Amanda Trumpower's Blog, page 10

1-7-2022: “Amanda Interviews…a Book Cover Designer!”

Happy new year, fellow homeschoolers!

Let’s kick off 2022 with some career enrichment for your student!

In this month’s episode of “Amanda Interviews…!”, we’re talking with book cover artist Lyndsey Lewellen. Lyndsey has designed over 200 book covers since 2012. She has experience with photo editing as well as designing with hand-drawn art.

If your student is looking for a way to make money with their art skills, Lyndsey has some excellent advice to offer.

Join us on Friday, January...

3 Easy Christmas Party Games

We recently hosted my family’s annual Christmas party. I wanted to change things up and add some games this year. This is what we came up with!

Christmas Scattergories

The traditional game of Scattergories but with a Christmas layout and theme. Instructions are at the top of the printout. This is a great game for a family of mixed ages.

Christmas-Scattergories-1DownloadChristmas Blitz

This one is similar to Christmas Scattergories, but without any writing. For each card, you have...

December 2021 Update: Collar Cases #1 Illustrations

December 2021 Video Update

Today, I’m so excited to share two sneak peeks of the interior of Collar Cases #1: Case of the Robbed Recipe. These pages are 100% accurate digital representations of what the printed book will look like, including the art by illustrator Sarah Johnson.

Once the rest of the illustrations come in, I’ll be able to finish the book formatting process, which is the final task standing between this book and your young readers. The audiobook has been finished for m...

Paging Dr. Sanity

Like many parents of toddlers, I’m at my wit’s end.

My twins turn 3 in just a few weeks. We are delighted with their growing relational skills, desire to play with others, and increasing awareness of life around them. But I’d be lying if I said there hasn’t also been some…turbulence.

Welcome to 3

Mr. Jayce has never taken kindly to redirection. Even as a baby, he hated having his hands guided to learn a new maneuver. As a toddler, he insists on trying everything himself and will short c...

12-5-2021: “Amanda Interviews…an Animation Script Coordinator!”

Rachel Kimberly Hastings

From Mickey Mouse shows to Disney classics to Marvel’s What If… series, animated TV shows and movies are a regular feature in my house. Likely, they’re a regular part of your life too.

This month, we have the tremendous opportunity to hear from Rachel Kimberly Hastings, a script animation coordinator working at Warner Brothers Animation. She’ll share details about her job, advice on how to get started in animation, and advise students on the skills they need to pur...

First Illustrations, Amanda Can’t Keep a Secret, and Mummies in Bowwow

Where are we at with Collar Cases #1?

When will mummies appear in Bowwow?

What’s the super-secret Spring 2022 launch month that I inadvertently let slip during my update?!

All this and more in the latest Collar Cases update. Got a specific interest? Use the time stamps below to find what you want.

Collar Cases #1: 00:10 Collar Cases #2: 00:40 Collar Cases #3: 00:55 Collar Cases #4: 01:55 Will Scarlet short story (Sherwood Chronicles universe): 03:20 Team Katie Trent: 04:00 Twin Lif...

Poo-Plosion

I’ve never watched that Discovery channel show Dirty Jobs, but today, I would have been a contestant.

(Warning: If you can’t handle discussions about poo, this is your chance to click away.)

Justine has struggled with constipation from Day 1, bless her little digestive tract. It’s a regular battle in this house to help her be, well, regular. Lately, it’s a battle we’ve lost. For three weeks.

I tried everything: Dietary adjustments. Social support. (“Everyone goes poo! It’s a great...

Shopping Cart Camels & 512 Ball-Pit Balls

The Game

Every morning after breakfast, my children play the same game over and over again. They love this game. They will run and giggle and carry on for nearly an hour.

Me, I’m not a huge fan. Why?

Because the game is filling their toy shopping carts to the brim with ball-pit balls (for some reason we possess 512, and yes, that is an accurate number), and then dumping them all over the first floor.

Stuffed under the dining room table. Pressed against the bottom of my fridge. Lurki...

11-8-2021: “Amanda Interviews…an Air Force Cryptolinguist!”

Rachel Lulich

Hi friends!

It’s time for the November episode of our informal career series for students, and if I’m being honest, I think this is the coolest job title we’ve heard about yet…

Is your student interested in the Air Force?

Do they love puzzles, codes, and languages?

Do they talk about traveling overseas when they’re older?

If you answered “yes!” to the above, they need to hear from Rachel Lulich!

Rachel is a former Air Force cryptolinguist and current Civil Air ...

10-15-21: “In Their Hands” Online Children’s Book Event

Jo Massaro

Do your little ones love books?

If so, you should check out “In Their Hands,” a free online book event for children hosted by Jo Massaro. Every day in October, a children’s author appears via video in the private Facebook group to read their book to the kids. Anyone who watches that day is eligible to enter a drawing to win a free copy of the book!

This is a great way to…

Incorporate some literacy into your dayDiscover your new favorite authorAND grow your child’s home l...