Ellwyn Autumn's Blog, page 13

Interview With School Counselor/Author Gabi Garcia

Photo courtesy of: Gabi Garica



Gabi Garcia is a woman whose accomplishments can inspire us all to set our goals high. As a young child, she and her family came to the United States from Mexico. 
When she first arrived, Gabi knew very little English, but she didn't let that hold her back. She applied herself and soon became bilingual in Spanish and English.
After high school, she earned a Bachelor's Degree in Government and Spanish. Upon graduating, she became a teacher before getting a Master's Degree in Educational Psychology.
Today she is a licensed professional counselor, a prolific author and a proud mother.
She lives with her family in Austin, Texas.
Now that I've introduced you to Gabi, let's get to know her a little better.



Hello, Gabi, welcome to Lemon Drop Literary. Thank you for agreeing to do this interview.Thank you for having me.
Why did you become an Elementary School Counselor? I was a bilingual teacher for 4 years and realized that the students I worked with did not always have access to bilingual counseling services and there was such a great need.
What grades do you serve? (K-3, K-5?) I worked on an elementary campus for 4 years and served students K-5. After that I became a Special Education Counselor in my district where I served students who received special education support in grades K-12! I did this for 12 years.
What are the responsibilities of an Elementary School Counselor? So many! When I was on a campus, I provided classroom guidance lessons to all grade levels (weekly & biweekly), individual and group counseling, mentor/volunteer coordinator, 504 coordinator, parent and teacher support, ARDs and other duties as required that I am possibly forgetting.:)
What are your concerns regarding the mental health of young children? I am concerned that there is not enough support to address these needs. 
Campus counselors are overburdened, and community resources seem to always have their funds scaled back, meanwhile it is our kids who pay the price.
Have cuts to education effected School Counselors? If yes, how so? Most definitely! School counselors wear so many hats and one of the things I saw in my district was a great deal of burnout.

English Version                 How has your School Counseling experience influenced your writing?My work has been a huge influence. I think it is critical that we give our students the tools to be caring, engaged, thoughtful individuals that see their worth beyond test taking. 
One of the reasons I wrote Listening with My Heart is because I saw how hard kids could be on themselves when they made mistakes or things didn’t go the way they wanted. 
I also realized that adults talk to kids a lot about how to be friends to others, but not about how to be friends to themselves and this is so important!
What inspired you to become a writer? I have always had notebooks of stories or poems I was working on, but it took me a while to give myself permission to share my work with the world. 
In a way, I see my writing as an extension of my counseling work. It is my intention that my books will be of service somehow. This inspires me to keep writing.

English Version
Which genre do you write? Currently I am only writing children’s picture books.
What do you find most challenging writing for your genre? Children’s books need to be short otherwise, kids (and adults) can get bored. You need to convey the story/ message in 500-600 words, which can be tough.
What are you working on now? I am working on a children’s picture book called Mateo Finds His Wow: A story of Wonder & Gratitudewhich will be out late April/early May.


                   How many books have you written? I have written 4 books: Listening to My Body, Listening with My Heart, I Can Do Hard Things, and my soon to be released book Mateo Finds His Wow.
What has been your most rewarding experience since publishing your work?It has been incredibly rewarding to hear from kids, parents and educators who take the time to let me know that they my books have been useful to them or supported their work in some way. It is very humbling.
What advice would you give to authors just starting out? Make the time to write and don’t worry about it being good. Write.

Spanish Version
What message are you sharing in your books? All of my books have an underlying message I hope teaches children to be mindful and kind to themselves, although they all do it in different ways. 
Listening to My Bodyteaches kids that the better they get at paying attention to their bodies and their feelings, the better they’ll get at treating themselves with kindness and care, Listening with My Heart teaches kids to pay attention to how they talk to themselves and the importance of being a friend to themselves, and ICan Do Hard Things teaches them to pay attention to their inner voice and values so they can be true to themselves.
When you're not writing where can we find you? I have an almost 6-year-old daughter, so I spend most of my time playing, riding bikes or otherwise engaged with her and my family. I also love going on walks, practicing yoga and reading.
What are your favorite books? The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisnero, A Wrinkle In Time by Madeline L’Engle, Trauma Through a Child’s Eyes by Peter Levine and Maggie Kline, The Body Keeps Score by Bessel Van Der Kolk, and anything by Brene Brown.
What are your favorite TV shows/movies? I really enjoy food shows like Chef’s Table, Ugly Delicious and most recently Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat.

Spanish Version
Is there anything else you'd like your readers to know about you? I am so deeply grateful for the work that teachers and counselors do. It is such important work and while I am not in a school at this time; I do hope that my books can be of use and support the work that educators do.
Do you have a website/Facebook page? Yes! Gabigarciabooks.com has free downloadable reader’s guides that accompany all my books. 
My hope is that these materials will be useful to you (about 80%) even if you don’t have the books.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gabigarciabooks/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gabigarciabooks/
Where can we find your books? Amazon
Thank you, Gabi, for spending time with us and sharing your story. We wish you continued success and lots of luck!

Book Review: Silly Willy Apple Cake

Author: Amelia GriggsIllustrator: Winda MulyasariPublisher: Amelia GriggsReleased: April 11, 2019Format: Kindle, PaperbackISBN: 978-1092879712Reviewer: Ellwyn AutumnRating: 4 Lemon Drops
Silly Willy Apple Cake is a story with a great recipe for love and fond childhood memories!



ReviewSilly Willy Apple Cake is a sweet slice-of-life tale that takes us inside the happy kitchen of Bella and her mother Mia. 
Told through charming rhymes, the book begins with the duo picking apples at a farm. Once their baskets are full, they quickly decide to make an apple cake when they get home.
After inspecting the apples, they mix them up in a bowl with flour, sugar and spices then pop it in the oven. While they wait for the cake to bake, they spend the evening playing a silly willy word game. 
Before long, the cake finishes and mother and daughter end their special day eating scrumptious pieces of apple cake. Yummy!
I enjoyed the wholesome message of 'family time' shared in this book. In today's fast-paced society, parents and children need to unplug from electronic devices and engage in pleasurable interactive activities. 
Making a meal or a special dessert is a perfect opportunity to create positive memories that will last a lifetime.
Another wonderful feature about cooking or baking with children is the educational value involved with the process. 
Kids can learn a great deal across the curriculum from this seemingly simple act:vocabulary, measurement, following a sequence of directions, collaboration, using the five senses, health, nutrition, family traditions. 
In addition to the rhyming words, another wonderful educational element is the list of action words used in the story: washing, cutting, mincing, slicing, chopping, peeling, mashing and dicing. 
A Kindergarten teacher could also utilize this to introduce and reinforce 'ing' words. The King of Ing rules!
While writing the story, Griggs', drew inspiration from the enjoyable moments she spent baking with her own mother when she was a young girl. 
Because she cherishes these childhood memories and wants her readers to create their own special moments, she included a recipe for Apple Cake at the end of the book. 
I can think of no greater gift for an author to share with others.    
Winda Mulyasari's illustrations are cute, colorful and sprinkled with a generous serving of sweetness that's endearing. They capture the playfulness of the characters and compliment the story in a lovely way.
I give it 4 Super Sweet Lemon Drops!


4 Lemon Drops!

Happy Memorial Day

Book Review: Butters Comes Home

Author: Claudette MelansonIllustrator: Rachel MontreuilPublisher: Claudette MelansonReleased: March 26, 2016ISBN: 978-0995976610Format: Hardcover, Paperback, KindleReviewer: Ellwyn AutumnRating: 4 Lemon DropsThis was a verified purchase on Amazon.
Butters Comes Home tells the story of a young bunny yearning for a forever home.



ReviewButters, his mama, and his five brothers and sisters live on a farm in a wire cage alongside other cages full of chickens. At first Butters is happy and content snuggling with his family in the cold shed. 
Shortly after being born, the farmer separates Butters and his siblings from Mama and puts them in a wire-bottomed cage that hurts Butters’ feet.
One by one, people adopt Butters’ siblings, leaving him all alone and sorrowful. Before long, Butters loses heart he'll ever find a loving human family because of his large size. 
The customers who enter the shed all want little baby bunnies. Then, one warm day Butters' fortune seems about to change when a friendly lady picks him up and smiles at him.      

Butters is an adorable Holland Lop Bunny who will hop his way right into your heart. The story, told through his point of view, shows the struggle animals experience before finding a stable home. It’s a wonderful book to foster compassion and animal awareness in children. 
I appreciated how effortlessly Melanson incorporated proper care of rabbits into the narrative. She reveals that Butters enjoys eating healthy food like alfalfa hay and playing with toys composed of wood and sisal. This is an excellent lesson for youngsters (or a teacher) who'd like to adopt a bunny as a pet.
Montreuil‘s tender illustrations compliment the story perfectly and encapsulate the variety of emotions Butters experiences throughout the book.   
4 Lemon Drops!

Conversation Starter

This one was tough for me to answer because I genuinely like both characters. They‘re powerful wizards with splendid beards, they've each won epic battles and provide wise counsel during perilous situations. 
After considering it for a while, I decided that I'd rather eat lemon drops with Dumbledore. Here's why:
1. The name of this blog is Lemon Drop Literary. What kind of blogger would I be if I didn't stay faithful to the name I chose for it?
2. I have asthma so smoking anything with anyone is obviously out of the question.
3. Dumbledore knows how to turn a phrase.
4. Dumbledore is Head Master of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Enough said!
5. As a former schoolteacher, I stand in solidarity with anyone who instructs young minds and advocates for the future of children.

 Who did you choose!

Story Starter! Where Is She Going?

Photo courtesy of: Jill Wellington; courtesy of: Pixabay


This is a great picture for scene setting and character development. It opens the imagination to so many possibilities. 
The pretty platinum blonde, a chiffon scarf wrapped artfully around her head, cruising in her turquoise car through the sun-drenched country side. 
What secrets linger behind her serene expression? What does she see through the passenger side window?
Not only can a writer speculate where she's going, but the vintage car and the clothes give fodder for other possibilities. Since they both represent a distinct time period, it's important that writers stay true to the norms of that era: the music, the current events, the technology, the societal roles of men and women.
For accuracy and authenticity, it may require research. Even a fiction piece, demands that historical details be carefully presented. Executing this task well yields an author credibility and readers.
So, where is this woman going? Here's my list:
1. Drive-In Movie (Later that night.)2. Elvis Concert3. The Beach4. Cocktail Party5. Sister's House To Play Cards6. Bowling League Game7. To Meet Her Secret Lover8. To Hear John F. Kennedy Give A Speech
Where do you think she's going?

Earth Day 2019!

Book Review: Franky

Authors: Meri Murphy and Tsalaph Murphy KeonerIllustrators: Meri Murphy and Tsalaph Murphy KeonerPublisher: Page Publishing, Inc.Released: June 27, 2018Format: Paperback and KindleReviewer: Ellwyn AutumnRating: 3 StarsI received a free copy of the book.
A book that tells the story of one ladybug's journey across a farmyard. Review:Franky is the story of a one of a kind ladybug. The feature that makes him unique is the heart-shaped dot on his back. One morning, Franky, decides he wants to travel across the farmyard to the windmill on the other side. All alone, he sets off on an adventure. 
Along the way he flies away from other creatures that frighten him and takes a few naps to regain his strength. Determined to make it to the windmill, Franky keeps going and reaches his destination.
While I enjoyed the bright and colorful illustrations of the book, I found the story didn't quite hit its mark. As a former early childhood teacher, I read a book through the lens of an educator and search for the teachable moments authors/illustrators convey through the words and pictures on each page. 
There were several themes that could have been explored that would have made the story much more gratifying.
Franky is a determined little fellow who overcomes many struggles, but he falls asleep after each new encounter. Instead of speaking with the other creatures who startle him, he avoids them and flies off alone. 
It may have been fun to see him overcome his social awkwardness by making friends along the way who journeyed with him to the windmill.
I also expected his heart-shaped dot to have more significance in the story. When he is introduced on the first page, the heart is front and center and marks him as unique.
I give it 3 Stars!

Interview With Author/Teacher Christina Francine

Christina Francine's motto is, imagination is key. Not only for artists but for everyone. It's the key to our survival.
As an author, teacher and researcher, Christina infuses her beliefs into everything she does and hopes that others will get the message she's helping to spread:                      Students are individuals who crave liberation from formulaic curriculums and standardized tests. Like every generation whose come before them, they need to broaden their minds through creativity, trial and error and investigation; not regurgitate pre-packaged lessons that lack spontaneity, originality and FUN!
Christina enjoys cultivating medicinal herbs and is an Adjunct English Instructor at The University at Buffalo. 
Now that I have introduced you to Christina, let's get to know her a little better.



Hello, Christina, welcome to Lemon Drop Literary. Thank you for agreeing to do this interview.Thank you for having me.
Why did you become a teacher?I’ve always felt a calling to make a difference and teaching allows me to do that every day.
What grade do you teach?I teach a wide range of students from pre-k to college level, but mostly academic college writing.
How has your teaching experience influenced your writing?Not only does teaching remind me of how difficult some things are to learn, but also that different people learn in different ways. My daughters remind me I over explain sometimes, but it is because not everyone understands because of my style of teaching.
As a result, I often have to cut back after writing because I’ve put too much  there, over explained. I’d say much of what I write is not only for young people, people but for those working with them.
I want people to understand and to remember how it is to be young and struggle. Many of my stories reflect this.
What inspired you to become a writer?Since I was little, my imagination has been big, but I suppose the biggest jump into writing stories down was when my 4thgrade teacher asked us to write a story.
That story turned out to be the one I revised recently about a talking pen. It’s a Reader, Level #3 story for beginning readers and it will be released sometime Fall 2019. 
Imagination is also where invention lies, and the world has a lot of problems that imagination can solve. 



Which genres do you write?There are a few:  Fantasy, Romance, and Mystery. And mainly for these audiences: Children & Young Adult (YA).
What do you find most challenging writing for your genre?When I write, I get “into” my characters’ heads, and have to experience the pain, difficulties, and frustrations each goes through. Doing so makes the writing more authentic.
What are you working on now?A fantasy novel meant for young adults about a dream keeper for Earth’s children who falls in love with a musician, even though she is not allowed a mate and jeopardizes her health and some of her young charges.
The story is under consideration by a big name publisher. I just completed another picture book and a mystery chapter book for middle grade.
How many books have you written?I’ve written six and two will be released this fall. I’m hoping the fantasy is next.
There is a non-fiction work I’ve done a lot of research for. The Journal of Literacy Innovation, an academic journal, published in the Spring 2016.
The analysis on why students across the nation are at Basic level as opposed to Proficient or Advanced after examining the Nation’s Report Card.
The work argues writing is not where it could be nationally for a few reasons, the largest being a prompt for a right formula/answer as opposed to following individual voice. There is too much focus on state tests and not enough on imagination. https://journalofli teracyinnovation.weebly.com/uploads/1/5/9/4/15949950/jliapril2016issuefinal.pdf
What has been your most rewarding experience since publishing your work?Reading my work to children and watching their reaction. Them connecting play and imagination to invention.
What advice would you give to authors just starting out?It’s been said often, but it’s true, don’t give up. Whatever you want, hang in there. Find other writers who support your effort and understand what you’re trying to accomplish. Get feedback on what you write.
What message are you sharing in your books?Everyone matters and has something to contribute.
When you’re not writing, where can we find you?With family, gardening, or working on material for students.
What are your favorite books?There are too many to name, but I do like to give these picture books at baby showers: Wherever You Are by Nancy Tillman and Love You Forever by Robert Munsch and Sheila MaGraw.      What are your favorite TV shows/movies?TV shows: I like sit-coms such as The Big Bang, Young Sheldon,and Everybody Loves Raymond because they make me laugh.
Movies: Lord of the Rings, The Matrix Series, Men In Black, City of Angels, You’ve Got Mail,and Somewhere In Time.
Is there anything else you'd like your readers to know about you?I believe individual learning style may solve world problems.
A movie producer wants to turn your book into a movie and you get to make a cameo. What would you do in the movie?I’d be Emily’s kindergarten teacher in Special Memoryon her first day of school.

 An elf named 12-25 approaches you. He's sneezing, wheezing, coughing and there's a strange tattoo of a snoring dog on his cheek. What do you do?I’d say “Bless you,” and hand him a couple of tissues.
Do you have a website/Facebook page?        Website:  https://ChritinaFrancine.com         Twitter:   https://twitter.com/ChristinaKenni        LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinafw/        Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/christina.francine.3
Where can we find your books?        Waldorf Publishing and later this fall most other outlets such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble, etc.          www.waldorfpublishing.com          *  Special Memory pre-orders available at:                  https://www.waldorfpublishing.com/collections/2019/products/special-memory         Release date is Sept. 15th, 2019·         Mr. Inker the Talking Pen Finds a Home (pre-orders coming soon). Keep checking Waldorf Publishing for now.
Thank you, Christina, for spending time with us and sharing your story. We wish you continued success with your work and lots of luck!

9 Reasons I'd Fly With Han Solo

I'd choose Han Solo.
Don't get me wrong, Jon Snow is my favorite character on Game of Thrones. He's brave, selfless and true to his word. I would definitely trust him to have my back in a fight, but Han Solo has been one of my all time favorite characters since I was a little kid. 
After seeing Star Wars, I wanted to become an astronaut and fly around the galaxy in The Mellinium Falcon. 
You can imagine my supreme disappointment when I was told it wasn't possible. That didn't stop me though. I decided I'd create my own worlds and travel to them instead. Who needs a spaceship when you've got an imagination that can take you anywhere you want to go?
But, other than being the coolest space pirate around why would I choose Han over Jon? I've comprised a list.
1. He's Han Solo. (Sorry, I know I've said that already, but it bears repeating.)
2. He flies the fastest ship in the galaxy. Don't forget it "made the Kessel Run in less than twelve parsecs."   
3. He's always up to something that's dangerous and fun. (And he usually gets away in his ship. That's another plus!) Also, the experiences would make great stories to tell my grand kids. 
4. He's best buds with Chewbacca. Who wouldn't want to hang out with a Wookie?
5. Even though Darth Vader and the Empire are always on Han's tail, the Whitewalkers are just plain creepy and they're dead. At least the Storm Troopers are alive.
6. I like winter. I guess it's a side-effect of being a public school teacher, but I love a snow day. I'm a grown-up who still gets excited when it snows and I don't mind shoveling my driveway.  
Still, I wouldn't want to live in a world where winter lasted years. I mean come on, the long night is here now and it's bitter cold. 
Flying with Han Solo, we could hop aboard The Mellinium Falcon, leave winter behind, and go somewhere warm and sunny whenever we wanted.
7. You know what they say in Westeros, "The night is dark and full of terrors." In a galaxy far, far away they say, "May the force be with you." Which one sounds more inviting to you? For me it's a no-brainer. 

8. Hanging out with Han Solo also means spending time with Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia. If Luke's around, there's going to be some cool 'Force' stuff going on. With Leia on board, I'd be able to watch Han and her bicker. That's always a good time.
9. Dragons are really cool but so are Ewoks and droids like R2-D2. Oh yeah, and don't forget Yoda and Lando.
Do you agree/disagree? Comment below, I'd love to hear your reply.