Aileen Stewart's Blog, page 36

Do You Have Emerging Readers?

With school almost over for this year, I thought I would re-post something from a couple of years ago. Summer is a great time for those of you with small children on the verge of reading to work on the fundamentals, and this post just might be the place to help you get started.

My husband and I started working with our daughter since she was two. We worked on the alphabet, number recognition, drawing, writing, and numerous other subjects. Because of this, when she was barely four she told us she wanted to read. Of course this thrilled us to no end, and I immediately set out in search of a beginning reading program.

Having lived a mere five blocks from the library as a child, and having spent almost every waking moment of each summer there; I decided this was the place to start my search. So a hunting I did go. What I found was the BOB books.

BOB books are a series of books designed to gently guide children into the first stages of reading. The first few books use just a few letters to make simple words. These few simple words are then repeated on almost every page so the children become familiar and comfortable with how letters form words. Each new book adds a few new letters and sounds. The set I found at our local library also happened to have audio Cd's which could be listened to while reading.

While it took most of the summer and the first part of pre-school for her to actually get the hang of phonics, once she did, she was reading everything in sight. She read shampoo bottles while taking a bath, store fronts when we shopped, road signs when we were driving, and books from both the public library and our own collection. The BOB books definitely helped her develop the pre-reading skills she needed to get started.

She is now finishing up first grade, has tested at a fifth grade reading level, and has a great love of the written word. So if you have a child who is on the verge of reading, take it from me and check out BOB books at your nearest library or at http://www.bobbooks.com .

Signing off for now with wishes for a bright and beautiful day!

When A Pet Adopts You...

Last year my daughter was convinced that she wanted a puppy, and her dad was ready and willing to let her have one. But thanks to the foresight of my mother-in-law, we simply borrowed her new puppy for a week. It only took one turn at picking up the dog waste, which was fresh and warm, to change my daughter's mind about puppy ownership. Not particularly being a dog person myself, I secretly rejoiced. It's not that I don't like dogs, I just don't like the dog maintenance that would fall to "ME" no matter how much my husband and daughter proclaimed otherwise.

On the other hand, I have always been a cat person. The death of both of my cats after twenty long years, however, convinced me to take a break from pets of any kind. I enjoyed two years of pet free, odor free, hair free, litter free peace and quiet, that is until recently. That is until, we were adopted by Max. Max, the  year old, black and white, male cat that showed up in our yard one day and refused to leave. He sat at our back door and cried to be let in which of course encouraged my daughter to champion his cause vehemently. "Pleeease, can't we let him in?" she pleaded with the cuteness factor that only a seven year old possesses.

"Daddy would kill Mommy if I let that cat in the house," I said. Because you see, my husband has definitely never, ever, ever, been a cat person! But as I told him about the situation that night when he called from work, he began to melt. His attitude towards cats had not changed, but his daddy would do anything for his baby girl instinct had kicked in. That night on his way home from work he stopped at an all night grocery store to buy cat food in case the cat came back the next day.

Although both my husband and I looked for the cat all day, we did not see hide nor hair of him. Soon it was time for me to go pick my daughter up from school and on the ride home I told her of her father's decision. She was over come with a joy so great that it would not be dampened even when I cautioned that the cat might not come back or that  he may already have had a home. We quickly arrived and climbed out of the car, and who do you suppose ran to greet my daughter? That's right, the cat. Being familiar with the cats that roam the neighborhood, I was relatively sure this cat had been dumped, and so I told my daughter she was allowed to keep him. No sooner had I opened the door a crack and the cat my daughter would later dub Max ran into the house, looked around as if to say so this is my new home, and started purring happily.

Not even one week had gone by when all of us began to feel that Max was family, yes even my formerly anti-cat husband. Thinking about how easily Max had adopted us and we had adopted him made me think of two of my author friends who wrote books based on similar experiences of adopting pets.

The first is Buddy Finds a Home by Rachel Edmiston. This story of how Rachel's family found a very imperfect dog and how he made a perfect addition to their family is a good lesson in how love can cause us to overlook differences. My daughter truly enjoyed this book, especially when she realized it was a true story. I would recommend this book for children 6 to 8.

The second is a cute book called Grady the Gray Cat by Lori Moore. This adorable flip-it-over book offers two stories about Grady the gray cat. Side one tells the story of Grady's adoption, and side two offers the story of Grady's new toy firetruck. Told in rhyme, this book is an excellent choice for a read-aloud to young children. Lori did an excellent job of making me wonder what will happen to Grady next.

Signing off for now with wishes for a bright and beautiful day!

Christmas in April???

Emily and I were very excited to receive a package in the mail today. After all, it's not every day that we get fun and important mail. What was in our package, you ask? My good friend Lisa Tortorello's new children's book The Moose at the Manger . And to make matters even better, it was an autographed copy!

I first met Lisa last year 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 last summer, 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 out the advance copies Lisa is offering on her blog. 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 one or two up for all the moose lovers you know. And be sure to take a look at the pictures of Lisa's collection while you are there; you won't believe how many moose she actually has in her until you see them with your very own eyes.

Signing off for now with wishes for a bright and beautiful day!

Quilted Pictures - Who Knew!

Over the years I have acquired many hobbies and loves and one of them  happens to be quilting. Now I am by no means an expert quilter; the most ambitious quilt I ever made was a quilt made of  blocks containing different colored leaves. Usually I just make random patchwork quilts or patchworks in the Around The World pattern where you start with a center square and keep adding different fabrics around the first until you reach the edges.

It is also pretty obvious since this is a blog about reading, writing, and life in general that I love books. I especially love children's books. Recently I had the opportunity to read a children's book by Janice Green about the creation of the world. It was truly an excellent book. It would never have occurred to me to combine two loves like quilting and writing.

Janice has done a great job doing just that. Her retelling of the creation story in an entertaining and simple way that children will be sure to understand is delightful. And the beautiful illustrations made from quilt segments add interest to this fine book. I would definitely recommend this book to parents just beginning to teach their children biblical truths.

Although this book is most assuredly in the Christian Children's genre, all you quilting fans might just want to take a look at the splendid illustrations as well. In the back of the book Janice even identifies many of the fabrics used in the quilt segments pictured. So go get your copy of The Creation today.

Signing off for now with wishes for a bright and beautiful day!

Bedtime Rituals And The Books We Love

 

As some of you already know, I have a seven year old daughter; and similar to children everywhere, she rarely wants to go to bed at her designated bedtime. When she was very small our bedtime ritual included rocking in her very own bedroom rocking chair until she fell asleep. I would hold her small body across me and it would stretch from one side of the rocker to the other. This of course, at her insistence, was accompanied by my singing. Although a cherished part of our evenings for several years, she eventually grew too large for me to hold with her long legs dangling over the edge. She also grew much too heavy for me to easily carry her and slip her into bed. So alas, we had to come up with a new nighttime ritual.

We graduated to her getting into bed and listening to an instrumental cd in her boombox. We would set it to play continuously and this seemed to help her sleep the night through. Of course before starting the music it was imperative to read a bedtime story. One of her favorites has always been Geraldine's Blanket which I read with a Southern accent that still seems to delight her to this day.

Another favorite for both of us is Snuggle Up Sleepy Ones. There is one part of this beautiful rhyming lullaby that talks of monkeys begging for "five more minutes please". That always make both of us giggle because she constantly tries to get an additional five minutes before bed.

This year, as she entered first grade and was required to read extensively and do homework, she has opted to skip bedtime stories so she can stay up until the very last minute. Weekends are a bit different; however, and she has recently started asking to read a book by flashlight once she has said her prayers and I have turned out the light. The first time she read a relatively short book and fell asleep soon afterwards. The next night she became a little more cunning about extending her reading time and she informed me that she was going to pick a much longer book. She ended up picking out Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Suess.

And last night, she picked the longest book she owns Beatrix Potter's Nursery Rhyme Book which was a gift from a family friend. As I listened to her over the bedroom monitor, I smiled with joy because she loves reading so much; and I imagine that years from now reading will be a part of her own children's bedtime rituals.

The rituals have changed as she has grown, but one thing remains the same. We always try to make bedtime fun and something to be looked forward to instead of dreaded. But even more important then that, we are making memories that will last a lifetime. What rituals and bedtime fun have become a part of  your children's evenings?


Signing off for now with wishes for a bright and beautiful day!

Those "WOW" Moments

Did you ever have one of those moments where you sighed in relief and thought, Wow, I did something right? I had one of those wow moments just the other night. My daughter and I were snuggled up on the couch watching an episode of Survivor that my mom had taped for us. As we watched and relaxed, there was a segment where one gentleman was cooking everyone coconut for breakfast. Out of the blue my daughter turned to me and said, "Mommy, those people are grateful. Even if they have to eat the same thing everyday, they're just happy to have food to eat."

"Yes, that is correct," I replied. And as she looked at me with understanding, I knew that her father and I must be doing something right. For several weeks we have been reiterating the concept of contentment, thankfulness, and being grateful as she struggled with the age old "the world revolves around me" syndrome that all children go through from time to time.

As parents, we often wonder if any of the words that so frequently come out of our mouths, go in the ears of our youngster and manage to stick in her young brain. More often then not it seems as if our wisdom goes in one ear and out the other; so it is a moment of great triumph when she actually shows that she has listened and understood.

Sometimes I have those wow moments with my writing as well. Recently my sister told me that a grandmother she works with, to whom she had given a copy of my book, wanted me to know about her granddaughter's reaction to my characters. She said that they hadn't finished the book yet because her granddaughter had decided she absolutely loved the little pig,  Kimmy Curlytail, and she wouldn't read any other story except the one starring Kimmy. Well, it  seems that I got it right when it came to my pig character, at least as far as that little girl is concerned.

It is these wow moments in life and writing that make me smile and that keep me working to be the best parent and writer I can be. I'm not perfect yet, but I think I'm on the right track! What wow moments have you had recently?

Signing off for now with wishes for a bright and beautiful day!

The Therapy of Faith and Writing

It has been a tough year for my family so far. First my daughter and I were sick for close to two months catching one bug after an other. Then, early this week my father went home to be with the Lord. Having already lost my first husband, two father-in-laws, one mother-in-law, and my best friend of 28 years, I can say that this is not the first time I have been dealt the hand of grief and it will probably not be the last. But what I have found through it all is that my faith and my writing are both therapeutic.

When my first husband went to be with the Lord, my grief was so deep, that despite believing he was in a place of wholeness and perfection, I needed some kind of an outlet. As I cried unto the Lord for relief I was amazed to hear a tune in my head that was soon joined by words. Never having had any musical talent whatsoever, I was amazed to find that I had been sent a song from heaven which I titled "Let the Joy Return". Shortly thereafter I also had the inspiration to start writing letters to my dearly departed. I would write down what I had been doing, how I missed his company, and how I knew despite it all that the Lord would comfort and guide me.

The mere acts of  trusting in the Lord and writing down what was inside me brought immeasurable comfort. I found this to continue to be true when my father-in-law, who I loved dearly, went to be with the Lord. I wrote a poem expressing that despite our family's grief, we were elated that he walked the streets of gold. So in keeping with past practice, when my father made his journey home  I worked hard at remembering where he now was, who he was now with, and how he was no longer a man of sorrow, pain, or tears. And I wrote. I wrote a poem of remembrance which I would like to share with you now.

I am saddened you're not by my side
But I rejoice at the same time
For you are in a better place
A place of great design

I think of the small caterpillar
Emerging from his cocoon
Amazed he is a butterfly
Dancing to a new tune

I think that's what you're doing
In your new body whole and fine
Delighting in your Savior
Forever and all time

It brings me such great pleasure
To know your holy fate
No more tears and sorrows
Just a perfect state

And while I'll shed a tear or two
I know I will survive
Because my loved and cherished dad
You're the one who's truly alive! So in parting I would like to say that when life get's you down or gives you large burdens to bear, turn them over to the Lord and then turn your thoughts to writing.

Signing off for now with wishes for a bright and beautiful day! 

Dismal Book Event ~ Make Some Lemonade

Lately I have done a multitude of book events from craft fairs to book signings, diligently working to get the word out about my book and to make my name a little better known then the day before. Unfortunately, as is with life in general, these events don't always turn out as I intend them to turn out.

Take for example my book signing at an extremely nice and well organized used book store in the nearby town of Marion, Ohio.  Marion is about an hour from where I reside, and I do not really know many people there; but I knew that it would be imperative to advertise as much as possible if I were to have a successful event. Energetically I set about to do just that. I remembered that my husband worked with a few people from that area, so I asked if he thought any of them would be willing to help me. Two of them took fliers that I had printed up and hung them at their churches and other places of interest. It was then, that I remembered we also had a friend that worked outside of Marion. She agreed to hand out cards to people she thought might be interested.

In addition, I had posters printed up for the book store to post in their windows, I left cards about the event around the Marion area, and I posted on social networking sites. One site in particular seemed promising as it was a site where people from that area were listing things they had for sale. The newspaper in the largest neighboring town also printed a small article about my event.

And yet, despite all this effort, only one couple showed up to this two hour event. Now I could have gotten depressed about the situation, lamented all the seemingly wasted effort I had put into the project, or even decided that I was tired of attending dismal events such as these; but what I did instead was choose to continue being positive and persistent.

Surprisingly enough, the day was not a total loss despite the severe lack of customers because the one and only couple who willingly sought me out offered me a speaking engagement. It turned out that they run a writing group and were looking for guest speakers. I was also encouraged to bring my book and set up a small sale table. I have no idea where this opportunity will lead, but it is a building block.

There is an old saying that says if life gives you lemons make lemonade. Although quite cliche, this is a good rule to live by. Not everything in life goes the way we want it to even when we work really hard. However, if you choose to be stubbornly optimistic the odds are eventually going to be in your favor!

Signing off for now with wishes for a bright and beautiful day!

Package With Care

It is always interesting to me to receive books in the mail. The thrill of something new to read sends little tingles down my spine as I eagerly rip open the packaging. And speaking of packaging, that brings me to today's topic: Package With Care.

I have received books with many forms of outer wrapping. I have received books in boxes, I have received books in bubble mailers, and I have received many books in plain Manila envelopes. It is the latter form of mailing material that causes me concern. Postal workers, as dedicated as they are, can not control the rigorous journey a book takes as it makes it's way from author to recipient. As a book journeys through a maze of automated shoots and conveyor belts and dumps none too gently into a large bin, it can take a pretty good beating. I have ended up opening my mail box to find books that have arrived in extremely mutilated, ripped, gauged, and generally dilapidated Manila envelopes.

It is my experience that as an author you have spent time, effort, and energy painstakingly writing, proofing, and re-writing your manuscript only to spend more time then you probably care to remember trying to find someone interested in publishing said manuscript. Those of you fortunate enough to find that special party must then go through the whole process of getting your manuscript ready to become a book. Once in book form and lovingly held in your adoring hands, you probably shed a small tear of joy for the work you have produced. So why then, in the name of all that is good, do you mail out your magnificent creation  in paper barely thick enough to line the bottom of your neighbor's bird cage where he keeps his parakeet named Sparky.

I understand that as an author you probably have a a very tight and most likely minuscule budget for marketing, but please take a little pride in your work. Bubble mailers can be purchased in small bulk quantities at almost any major store for under five dollars a pack. You have already come so far as an author, don't spoil your reputation with shoddy packaging.

Signing off for now with wishes for a bright and beautiful day!

Something Great For the Three to Eights

Although my daughter is past reading books in the four to eight age bracket, many of you still have children or grandchildren in this range. So with that in mind, here are five books worth considering.

My first book recommendation, The Miracle of Rain by Sherry Rossman, is a wonderful story for small children who might be afraid of rain storms. In The Miracle of Rain you and your special moppet can follow the adventures of Nora and her cat Molly as their friend Smickett the raccoon shows them that God has a purpose for even the loudest and scariest of rain storms. See how Nora is transformed from a fearful young girl into a fantastically happy one who dances to the rhythm of the rain with all the other special forest creatures.




My next recommendation is Ode to Icky by Maranda Russel. Ode to Icky is a well written, funny story of a girl and her very, very, very stinky cat; and it is chock full of amazing illustrations that bring the story to life right before your very eyes. I read with interest, wondering what the outcome of Candy's perfume experiment would be. The only flaw I found with this book was that the ending left me wanting more. I was left wondering what Candy felt and learned from the whole stinky perfume incident. All things considered, a great book for young ones seeking a good reading adventure.




My third recommendation for today is A King's Decree and the Brave Three by Jacey Verdicchio. Jacey Verdicchio has taken the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and has simplified it for the very young. Beautifully illustrated and Biblically accurate, A Kings Decree and the Brave Three is an excellent book that also comes with a free audio book download which allows the readers to listen to this lovely rhyming story as they silently read along.



And last but certainly not least, I recommend a book by Ohio Author Melissa Ivey Staehli titled I Love You to the Moon. I Love You to the Moon is a beautiful story of a parent's love for their child. The watercolor style illustrations lend an added warmth to the catchy rhymes, and the extra large print and simple sentences are perfect for beginning readers. The size of the print made me want to point to each word as I read, which strikes me as something a child would find useful when learning to read.




Signing off for now with wishes for a bright and beautiful day!