily, I was on the right train and made a timely connection with hostess supreme Cleo Strazdas.
A quick drive to Schonenberg- Kubelberg (the village where Cleo lives) and I was soon ensconced in Chateau Cleo, one whole luxurious floor of her house all to myself. The weather was balmy so I slept with the window open and fell asleep to church chimes and woke up to chattering birds. Off we went again to Smith Elementary where I met with yet another schoolful of terrific kids. Cheryl patterson and her partner in "crime" Carrie Meade took such good care of me, even driving off base to get me a cup of coffee. As soon as I can figure out how to load the zillions of photos I've been taking, you'll be able to see for yourself what I've been trying to describe.
Lunch with Smith faculty provided a recharging moment in my day. Before I left I found myself the recipient of an overflowing armful of thank you notes from several classes.I especially liked Sara's which said, "I love your books. They are so interesting and when you start one you can't put it down." And Dominick pointed out the error in my German -- I should have titled my earlier blog post, "gute risen." Thank you, Dominick, for that correction!
After a great day at Smith, Cleo and her friend Jeremy took me on a tour of Bernkastel-kues, enjoying this city on the Mosel and a delicious Indian dinner. Home late; sleep fast.
Up and at'em to get to Landstuhl! Once again, I was treated to uber PTA hospitality (after art teacher Kathryn Lindley took me for morning coffee)and once again spent the day in the company of terrific kids. I had the pleasure of lunch with 8 students who volunteer to mentor new students (a big factor in dept. Of defense schools). We enjoyed lively conversation and red velvet cake baked by mom Jane Ellen (who grew up in New Orleans).
After school, Cleo and I walked around a lake in her village and came back to make a delicious salad for dinner. Early to bed tonight and off to Volgeweh tomorrow.
Anybody out there know how to upload photos in blogger on an iPad?
April 26, 2011
Winston Wonders
What I wonder most today is if Kirby misses me while she's in Germany. I certainly don't miss her. Too much to do at Camp Patneaude.
But. . . do you think she'll bring me some wiener schnitzel?
April 23, 2011
Happy Easter!
Many blurry hours ago I left home (only forgetting my face wash and electrical adapter for Germany) flying first to Frankfurt and then by train to Stuttgart where Patrick, Tessie and little Jane Hughes picked me up for the short drive to village. Tessie immediately put me to bed in the most comfy bed on earth, complete with a poofy European duvet. After a nap, I caught up with the family --newly arrived in Germany in November-- for a dinner of barbecue chicken and spaetzle (yum), all the while breathing in the aroma of a Black Forest cake Tessie had baked for Easter. We had a lovely evening but i faded by 9:30 and returned to my cloud of a bed. Now it's 5 am and i'M wide awake listening to the cheerful German birds outside my window.
As soon as I figure out how to get blogger to let me upload photos from my computer, I'll post some!
As soon as I figure out how to get blogger to let me upload photos from my computer, I'll post some!
April 22, 2011
Auf Weidersehen!
I'm on my way to Stuttgart, via Frankfurt. Will arrive at the airport tomorrow morning at 9:30 and then make my way downstairs to the train station (Europeans know how to do public transportation). After spending Easter weekend with the Hughes family (graciously taking in this lost lamb), I'll be spending five full days at Department of Defense schools in Germany.
Here's what the week looks like:Monday: Boeblingen Elementary/Middle SchoolTuesday: Smith Elementary SchoolWednesday: Landstuhl Middle SchoolThursday: Vogelweh Elementary SchoolFriday: Wetzel Elementary School
Librarian Cleo Strazdas is my hostess for most of the week -- can't wait to meet her!
I'll do my best to keep you posted! I know it's going to be great.
Here's what the week looks like:Monday: Boeblingen Elementary/Middle SchoolTuesday: Smith Elementary SchoolWednesday: Landstuhl Middle SchoolThursday: Vogelweh Elementary SchoolFriday: Wetzel Elementary School
Librarian Cleo Strazdas is my hostess for most of the week -- can't wait to meet her!
I'll do my best to keep you posted! I know it's going to be great.
April 21, 2011
My husband may be a vampire. . .
Okay, I was using the new iPhoto feature to group my photos by faces. It's actually kind of a hilarious exercise, with the tiny little Mac-o-meter trying to identify folks in the some 5000 photos I have (I know; time to clean up the files).
Neil Larson: man or vampire?
Here's the thing: Even though it took only a couple of photos for the machine to recognize just about everyone else in my life/photo albums, whenever a photo of Neil popped up, the Mac-o-meter did not recognize him. Every single time, I had to replace the word "unnamed" with "Neil."
So you know how vampires can't see their reflections in the mirror? Not much difference between that and being recognized by the Mac-o-meter, right?
Think I'm making a big deal out of nothing? I'm sleeping with a braid of garlic under my pillow. Just in case.
Neil Larson: man or vampire?Here's the thing: Even though it took only a couple of photos for the machine to recognize just about everyone else in my life/photo albums, whenever a photo of Neil popped up, the Mac-o-meter did not recognize him. Every single time, I had to replace the word "unnamed" with "Neil."
So you know how vampires can't see their reflections in the mirror? Not much difference between that and being recognized by the Mac-o-meter, right?
Think I'm making a big deal out of nothing? I'm sleeping with a braid of garlic under my pillow. Just in case.
April 20, 2011
Thought for the day
"No road is long with good company." ~ Turkish proverb
Thanks to everyone who keeps me company on my road! (You know who you are.)
Thanks to everyone who keeps me company on my road! (You know who you are.)
April 19, 2011
Winston Wonders
Not that I think one species is better than another, but it does seem to me that more writers and illustrators have dogs than have cats. I mean, my cousin Dash is Mary Nethery's right hand feline, and Karen Cushman and Cynthia Leitich Smith get a ton of help from their purrfect pals. But even counting my dew claws, I don't have enough "toes" to count up all the writer dogs I know: Cynthia Lord's Milo; Barbara O'Connor's Ruby and Mattie; Lois Lowry's Alfie; Kathryn Galbraith's Teddy; Bonny Becker's Henry; Sara Easterly has Peetey and Lucy; Jaime Temairik has Logan; and then there are a bunch of great writers whose dogs I haven't met yet: Kim Baker, Martha Brockenbrough, Grier Jewell, Laura Kvasnosky, Joni Sensel, and Trenton Lee Stewart, just to name a few.So all you new writers and illustrators out there wanting advice on how to break in to the biz?
Get a dog.
Woof!
April 18, 2011
Ta-dah, Tasha!
My friend, Natasha Wing, has a new book due out May 12. She is the author of this wonderful and award-winning nonfiction picture book:
She's also had amazing success with a variety of of "night before books" and checked in with me to tell me about about her latest:
Tasha: As the school year nears an end, preschools across the country are gearing up for graduation. I've had schools contact me for signed copies of The Night Before Kindergarten to give to each kid who graduates from their preschool to prepare them for Kindergarten. One district started this tradition more than 5 years ago and has already ordered 185 copies! I'll be signing book plates for them with each child's name on it.
New this May is a companion book The Night Before Kindergarten - A Sticker Story book with 16 pages of scenes from the book and 75 stickers with which to decorate the pages.
Some schools will be handing out The Night Before Kindergarten to incoming students during their open houses, meet the teacher day, or the first day of school.
Kirby: What a great idea, Tasha. These are such attractive books -- love the illustrations and also love the idea of a book to help kids feel less stressed about moving to the big kids' school. So, Dear Reader, if you're looking for a way to prepare a child in your life for preschool, The Night Before Preschool comes out May 12th. (Tasha also has The Night Before First Grade!) I may have to get one for Winston.
She's also had amazing success with a variety of of "night before books" and checked in with me to tell me about about her latest:
Tasha: As the school year nears an end, preschools across the country are gearing up for graduation. I've had schools contact me for signed copies of The Night Before Kindergarten to give to each kid who graduates from their preschool to prepare them for Kindergarten. One district started this tradition more than 5 years ago and has already ordered 185 copies! I'll be signing book plates for them with each child's name on it.New this May is a companion book The Night Before Kindergarten - A Sticker Story book with 16 pages of scenes from the book and 75 stickers with which to decorate the pages.
Some schools will be handing out The Night Before Kindergarten to incoming students during their open houses, meet the teacher day, or the first day of school.
Kirby: What a great idea, Tasha. These are such attractive books -- love the illustrations and also love the idea of a book to help kids feel less stressed about moving to the big kids' school. So, Dear Reader, if you're looking for a way to prepare a child in your life for preschool, The Night Before Preschool comes out May 12th. (Tasha also has The Night Before First Grade!) I may have to get one for Winston.
April 17, 2011
Hope for Haiti
My sweet friend, Jesse Joshua Watson, has not only created a beautiful book to help kids in Haiti,
he is leaving in a week for another trip and is raising money to buy soccer balls and other equipment! His blog makes it oh-so-easy to donate dollars for this good cause. I know we all get hit up all the time but even $5 would help!
Hit the "Donate Now!" button soon -- Jesse leaves really soon.
he is leaving in a week for another trip and is raising money to buy soccer balls and other equipment! His blog makes it oh-so-easy to donate dollars for this good cause. I know we all get hit up all the time but even $5 would help!
Hit the "Donate Now!" button soon -- Jesse leaves really soon.
