Mary Manz Simon's Blog, page 3
May 17, 2019
New Seuss
Seuss-lovers will delight in an upcoming release from Random House.
Another previously unpublished manuscript was discovered after the death of Dr.Seuss in 1991. (The initial “found book” was What Pet Should I Get? published in 2015.)
This new book, which was found with unfinished sketches, sounds like fun: a horse leads children on a tour through an art museum.
Favorite Seuss characters including the Grinch, Horton and the Cat in the Hat will make “cameo appearances” on the pages.
April 29, 2019
Happy Children’s Book Week
Today marks 100 years and counting for Children’s Book Week.
In the past decade, diversity has been one of the strongest themes in the children’s publishing category. And that’s essential, because the multicultural future arrived long ago.
It’s taken time to reach both inside and outside the children’s book category, but we now have artists, illustrators, authors, designers, editors and production staff who humanize children’s publishing from the ground up.
Today, I’m grateful that books don’t merely reach my five grandsons, but connect with them in relevant ways. The best way to celebrate the next 100 years is by sharing a book with a child today!
April 16, 2019
In the driver’s seat
Children love to decide what happens in “choose your own adventure” books.
Some TV shows will be adding this element to children’s programming. Allowing children to create the narrative for familiar and beloved characters is a sure way to keep kids engaged in the story.
April 12, 2019
Sweet sleep
Serving a cup of warm milk is the traditional way to encourage a child to fall asleep.
But watch for the appearance of sleep-friendly (and kid-friendly) desserts and treats. This new category of “functional food” will include treats that won’t disrupt sleep, don’t use artificial sleep aids, but are clearly designed to be “cozy, nighttime foods.”
April 5, 2019
Food as entertainment?
We’ve raised an entire generation of junior chefs.
With all the online food channels, videos and posts for inspiration, it’s not surprising that kids view food as entertainment.
These kitchen kids are great at discovering new sources for ideas, too. Finding content in store ads, websites, flyers, blogs, company websites, recipe sites, TV or streaming food shows, it’s time for us to enjoy the fruit of their labor.
Literally!
April 3, 2019
The spring rush hour
Spring isn’t only for spring cleaning.
For parents, there’s also a need to shop. Really! A shopping spree will typically include buying for Easter, Father’s Day, graduation and end of school.
Moms don’t only shop for sisters, grandmothers, mothers-in-laws, etc. on Mother’s Day, but also for themselves. Actually, researchers tell us most Mother’s Day gifts are purchased by moms.
Surprised? (Not really.)
April 1, 2019
Snowplow parenting
The recent college admission bribery scandal has generated at least one new term: snowplow parents.
This is being defined as moms and dads who clear out everything standing in their child’s path to success. Some observers say it’s obsessive helicopter parenting, or extreme monitoring.
Parents have always had to draw a fine line between helping a child and helping a child too much. The ongoing media commentary is continuing to profile snowplow parents who rob children of learning how to solve problems and develop adult skills.
Perhaps all this attention will trigger some moms and dads to look more closely at where they draw that line.
March 29, 2019
Digital detox
Screen-free family time is the goal of many parents when planning vacations.
Budget-lovers appreciate the low fees of state and national parks and campgrounds. If you’re considering popular locations, don’t delay: book cabins and campsites now for summer.
And if it’s a first-time camping experience, try a one night getaway at a location close to home.
March 27, 2019
Sharenting
Children of early tech adopters are discovering that very personal stories about them have been available online for years.
Because some parents post information online even before a child is born, that person’s internet identity has been shaped completely without permission. Sharenting, or when a parent uploads information about a child, is triggering serious conversations.
How much veto power should a child have?
Should a parent have free rein to publicly share their child’s image?
Who determines where and how to draw the lines around a child’s digital presence?
These questions are merely at the tip of the iceberg.
March 25, 2019
Hurray for the board book
I’ve just finished an annual volunteer job I love but also find difficult: judging children’s books for a national award.
This year, I was thrilled to see a few board books were nominated. Finally!
Although sales of board books (those heavy cardboard books for very young children) are strong, some people might assume, “Anyone can write a book with just a few words.”
Well, after being a “book judge” for more than twenty years, I can tell you that not everyone can communicate effectively using a limited number of words.
So hurrah for the board book! The place where every child begins on the road to reading.
