Aileen Stewart's Blog, page 14
October 17, 2016
Field Trips, Wild Chickens, and Dragons at the Library.
Now that Farmers' Market is over, we have had Saturdays free which means Field Trips! The weekend before last, we went to our first ever corn maze which was quite exciting. They had choices of different clue papers so we chose the Bible clues. There was also a petting zoo with a really laid back bunny (really laid back), corn hole, and more.
This past weekend, we traveled a bit farther and visited the Warther property in Dover, Ohio which includes the Warther home, The Button House, the grounds, and The Warther Carving Museum. If you live in Ohio and have never been here, I suggest you visit. It is a spectacular place and the man was probably the world's best master carver ever. All trains and factory models are working models and have thousands of hand carved parts. And when you're done, head on back to Berlin for some great broasted chicken at the Berlin Farmstead Restaurant where, like Emily, you can ride the wild chicken.
All this fun and gallivanting around did leave less time for reading, but this week I managed to read a fun book that encourages visits to the local library and ownership of a library card. With both rhyme and repetition, this story, Do Not Bring Your Dragon To The Library, is good selection for both the dragon lover and the library lover in your life. And while it is totally not appropriate to bring your dragon to the library, don't despair, the librarian in the story has a solution.
Well, that about wraps it up for this week. Join me next week for another exciting episode, same crazy time, same crazy channel. Also be sure to drop by and join the Literacy Musing Monday Link Up where you will find other great blogs, or my personal website Fun With Aileen where you will find more on reading, writing, and my very own chapter and picture books. And finally, you can find me on twitter @AileenWStewart if you want an extremely brief glimpse into my days.
This past weekend, we traveled a bit farther and visited the Warther property in Dover, Ohio which includes the Warther home, The Button House, the grounds, and The Warther Carving Museum. If you live in Ohio and have never been here, I suggest you visit. It is a spectacular place and the man was probably the world's best master carver ever. All trains and factory models are working models and have thousands of hand carved parts. And when you're done, head on back to Berlin for some great broasted chicken at the Berlin Farmstead Restaurant where, like Emily, you can ride the wild chicken.
All this fun and gallivanting around did leave less time for reading, but this week I managed to read a fun book that encourages visits to the local library and ownership of a library card. With both rhyme and repetition, this story, Do Not Bring Your Dragon To The Library, is good selection for both the dragon lover and the library lover in your life. And while it is totally not appropriate to bring your dragon to the library, don't despair, the librarian in the story has a solution.
Well, that about wraps it up for this week. Join me next week for another exciting episode, same crazy time, same crazy channel. Also be sure to drop by and join the Literacy Musing Monday Link Up where you will find other great blogs, or my personal website Fun With Aileen where you will find more on reading, writing, and my very own chapter and picture books. And finally, you can find me on twitter @AileenWStewart if you want an extremely brief glimpse into my days.
October 10, 2016
Looking for Moose
I know we are only in the beginning of October, but I am already super excited and preparing for Emily's and my trip to the Central Massachusetts Children's Book Festival in Gardner Massachusetts November 12th. Last year we took this trip, and we decided this year it would once again be a girls only trip. This time, however, we are taking a few extra days to stop at Hershey Pennsylvania. We are going to stay at the Hershey Lodge which has an indoor water park. We are going to visit Hershey World and learn about chocolate. And if we have time, we might even visit Zoo America. This is the perfect stop since we just studied about the history of chocolate and the history of Milton Hershey.
Last year when we made this trip we saw numerous moose crossing signs and although we kept a sharp eye out for moose, we didn't see any. So when I was at the library picking out books last week and I saw a book titled The Invisible Moose, I thought about our upcoming trip and hoped that maybe this year we will see a moose in person. I also thought about my friend Lisa who has two great children's books featuring moose. You see where I'm going with this don't you? And of course you are correct. this weeks reviews are all books featuring moose.
The first book I read and mentioned above, The Invisible Moose, was surprisingly sweet. It was the story of a shy moose trying to gain enough courage to speak to a lovely girl moose. Unfortunately by the time he gathered that courage and started a conversation a very bad trapper captured her and carted her off to New York City. With the help of a wise owl, Moose traveled to the city and rescued his new love. I don't want to give too much away so I won't say more, but I am sure kids will love this interesting story.
The second book I read, Moose On The Loose, reminded me of a song by Ozmotli that has the same name. The book was a very silly rhyming story of a missing moose. Every page added another person to help in the search and another rhyming animal they had seen in addition to the moose. Besides a moose on the loose, there was also a chartreuse caboose involved. This book is quite old but definitely worth seeing if your library has a copy; unfortunately I couldn't find a cover photo.
And finally, this post brings me back to the moose books I mentioned by my friend Lisa. I first met Lisa in 2011 at the Sandstone Book Expo where we were signing copies of our books. Her book at the time was a fabulous memoir called My Hero, My Ding about the special relationship between her and her grandfather. Lisa turned out to be a funny, warm, and witty person and I feel blessed to have made her acquaintance. Since that day, I have learned many things about Lisa. She is a teacher from Chicago, she is a talented writer, and she has a penchant for collecting moose. Did I say a penchant? Perhaps obsession is more like it. What ever you call it, that collection is what inspired her to write The Moose at the Manger. So if you like to Christmas shop a little early, I would recommend you check this book. Then you too, can share Muse the Moose's journey as he looses his family, worships at the manger, and finds his family once again. Even if you don't have children who might enjoy this book, snatch up one or two copies for all the moose lovers you know.
Her other moose book, Mark the Missing Moose, was born out of a family friend's tragedy, a suicide to be exact. Both the mother of the deceased and Lisa recognized the need to let children know that they can and should talk about anything bothering them no matter how painful or difficult. Lisa gently and beautifully tells the story of a young boy who recognizes that opening up and letting others in really helps.
Well, that about wraps it up for this week. Join me next week for another exciting episode, same crazy time, same crazy channel. Also be sure to drop by and join the Literacy Musing Monday Link Up where you will find other great blogs, or my personal website Fun With Aileen where you will find more on reading, writing, and my very own chapter and picture books. And finally, you can find me on twitter @AileenWStewart if you want an extremely brief glimpse into my days.
Last year when we made this trip we saw numerous moose crossing signs and although we kept a sharp eye out for moose, we didn't see any. So when I was at the library picking out books last week and I saw a book titled The Invisible Moose, I thought about our upcoming trip and hoped that maybe this year we will see a moose in person. I also thought about my friend Lisa who has two great children's books featuring moose. You see where I'm going with this don't you? And of course you are correct. this weeks reviews are all books featuring moose.
The first book I read and mentioned above, The Invisible Moose, was surprisingly sweet. It was the story of a shy moose trying to gain enough courage to speak to a lovely girl moose. Unfortunately by the time he gathered that courage and started a conversation a very bad trapper captured her and carted her off to New York City. With the help of a wise owl, Moose traveled to the city and rescued his new love. I don't want to give too much away so I won't say more, but I am sure kids will love this interesting story.
The second book I read, Moose On The Loose, reminded me of a song by Ozmotli that has the same name. The book was a very silly rhyming story of a missing moose. Every page added another person to help in the search and another rhyming animal they had seen in addition to the moose. Besides a moose on the loose, there was also a chartreuse caboose involved. This book is quite old but definitely worth seeing if your library has a copy; unfortunately I couldn't find a cover photo.
And finally, this post brings me back to the moose books I mentioned by my friend Lisa. I first met Lisa in 2011 at the Sandstone Book Expo where we were signing copies of our books. Her book at the time was a fabulous memoir called My Hero, My Ding about the special relationship between her and her grandfather. Lisa turned out to be a funny, warm, and witty person and I feel blessed to have made her acquaintance. Since that day, I have learned many things about Lisa. She is a teacher from Chicago, she is a talented writer, and she has a penchant for collecting moose. Did I say a penchant? Perhaps obsession is more like it. What ever you call it, that collection is what inspired her to write The Moose at the Manger. So if you like to Christmas shop a little early, I would recommend you check this book. Then you too, can share Muse the Moose's journey as he looses his family, worships at the manger, and finds his family once again. Even if you don't have children who might enjoy this book, snatch up one or two copies for all the moose lovers you know.
Her other moose book, Mark the Missing Moose, was born out of a family friend's tragedy, a suicide to be exact. Both the mother of the deceased and Lisa recognized the need to let children know that they can and should talk about anything bothering them no matter how painful or difficult. Lisa gently and beautifully tells the story of a young boy who recognizes that opening up and letting others in really helps.
Well, that about wraps it up for this week. Join me next week for another exciting episode, same crazy time, same crazy channel. Also be sure to drop by and join the Literacy Musing Monday Link Up where you will find other great blogs, or my personal website Fun With Aileen where you will find more on reading, writing, and my very own chapter and picture books. And finally, you can find me on twitter @AileenWStewart if you want an extremely brief glimpse into my days.
October 3, 2016
Cats, Cats, Cats
I can't believe October is already here and Christmas is just around the corner. And while I have loved managing the Farmers' Market here in my home town, I am ready to take a break. Our last market was loads of fun and my Avon vendor led children in a dance party while our local dj spun us some great tunes!
But, now that market is over I can focus on traveling to book festivals, participating in local craft fairs with my story sister and fellow author, Deborah Boerema, and getting ready for the coming holidays.
And speaking of market being over, that also leaves me more time to read books. So this week, in honor of my three crazy cats, I read three cat books. The first book was titled, Holly, and is illustrated and written by Ruth Brown. It is the story of a stray kitten adopted near Christmas time. and while it is several years old and not readily available online, it is definitely worth seeing if your library has a copy. I liked this book because it reminded me of our first cat Max who was also a stray dumped in our neighborhood.
The next book I read was Hero Cat by Eileen Spinelli, and author I have read before. It is the story of another stray cat, a momma with kittens. One day while she is out getting something to eat, a fire breaks out endangering her five kittens. Despite the spoke and heat, she manages to rescue them all much to the amazement of one of the firefighters who takes them all to a rescue center. Like the first story, this one is also based on a real cat.
And last, but not least, I read Calico's Curious Kittens which follows the adventures of some curious and sometimes naughty kittens who gallivant until nap-time. As they explore their world, they make a large new friend along the way and have a few mishaps until momma cat shows up to take them home.
Well, that about wraps it up for this week. Join me next week for another exciting episode, same crazy time, same crazy channel. Also be sure to drop by and join the Literacy Musing Monday Link Up where you will find other great blogs, or my personal website Fun With Aileen where you will find more on reading, writing, and my very own chapter and picture books. And finally, you can find me on twitter @AileenWStewart if you want an extremely brief glimpse into my days.
But, now that market is over I can focus on traveling to book festivals, participating in local craft fairs with my story sister and fellow author, Deborah Boerema, and getting ready for the coming holidays.
And speaking of market being over, that also leaves me more time to read books. So this week, in honor of my three crazy cats, I read three cat books. The first book was titled, Holly, and is illustrated and written by Ruth Brown. It is the story of a stray kitten adopted near Christmas time. and while it is several years old and not readily available online, it is definitely worth seeing if your library has a copy. I liked this book because it reminded me of our first cat Max who was also a stray dumped in our neighborhood.
The next book I read was Hero Cat by Eileen Spinelli, and author I have read before. It is the story of another stray cat, a momma with kittens. One day while she is out getting something to eat, a fire breaks out endangering her five kittens. Despite the spoke and heat, she manages to rescue them all much to the amazement of one of the firefighters who takes them all to a rescue center. Like the first story, this one is also based on a real cat.
And last, but not least, I read Calico's Curious Kittens which follows the adventures of some curious and sometimes naughty kittens who gallivant until nap-time. As they explore their world, they make a large new friend along the way and have a few mishaps until momma cat shows up to take them home.
Well, that about wraps it up for this week. Join me next week for another exciting episode, same crazy time, same crazy channel. Also be sure to drop by and join the Literacy Musing Monday Link Up where you will find other great blogs, or my personal website Fun With Aileen where you will find more on reading, writing, and my very own chapter and picture books. And finally, you can find me on twitter @AileenWStewart if you want an extremely brief glimpse into my days.
September 26, 2016
Salt Art Project and A Great Book!
Wow. This past week got away from me, and before I knew it, Monday morning arrived and I realized I had forgotten to write my blog post. So here I sit scrambling to get it done before Emily wakes up and we have to start our home school lessons.
As many of you know we home school through a private school's Independent Studies Program, so Emily attends choir practice twice a week and has all day Friday classes twice a month. On Thursday our home aide came to visit and on Friday it happened to be my day for lunch and recess duty. I think the schedule irregularities threw me off just a bit.
Speaking of homeschooling, this year I decided it would be fun for Emily and I to do art together. So whatever art project I have her accomplish, I try my hand at it as well. This week we made salt art pictures which are simple but pretty. All you need is some black construction paper, some glue, some salt, and some water color paints. The idea is to draw your picture with glue, sprinkle it with salt, and when it is dry, paint the salt. This would be a great project for children both young and old.
Emily's Salt Art
My Salt Art This week also found me reading and reviewing books by some fellow authors that I know online, and little did I know how utterly I would fall in love with The Adventures of Geraldine Woolkins by Karin Kaufman. I loved the characters. I cherished the descriptions Miss Kaufman used to describe places and things. Words that, although not what humans would say, left you knowing exactly what the animals were referring to. But most of all, I love how Miss Kaufman delicately and effortlessly wove the message of faith into each chapter. Her description of God as Very Very Big Hands is a beautiful image and one I will think of often. Since my review copy was an e-version, I without a doubt had to purchase a hard copy to hold in my hands and read over and over. It is my sincerest wish that further adventures will be forthcoming in the near future. Rock on Miss Kaufman; you have been blessed with an extraordinary writing talent!
Well, that about wraps it up for this week. Join me next week for another exciting episode, same crazy time, same crazy channel. Also be sure to drop by and join the Literacy Musing Monday Link Up where you will find other great blogs, or my personal website Fun With Aileen where you will find more on reading, writing, and my very own chapter and picture books. And finally, you can find me on twitter @AileenWStewart if you want an extremely brief glimpse into my days.
As many of you know we home school through a private school's Independent Studies Program, so Emily attends choir practice twice a week and has all day Friday classes twice a month. On Thursday our home aide came to visit and on Friday it happened to be my day for lunch and recess duty. I think the schedule irregularities threw me off just a bit.
Speaking of homeschooling, this year I decided it would be fun for Emily and I to do art together. So whatever art project I have her accomplish, I try my hand at it as well. This week we made salt art pictures which are simple but pretty. All you need is some black construction paper, some glue, some salt, and some water color paints. The idea is to draw your picture with glue, sprinkle it with salt, and when it is dry, paint the salt. This would be a great project for children both young and old.
Emily's Salt Art
My Salt Art This week also found me reading and reviewing books by some fellow authors that I know online, and little did I know how utterly I would fall in love with The Adventures of Geraldine Woolkins by Karin Kaufman. I loved the characters. I cherished the descriptions Miss Kaufman used to describe places and things. Words that, although not what humans would say, left you knowing exactly what the animals were referring to. But most of all, I love how Miss Kaufman delicately and effortlessly wove the message of faith into each chapter. Her description of God as Very Very Big Hands is a beautiful image and one I will think of often. Since my review copy was an e-version, I without a doubt had to purchase a hard copy to hold in my hands and read over and over. It is my sincerest wish that further adventures will be forthcoming in the near future. Rock on Miss Kaufman; you have been blessed with an extraordinary writing talent!
Well, that about wraps it up for this week. Join me next week for another exciting episode, same crazy time, same crazy channel. Also be sure to drop by and join the Literacy Musing Monday Link Up where you will find other great blogs, or my personal website Fun With Aileen where you will find more on reading, writing, and my very own chapter and picture books. And finally, you can find me on twitter @AileenWStewart if you want an extremely brief glimpse into my days.
September 19, 2016
Birds and Books
This week at Farmers' Market, one of my new vendors brought a feathered friend. It was six month old Green Cheeked Conure, and he was the sweetest, calmest bird I have ever seen. Of course, all the kids had to take turns holding him, and loving on him, and petting him, especially Emily.
And while I don't choose books for my review pile based on what goes on in my week, once again, something a book in the stack did. The book was Memoirs of a Parrot and it was truly a hilarious take on a parrot's life from his point of view. Every day Brock tells his friend and only other parrot in the pet shop how annoying the kids are, how aggravating constantly being called Polly is, and how he really doesn't want a cracker. And, one day, much to his dismay, an annoying m an named Todd takes him home and expects him to speak human. The days that follow are torturous for both Todd and Brock, but in the end, they finally develop an understanding!
Since I started with a bird book, I figured I might as well end with a bird book called Henny and Penny. Henny and Penny is a few years old, but it is a beautifully illustrated book about sharing and caring. Henny and Penny find out that working together is the best way to protect their eggs from egg eating snake. And when their eggs hatch, two watchful moms are better then one.
Well,that about wraps it up for this week. Join me next week for another exciting episode, same crazy time, same crazy channel. Also be sure to drop by and join the Literacy Musings Monday Blog Hop where you will find other great blogs, or my personal website Fun With Aileen where you will find more on reading, writing, and my very own chapter and picture books. And finally, you can find me on twitter @AileenWStewart if you want an extremely brief glimpse into my days.
And while I don't choose books for my review pile based on what goes on in my week, once again, something a book in the stack did. The book was Memoirs of a Parrot and it was truly a hilarious take on a parrot's life from his point of view. Every day Brock tells his friend and only other parrot in the pet shop how annoying the kids are, how aggravating constantly being called Polly is, and how he really doesn't want a cracker. And, one day, much to his dismay, an annoying m an named Todd takes him home and expects him to speak human. The days that follow are torturous for both Todd and Brock, but in the end, they finally develop an understanding!
Since I started with a bird book, I figured I might as well end with a bird book called Henny and Penny. Henny and Penny is a few years old, but it is a beautifully illustrated book about sharing and caring. Henny and Penny find out that working together is the best way to protect their eggs from egg eating snake. And when their eggs hatch, two watchful moms are better then one.
Well,that about wraps it up for this week. Join me next week for another exciting episode, same crazy time, same crazy channel. Also be sure to drop by and join the Literacy Musings Monday Blog Hop where you will find other great blogs, or my personal website Fun With Aileen where you will find more on reading, writing, and my very own chapter and picture books. And finally, you can find me on twitter @AileenWStewart if you want an extremely brief glimpse into my days.
September 12, 2016
Something Familiar In A New Situation
For many years my best friend, who my family basically adopted like a daughter, canned fruit and home made jams which she gifted to us each Christmas. Peaches, pears, apple butter, and peach jam were eagerly anticipated each December and enjoyed throughout each new year. But about six years ago, she passed away. The loss was difficult because we did practically everything together from taking vacations to attending auctions, but when the last jar of homemade goodness was consumed, the loss was once again keenly felt.
Not a stranger to grief, having lost my first husband early in life, I knew that it's not your circumstance in life but your attitude toward your circumstance that counts. At least that's what my mom always says. So, since I inherited my friends steam canner, I set about to learn something new__ how to can. I started with peaches and pears and have gotten pretty adept at those. Lat year I tried my hand at making crock pot apple butter which my husband requested again this year. And finally, just this past week, I attempted peach jam. I think it might be a bit on the too thin side; I will see when it has cooled, and I open a jar. If it is, I will try again until I get it just right.
All of this seemed to coincidentally tie in to the book I read this week. A Piece of Home, by Jeri Watts, is all about finding something familiar in a new situation. A young boy and his family make a move from Korea to the United States where they go from ordinary and everyday to un-ordinary and different. They don't know the language, no one understands them, and a feeling of despair begins to set in. That is until they start to gently adapt to their surrounds. That is__ until they find something familiar in their new home that reminds them of their old home.
I don't want to give too much away, but this is an excellent story of hope. It is also a wonderful reminder for us to be kind to those who are different or in a new situation because it must be harder then we can imagine to be in such a situation.
Well,that about wraps it up for this week. Join me next week for another exciting episode, same crazy time, same crazy channel. Also be sure to drop by and join the Literacy Musings Monday Blog Hop where you will find other great blogs, or my personal website Fun With Aileen where you will find more on reading, writing, and my very own chapter and picture books. And finally, you can find me on twitter @AileenWStewart if you want an extremely brief glimpse into my days.
Not a stranger to grief, having lost my first husband early in life, I knew that it's not your circumstance in life but your attitude toward your circumstance that counts. At least that's what my mom always says. So, since I inherited my friends steam canner, I set about to learn something new__ how to can. I started with peaches and pears and have gotten pretty adept at those. Lat year I tried my hand at making crock pot apple butter which my husband requested again this year. And finally, just this past week, I attempted peach jam. I think it might be a bit on the too thin side; I will see when it has cooled, and I open a jar. If it is, I will try again until I get it just right.
All of this seemed to coincidentally tie in to the book I read this week. A Piece of Home, by Jeri Watts, is all about finding something familiar in a new situation. A young boy and his family make a move from Korea to the United States where they go from ordinary and everyday to un-ordinary and different. They don't know the language, no one understands them, and a feeling of despair begins to set in. That is until they start to gently adapt to their surrounds. That is__ until they find something familiar in their new home that reminds them of their old home.
I don't want to give too much away, but this is an excellent story of hope. It is also a wonderful reminder for us to be kind to those who are different or in a new situation because it must be harder then we can imagine to be in such a situation.
Well,that about wraps it up for this week. Join me next week for another exciting episode, same crazy time, same crazy channel. Also be sure to drop by and join the Literacy Musings Monday Blog Hop where you will find other great blogs, or my personal website Fun With Aileen where you will find more on reading, writing, and my very own chapter and picture books. And finally, you can find me on twitter @AileenWStewart if you want an extremely brief glimpse into my days.
September 5, 2016
Authors Are People Too!
This week was Emily's and My first week back to school, and it went beautifully. There was no arguing over doing math. There was no complaining about various subjects. There wasn't even a peep when I told her we had to work a half an hour longer per day to get everything accomplished. It was a wonderful, beautiful, miracle!
One of her assignments this week was to write a letter to author Lois Sepahban. Back in April when I attended the Southern Kentucky Book Festival, Emily was told she could purchase one book, and she chose Lois's Paper Wishes. She happily read it over the summer, and wanted to let the author know how much she enjoyed it. I felt this was important for several reasons, one being that authors are people too. And by that, I mean that everyone, no matter who they are, likes to be complimented, likes to be told when they do a good job, and likes to know that what they do matters to some other person in this large and very populated world.
Paper Wishes is a historical fiction work that tells the story of ten year old Manami after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Manami and her family, being of Japanese descent, were summarily rousted from their homes and sent to internment camps. Forced to leave behind all that was familiar and all that she held dear including her small dog, Manami tries to make sense of her frightening new world. Emily loved many things about this story but what she loved most was that it was told from Manami's ten year old point of view. Although a horrific part of our American history, this story shares the truly courageous and enduring spirit of a people wrongly accused.
Recently, author Shana Gorian showed me a great kindness by hosting me for a question and answer session on her website. These paying it forward moments, fellow author support, or just plain kindnesses are a huge part in keeping an author on the literary track. You can only imagine how many times an author feels like throwing in the towel. And in honor of the pay it forward spirit, I am happy to be able to do the same for her.
Shana is the author of The Roscoe The Rascal Series, but she recently updated, Rosco the Rascal Visits the Pumpkin Patch, by giving it a fresh and inviting cover. Apparently there are also fresh new illustrations by Josh Addessi as well. Rosco the Rascal series for kids, consist of chapter books in which a sometimes rascally German shepherd uses his true heroic nature to help his pals, James and Mandy, find adventure and overcome obstacles. Although I have not yet read any of Shana's works, they do look and sound appealing!
Shana wanted me to let all my readers know that she is offering a free giveaway of the first two chapters of this book in PDF format to all new subscribers. You can join her at www.shanagorian.com where you can subscribe to her VIP email list. Or if you are a Kindle Unlimited Subscriber, you can download the Kindle version for free or for a mere $1.99 for a regular Kindle copy. It is also available in paperback for those "I love to hold the book" people!
I was interested to learn that Shana grew up in Western Pennsylvania and currently lives in California. The opposite is true for me. I was born in Oakland, California and now reside in Ohio. It seems she is a jack-of-all trades as well. She has worked as a part-time nanny, a reporter, a camp counselor, a web designer, a waitress, a newspaper and pizza delivery gal, and a mother of two. She has gathered her wealth of material for fun and unusual stories by watching her real life German shepherd, but admits that most of the trouble that Roscoe and his gang get into is entirely fictitious.
Well, that about wraps it up for this week. Join me next week for another exciting episode, same crazy time, same crazy channel. Also be sure to drop by and join the Literacy Musings Monday Blog Hop where you will find other great blogs, or my personal website Fun With Aileen where you will find more on reading, writing, and my very own chapter and picture books. And finally, you can find me on twitter @AileenWStewart if you want an extremely brief glimpse into my days.
One of her assignments this week was to write a letter to author Lois Sepahban. Back in April when I attended the Southern Kentucky Book Festival, Emily was told she could purchase one book, and she chose Lois's Paper Wishes. She happily read it over the summer, and wanted to let the author know how much she enjoyed it. I felt this was important for several reasons, one being that authors are people too. And by that, I mean that everyone, no matter who they are, likes to be complimented, likes to be told when they do a good job, and likes to know that what they do matters to some other person in this large and very populated world.
Paper Wishes is a historical fiction work that tells the story of ten year old Manami after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Manami and her family, being of Japanese descent, were summarily rousted from their homes and sent to internment camps. Forced to leave behind all that was familiar and all that she held dear including her small dog, Manami tries to make sense of her frightening new world. Emily loved many things about this story but what she loved most was that it was told from Manami's ten year old point of view. Although a horrific part of our American history, this story shares the truly courageous and enduring spirit of a people wrongly accused.
Recently, author Shana Gorian showed me a great kindness by hosting me for a question and answer session on her website. These paying it forward moments, fellow author support, or just plain kindnesses are a huge part in keeping an author on the literary track. You can only imagine how many times an author feels like throwing in the towel. And in honor of the pay it forward spirit, I am happy to be able to do the same for her.
Shana is the author of The Roscoe The Rascal Series, but she recently updated, Rosco the Rascal Visits the Pumpkin Patch, by giving it a fresh and inviting cover. Apparently there are also fresh new illustrations by Josh Addessi as well. Rosco the Rascal series for kids, consist of chapter books in which a sometimes rascally German shepherd uses his true heroic nature to help his pals, James and Mandy, find adventure and overcome obstacles. Although I have not yet read any of Shana's works, they do look and sound appealing!
Shana wanted me to let all my readers know that she is offering a free giveaway of the first two chapters of this book in PDF format to all new subscribers. You can join her at www.shanagorian.com where you can subscribe to her VIP email list. Or if you are a Kindle Unlimited Subscriber, you can download the Kindle version for free or for a mere $1.99 for a regular Kindle copy. It is also available in paperback for those "I love to hold the book" people! I was interested to learn that Shana grew up in Western Pennsylvania and currently lives in California. The opposite is true for me. I was born in Oakland, California and now reside in Ohio. It seems she is a jack-of-all trades as well. She has worked as a part-time nanny, a reporter, a camp counselor, a web designer, a waitress, a newspaper and pizza delivery gal, and a mother of two. She has gathered her wealth of material for fun and unusual stories by watching her real life German shepherd, but admits that most of the trouble that Roscoe and his gang get into is entirely fictitious.
Well, that about wraps it up for this week. Join me next week for another exciting episode, same crazy time, same crazy channel. Also be sure to drop by and join the Literacy Musings Monday Blog Hop where you will find other great blogs, or my personal website Fun With Aileen where you will find more on reading, writing, and my very own chapter and picture books. And finally, you can find me on twitter @AileenWStewart if you want an extremely brief glimpse into my days.
Author's Are People Too!
This week was Emily's and My first week back to school, and it went beautifully. There was no arguing over doing math. There was no complaining about various subjects. There wasn't even a peep when I told her we had to work an half an hour longer per day to get everything accomplished. It was a wonderful, beautiful, miracle!
One of her assignments this week was to write a letter to author Lois Sepahban. Back in April when I attended the Southern Kentucky Book Festival, Emily was told she could purchase one book, and she chose Lois's Paper Wishes. She happily read it over the summer, and wanted to let the author know how much she enjoyed it. I felt this was important for several reasons, one being that authors are people too. And by that, I mean that everyone, no matter who they are, likes to be complimented, likes to be told when they do a good job, and likes to know that what they do matters to some other person in this large and very populated world.
Paper Wishes is a historical fiction work that tells the story of ten year old Manami after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Manami and her family, being of Japanese descent, were summarily rousted from their homes and sent to internment camps. Forced to leave behind all that was familiar and all that she held dear including her small dog, Manami tries to make sense of her frightening new world. Emily loved many things about this story but what she loved most was that it was told by Manami's ten year old point of view. Although a horrific part of our American history, this story shares the truly courageous and enduring spirit of a people wrongly accused.
Recently, author Shana Gorian showed me a great kindness by hosting me for a question and answer session on her website. These paying it forward moments, fellow author support, or just plain kindnesses are a huge part in keeping an author on the literary track. You can only imagine how many times an author feels like throwing in the towel. And in honor of the pay it forward spirit, I am happy to be able to do the same for her.
Shana is the author of The Roscoe The Rascal Series, but she recently updated, Rosco the Rascal Visits the Pumpkin Patch, by giving it a fresh and inviting cover. Apparently there are also fresh new illustrations by Josh Addessi as well. Rosco the Rascal series for kids, consist of chapter books in which a sometimes rascally German shepherd uses his true heroic nature to help his pals, James and Mandy, find adventure and overcome obstacles. Although I have not yet read any of Shana's works, they do look and sound appealing!
Shana wanted me to let all my readers know that she is offering a free giveaway of the first two chapters of this pook in PDF format to all new subscribers. You can join her at www.shanagorian.com where you can subscribe to her VIP email list. Or if you are a Kindle Unlimited Subscriber, you can download the Kindle version for free or for a mere $1.99 for a regular Kindle copy. It is also available in paperback for those "I love to hold the book" people!
I was interested to learn that Shana grew up in Western Pennsylvania and currently lives in California. The opposite is true for me. I was born in Oakland, California and now reside in Ohio. It seems she is a jack-of-all trades as well. She has worked as a part-time nanny, a reporter, a camp counselor, a web designer, a waitress, a newspaper and pizza delivery gal, and a mother of two. She has gathered her wealth of material for fun and unusual stories by watching her real life German shepherd, but admits that most of the trouble that Roscoe and his gang get into is entirely fictitious.
Well, that about wraps it up for this week. Join me next week for another exciting episode, same crazy time, same crazy channel. Also be sure to drop by and join the Literacy Musings Monday Blog Hop where you will find other great blogs, or my personal website Fun With Aileen where you will find more on reading, writing, and my very own chapter and picture books. And finally, you can find me on twitter @AileenWStewart if you want an extremely brief glimpse into my days.
One of her assignments this week was to write a letter to author Lois Sepahban. Back in April when I attended the Southern Kentucky Book Festival, Emily was told she could purchase one book, and she chose Lois's Paper Wishes. She happily read it over the summer, and wanted to let the author know how much she enjoyed it. I felt this was important for several reasons, one being that authors are people too. And by that, I mean that everyone, no matter who they are, likes to be complimented, likes to be told when they do a good job, and likes to know that what they do matters to some other person in this large and very populated world.
Paper Wishes is a historical fiction work that tells the story of ten year old Manami after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Manami and her family, being of Japanese descent, were summarily rousted from their homes and sent to internment camps. Forced to leave behind all that was familiar and all that she held dear including her small dog, Manami tries to make sense of her frightening new world. Emily loved many things about this story but what she loved most was that it was told by Manami's ten year old point of view. Although a horrific part of our American history, this story shares the truly courageous and enduring spirit of a people wrongly accused.
Recently, author Shana Gorian showed me a great kindness by hosting me for a question and answer session on her website. These paying it forward moments, fellow author support, or just plain kindnesses are a huge part in keeping an author on the literary track. You can only imagine how many times an author feels like throwing in the towel. And in honor of the pay it forward spirit, I am happy to be able to do the same for her.
Shana is the author of The Roscoe The Rascal Series, but she recently updated, Rosco the Rascal Visits the Pumpkin Patch, by giving it a fresh and inviting cover. Apparently there are also fresh new illustrations by Josh Addessi as well. Rosco the Rascal series for kids, consist of chapter books in which a sometimes rascally German shepherd uses his true heroic nature to help his pals, James and Mandy, find adventure and overcome obstacles. Although I have not yet read any of Shana's works, they do look and sound appealing!
Shana wanted me to let all my readers know that she is offering a free giveaway of the first two chapters of this pook in PDF format to all new subscribers. You can join her at www.shanagorian.com where you can subscribe to her VIP email list. Or if you are a Kindle Unlimited Subscriber, you can download the Kindle version for free or for a mere $1.99 for a regular Kindle copy. It is also available in paperback for those "I love to hold the book" people! I was interested to learn that Shana grew up in Western Pennsylvania and currently lives in California. The opposite is true for me. I was born in Oakland, California and now reside in Ohio. It seems she is a jack-of-all trades as well. She has worked as a part-time nanny, a reporter, a camp counselor, a web designer, a waitress, a newspaper and pizza delivery gal, and a mother of two. She has gathered her wealth of material for fun and unusual stories by watching her real life German shepherd, but admits that most of the trouble that Roscoe and his gang get into is entirely fictitious.
Well, that about wraps it up for this week. Join me next week for another exciting episode, same crazy time, same crazy channel. Also be sure to drop by and join the Literacy Musings Monday Blog Hop where you will find other great blogs, or my personal website Fun With Aileen where you will find more on reading, writing, and my very own chapter and picture books. And finally, you can find me on twitter @AileenWStewart if you want an extremely brief glimpse into my days.
August 29, 2016
Back to School and Other Fun Stuff
Most schools in our area started back again this past week. Emily also started her Independent Studies choir this past week as well as her a few home school classes (we officially start this week). She made a make and bake craft. She pondered life skill choices in health class. She studied a little American history. And, she started reading a chapter book called The Secret Tree which from her description so far sounds really interesting. I let you all know what her final thoughts are when she's finished.
Emily has also been on a Star Wars kick with her bestie Rachel which means her sketch book is filling up with Star Wars characters. I'm probably a bit partial, but I think her drawing skills are pretty good for an eleven year old. For the new school year, we ordered a new sketch book and some real drawing pencils, and I can hardly wait to see what she fills it with.
I finished up canning peaches, baked for farmers' market, and read a little myself. Since it was back to school time, I thought a fun back to school book was in order. The book I chose was I Will Never Get A Star On Mrs. Benson's Blackboard. This book is so sweet and encouraging for kids. Although Rose isn't the best student, or the neatest student, she really wants to get a star on the teacher's blackboard. However, she despairs that she will never accomplish the task. Rose puts her fears aside and enjoys a presentation by a special artist guest because she loves art too. And in the end, much to Rose's surprise, she does indeed get a star.
I also read a book with few words, fabulous pictures, and a fun story of Hare and his friend, Bear who loves to fish. It was called Bear and Hare Go Fishing by Emily Gravitt. Bear and Hare go fishing and Hare patiently waits as bear catches everything but a fish. Will Bear ever catch a fish or will Hare have to take a disappointed Bear home?
And finally, I read Miss Mary Mack which would be perfect for homeschoolers and would meet both reading and music requirements! It is based on the old clapping song that I remember learning as a child, but interestingly, there was a second chorus about Mary's friend Betty Lou which I had never heard before. There is a cd included which makes this book even more worthwhile.
Well, that about wraps it up for this week. Join me next week for another exciting episode, same crazy time, same crazy channel. Also be sure to drop by and join the Literacy Musings Monday Blog Hop where you will find other great blogs, or my personal website, Fun With Aileen, where you will find more on reading, writing, and my very own early grade Fern Valley chapter book series and my Quack and Daisy picture book series. And finally, you can find me on twitter @AileenWStewart if you want an extremely brief glimpse into my days.
Emily has also been on a Star Wars kick with her bestie Rachel which means her sketch book is filling up with Star Wars characters. I'm probably a bit partial, but I think her drawing skills are pretty good for an eleven year old. For the new school year, we ordered a new sketch book and some real drawing pencils, and I can hardly wait to see what she fills it with.
I finished up canning peaches, baked for farmers' market, and read a little myself. Since it was back to school time, I thought a fun back to school book was in order. The book I chose was I Will Never Get A Star On Mrs. Benson's Blackboard. This book is so sweet and encouraging for kids. Although Rose isn't the best student, or the neatest student, she really wants to get a star on the teacher's blackboard. However, she despairs that she will never accomplish the task. Rose puts her fears aside and enjoys a presentation by a special artist guest because she loves art too. And in the end, much to Rose's surprise, she does indeed get a star.
I also read a book with few words, fabulous pictures, and a fun story of Hare and his friend, Bear who loves to fish. It was called Bear and Hare Go Fishing by Emily Gravitt. Bear and Hare go fishing and Hare patiently waits as bear catches everything but a fish. Will Bear ever catch a fish or will Hare have to take a disappointed Bear home?
And finally, I read Miss Mary Mack which would be perfect for homeschoolers and would meet both reading and music requirements! It is based on the old clapping song that I remember learning as a child, but interestingly, there was a second chorus about Mary's friend Betty Lou which I had never heard before. There is a cd included which makes this book even more worthwhile.
Well, that about wraps it up for this week. Join me next week for another exciting episode, same crazy time, same crazy channel. Also be sure to drop by and join the Literacy Musings Monday Blog Hop where you will find other great blogs, or my personal website, Fun With Aileen, where you will find more on reading, writing, and my very own early grade Fern Valley chapter book series and my Quack and Daisy picture book series. And finally, you can find me on twitter @AileenWStewart if you want an extremely brief glimpse into my days.
August 22, 2016
Peaches, People, and Passion
Summer is drawing to an end, at least as far as time off from school goes, but we are still pretty busy. Emily starts choir practice on Tuesday, I'm getting lessons ready for when we officially start back to home schooling the week after, and peaches are ready for canning.
I love the different seasons for fresh fruits and vegetables. In mid June the zucchini abounds and I make quick breads with it. In July we enjoy fresh melons and tomatoes. And in August come the peaches. I always can peaches for my family as Christmas gifts, but I also eat them on my cereal, eat them with my lunch, and make a pie or two. This year I'm feeling extra ambitious, so I might even try my hand at jelly.
The end of summer is also the time when I have gotten to know most of my market vendors by name and personality. It's the time when I start thinking about how we are going to celebrate the final market day. And it's the time when I start planning and arranging my fall speaking and travel schedule. The time where I turn form my baking passion back to my kidlit passion.
And speaking of passions, one of the books I'm reviewing this week, Mr. McGinty's Monarchs, is all about passion. Mr. McGinty has a passion for caterpillars, especially those which eventually turn into beautiful Monarch Butterflies. He takes his dog on walks and they enjoy the caterpillars making their way ip the milkweed stalks, that is, until one day they show up and all the milkweed has been mowed down. Mr. McGinty thinks fast and works to save the caterpillars from certain death. He even enlists a local school to help him take care of the caterpillars as the metaphorically change. In the end, they all have a glorious butterfly release. This book is a beautiful way to add a little science to the literary mix.
The other book I read this week, You're Here for a Reason, was a wonderfully rhymed story about how each and everyone of us is important and alive for a reason. Now I don't know about you, but that is something I like to believe and it's probably one of the reasons I love It's a Wonderful Life so much. You know the idea that we touch people's lives in ways we might never even know. Who knows how a kindness or a smile can change someone's day!
Well, that about wraps it up for this week. Join me next week for another exciting episode, same crazy time, same crazy channel. Also be sure to drop by and join the Literacy Musings Monday Blog Hop where you will find other great blogs, or my personal website, Fun With Aileen, where you will find more on reading, writing, and my very own early grade Fern Valley chapter book series and my Quack and Daisy picture book series. And finally, you can find me on twitter @AileenWStewart if you want an extremely brief glimpse into my days.
I love the different seasons for fresh fruits and vegetables. In mid June the zucchini abounds and I make quick breads with it. In July we enjoy fresh melons and tomatoes. And in August come the peaches. I always can peaches for my family as Christmas gifts, but I also eat them on my cereal, eat them with my lunch, and make a pie or two. This year I'm feeling extra ambitious, so I might even try my hand at jelly.
The end of summer is also the time when I have gotten to know most of my market vendors by name and personality. It's the time when I start thinking about how we are going to celebrate the final market day. And it's the time when I start planning and arranging my fall speaking and travel schedule. The time where I turn form my baking passion back to my kidlit passion.
And speaking of passions, one of the books I'm reviewing this week, Mr. McGinty's Monarchs, is all about passion. Mr. McGinty has a passion for caterpillars, especially those which eventually turn into beautiful Monarch Butterflies. He takes his dog on walks and they enjoy the caterpillars making their way ip the milkweed stalks, that is, until one day they show up and all the milkweed has been mowed down. Mr. McGinty thinks fast and works to save the caterpillars from certain death. He even enlists a local school to help him take care of the caterpillars as the metaphorically change. In the end, they all have a glorious butterfly release. This book is a beautiful way to add a little science to the literary mix.
The other book I read this week, You're Here for a Reason, was a wonderfully rhymed story about how each and everyone of us is important and alive for a reason. Now I don't know about you, but that is something I like to believe and it's probably one of the reasons I love It's a Wonderful Life so much. You know the idea that we touch people's lives in ways we might never even know. Who knows how a kindness or a smile can change someone's day!
Well, that about wraps it up for this week. Join me next week for another exciting episode, same crazy time, same crazy channel. Also be sure to drop by and join the Literacy Musings Monday Blog Hop where you will find other great blogs, or my personal website, Fun With Aileen, where you will find more on reading, writing, and my very own early grade Fern Valley chapter book series and my Quack and Daisy picture book series. And finally, you can find me on twitter @AileenWStewart if you want an extremely brief glimpse into my days.
