Carmela Dutra's Blog, page 11

November is #PictureBookMonth

November is Picture Book Month and I want to help share pictures books!

Since this month only comes around once a year, and given the fact that I am an author and illustrator of picture books myself this hits home with me. I want to have a full share in this month, so I will dedicated this entire month to blogging about picture books!

What is Picture Book Month you ask? It is an international literacy initiative that celebrates the print picture book during the month of November. It was founded by Dianne de Las Casas (author & storyteller) www.diannedelascasas.com. She, along with Co-Founders, Katie Davis (author/illustrator) katiedavis.com, Elizabeth O. Dulemba (author/illustrator) www.dulemba.com, Tara Lazar (author) taralazar.wordpress.com, and Wendy Martin (author/illustrator) wendymartinillustration.com, put together their worldwide connections to make this happen.

We want the best for kids, be it as parent’s grandparent, aunts, or uncles we want them to reach their full potential. It’s like that slogan the army had, “Be all you can be!” That’s all we want for them, is to be the best them they can be. Picture Books can help us to achieve this goal!

Remember too, a goal without action is just a dream.



What You Can Do to Celebrate Picture Book Month?

Here are just a few things you can do!

* Register to become a Picture Book Month Ambassador, I did! Then place the Ambassador badge on your website, with a link to PictureBookMonth.com.

*Read Picture Books, and be sure to share what you have read with your followers and friends!

* Tweet the cause and use the hashtag #picturebookmonth

* Ask a picture book author/illustrator to visit your school or library.

* Follow Picture Book Month (@PictureBkMonth) and founder Dianne de Las Casas on Twitter (@AuthorDianneDLC) for updates on Picture Book Month every day in November. You can find Picture Book Month on Facebook too.

Join the celebration and party with a picture book!

If you would like to schedule your own Author, and or Illustrator visit for your school, classroom, or library today fill out the contact form here! As a way to give back to schools my visits are always!*

http://lorenzothebear.com/bears-den/a...

*Depending on distance a modest travel fee may be requested

Free Books For All!!

There is a specific time of year to do everything, from birthdays to gift giving. From back yard barbecues for Fourth of July and Labor day, to even grandparent’s day! Giving books to someone even has it’s own day, actually it shares this day with valentines day.

Even though this day has passed, it really got me thinking. Why does this have to be a day celebrated only once a year? Why can’t we make it a conscious matter to share our books with others? Especially to children in need all the time!?!

What, or how could we do this? Book Giving Day has few organized events. Instead, individual volunteers are encouraged to give a favorite book or books to children. This can take many forms; some people give books as gifts to their own children or to those of friends. Others donate books to children’s libraries, schools or charities. Still others leave books in places where they’ll be found, such as doctors’ waiting rooms or coach stations.

February 14th the one day a year where we set time aside to tell our family and friends we love them right?? What better way to tell our children, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, etc. we love them than with a book! A book that we can give them anytime of the year!

Books are small things that leave a lasting impact! So many authors are where they are today because of a book. Imagine, by our giving a book instead of a card, we could be helping to inspire a future author. What’s more, an inscription on the inside cover is the best way to take a book, and make into something more. Something special, and long lasting.



Even though the 14th of February has long since passed, I still want to honor this day. But how? Several ways! Since my second book in the Adventures of Lorenzo the Bear Series was released in March, I’ve holding giveaways for both copies: The Adventures of Lorenzo the Bear Encounter at Jellyfish Cove, and Journey to Honeysuckle Mountain. In addition to setting up giveaways through Goodreads, and Rafflecopter, I’ve also opened this up to Amazon and have FREE download Days for my first book in the series Encounter at Jellyfish Cove.

This Monday September 7th 2015 is another FREE DOWNLOAD DAY!! Visit Amazon.com

http://goo.gl/21J7LK and download your free copy of my first book The Adventures of Lorenzo the Bear Encounter at Jellyfish Cove.



We call give a little something back and just because this holiday has passed, does not mean it has to be forgotten! So help all to remember this day by leaving a comment below and sharing with us: How a book as impacted you? How you have shared in this day? And, What giving books means to you!

Never underestimate the power of giving a book! #GiveABook!

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Ready. Set. Read!

Most of my blogs tend to stick within the same subject brand: reading, writing, arts, how this affects us, why do we do it, the benefits, etc. Like most children’s authors I have covered the subject (almost beating into the ground) the importance of reading to our little ones.

Listing reasons as to why we should do this #1: Exposure to Language #2: Closing the Word Gap (the list of reasons can go on forever!). Or discussing what makes a good reader? Then asking you as the reader to weigh in on this blog with your thoughts, or things that you appreciated doing, or wish you had done differently.



What is the point to this blog you ask? Well, not only will I be venturing into a new topic to blog about, but I will now also be able to weigh in with a different point of view; one as a parent. I always felt I had freedom of speech went it comes to things since I was helping raise my nephew during those crucial years. Well frankly, even if you don’t have children you can still offer practical wisdom and advice.

My role is now slightly reversed from that of an aunt, to that of an expectant mother. I still stand by everything I have ever said: The importance of reading to children from the very start, the impact music can have on their developing mind, and as an artist first and author second, the important role of art in their lives.

As I count down the days until I discover the gender of our little bowling ball (yes from me that is a term of endearment, besides I was called a baby moose by my mother LOL) I think about the things I want to inculcate into our little one, all of the things that are a must, and those that are not. As I read articles on giving your child a head start by reading them from infancy it takes on a deeper meaning.

I want our family’s biggest reader to also be the littlest reader. In fact, I won’t wait to start until the day we bring our bundle home, I’ll start from the womb on! Reading to your baby is critical to setting your child on the path to strong reading skills, a better vocabulary and success in school—and life. As like all of the parent’s before me, and those who will come after me, I want to give our child the best life we possibly can. A precious, satisfying life, one that is equal parts of love, spirituality, and skills that will help them to make the best use of their life.

So for me as mommy to be its simple: Ready. Set. Read!

Summertime = Family Time

The Fourth of July has several meanings to different people. For some, it is just another day off of work; a government holiday. Some people think it is a time to celebrate family and come together for BBQ dinners and lemonade refreshments. Others celebrate the America that we know today with all the freedoms that were declared back in 1776.

The 4th of July is iconic Americana. Red, white and blue, the colors that scream I’m proud to be an American! Not much compares to this holiday to bring the whole family together for some summer fun. It’s what kicks off summer to get the grills going, and water balloons throwing. But once it’s over, then what?

After visiting family in the middle of June, having family stay with us during the end of June and then seeing other family the Friday before the 4th of July, it hit me; why is it mostly holidays, or special events that bring us together? Summer was officially here on the 21st of June, why do most wait until the 4th?



Yes the holidays are the perfect time for everyone to come together as a family clan, the reasons vary but for most it’s because we are all (usually all) off from work, kids are out of school (mostly all), and it’s the perfect outdoor weather. Why confine ourselves to the 4th of July, and then Labor Day. If we follow that patter the next time we see our loved ones will be November, if we’re lucky! Don’t get me wrong, I love the time off from work, spending time relaxing in the backyard with family as much as the next person, and who doesn’t enjoy watching fireworks? It’s literally fire in the sky!

We’ve just always been the type to put more emphasis on family time away from the holidays, than to try and combine both together. Maybe more so now due to the fact that my husband and I are expecting our first child in January. Or perhaps it’s due to the fact that I haven’t been able to see my close family as much as I would like to lately. Or it’s a combination of both!

All I know is I am more determined than ever to make sure that family is priority! Not waiting for holidays, or special occasions to visit and catch up. Especially if we are within close proximity to each other. Cousins are our first friends, they are always there when we need them, and when we don’t want them. But we love them even more for it and will never change that for anything!



So this is my summertime goal, what about you?

May the 4th be with you!

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away…. George Lucas brought us one of the best cinematic experiences of all times! If you haven’t watched Star Wars (and yes believe it, or not there are still some out there who have not watched this gift from the heavens) then today’s blog may not be the one for you. For those of you who have not watched Star Wars (my heart broke just thinking that there are ones who have still yet to watch…) be warned there will be spoilers! To all of my fellow Jedi’s, Sith Lords and Scruffy Nerf Herders, this is a blog for you!

The Star Wars Saga is one of the most, if not the most iconic movies of all times! It’s quoted around the world, even having its own month dedicated to it! May the 4th be with you! May the 4th kicks off a season of celebration, particularly since the month of May has always been important to Star Wars fans. The six live-action movies of the Star Wars saga debuted in May (starting with the original Star Wars on May 25, 1977). The month of May includes George Lucas’ birthday (May 14, 1944), and has been the traditional start date of the popular Star Wars Weekends at Walt Disney World Resort.



Now I ask you what other movie even comes close to this. Star Wars transcends gender. To me, it’s a story of hope. A story that shows that good will overcome evil. With as much fun as it is to watch over, and over again. It even holds valuable lessons, if you look for them.

*SPOILER ALERT!*

“Do or do not… there is no try.” – Yoda



Oh the depth and wisdom that is Yoda. We could sit all day and recount his lines and find wisdom in all that he says. What I love about this quote is it reminds us to believe in ourselves, and own abilities. He was telling Luke to commit to his course and act decisively, also to have confidence. “I’ll try” implies “I don’t think this will work”.

By eliminating the word try, you make up your mind to either do something or not. You will either ignore the task completely or do whatever is necessary to complete the task. It implies that you will have the necessary perseverance in the face of any obstacles that may emerge.

“Many of the truths that we cling to depend on our point of view.” Obi-Wan Kenobi



One of my favorite lines is when Obi- Wan Kenobi tells us that our truth depends on our point of view. Reminding us to not be so concrete in our views. What is truth for you, may not be truth for the next person. What we “cling to” may not be what others would cling to. We cannot be so dogmatic in our views that insist others feel the same way.

Take a water for example. You look at it and say “This is something to drink” No argument there. Now if you were to ask someone else what water is they might say “Water is home for fish.” Both statements are true, both statements are a different kind of truth. Both statements varied depending on one’s point of view.

“Uuuuuuuuur Ahhhhrrrrrr Uhrrrr Ahhhhrrrrrr Aaaarhg….” – Chewbacca



Need I say more??

“Never tell me the odds.” — Han Solo



Don’t let tough odds hold you back, all that will accomplish is keeping you from experiencing something that could have been amazing. Remember, even if an asteroid field is hurling towards you and your odds of success are 3,720 to 1!

“Why, you stuck up, half-witted, scruffy-looking Nerf herder.” — Princess Leia to Han Solo

This one might have been more for fun, it still works through! Don’t judge based on appearances, they are often times misleading. Don’t discount that scruffy-looking kid he might turn out to be a hero!

While the idea of May the 4th did not start with Lucasfilm, the film company that created Star Wars has fully embraced the spirit of fandom that makes the day so special. With the exciting launch of a new trilogy of movies beginning with Star Wars: The Force Awakens coming in the near future, this day to celebrate the saga and its amazing fans is certain to become even bigger each year.

Star Wars means so many different things to so many people. So I ask, what does Star Wars mean to you? I would love to hear your comments!





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The Magic that is Kid Literature

This week marks the One year anniversary for Kid Literature (formerly known as Kid Literature Authors). I am ever so grateful to be a part of this wonderful community of authors, illustrators, and readers alike. It was this time last year a group of authors came together over a common thread, our love a reading, especially children’s books.

A little bit about Kid Literature



All of us apart of Kid Literature are writers, illustrators, parents, teachers and overall lovers of books. Striving to bridge the gap of books sitting on a shelf collecting dust, to enjoying what you are reading. All of us banning together to get books into the hands that matter the most important readers, the children. Trying to cultivate a love of reading in our young ones.

Kid Literature (or otherwise known as KL) is more than just a place to post about books, it has become a community. A place to share and receive encouragement. A place where you can go as a writer, a parent, or just lover of books, and share your insights. Your comments, your feelings, a place where you are surrounded by fellow bookies.

How did Kid Literature come about?

Things don’t just happen overnight, right? You’re right, they don’t. Like anything, it all started with an idea. That Idea came from founder Karen Emma Hall.

A group of us formed on twitter, we supported each other, shared thoughtful quotes and encouragement. We were all fellow authors with the same goal, getting our books into the hands of readers. How and where would we do this?

Karen approached us with the idea of starting a group online where other fellow authors would be able to join. A place where we could share our books with other individuals, and where we could share their books too. We would tell our friends about it inviting them to join, and all of us would share in making posts. And thus, Kid Literature was borne!

What started off as a simple plan, quickly grew like wildfire! Before we knew it KL had become its own entity! With more than 17k followers on Twitter, over 3,000k likes on Facebook, and over 800 followers on Pinterest! KL has become bigger than any of us could have imagined! All of it started with an idea, and little by little it became something more. Made of up a little bit of all of us, little bits of books and magic.



What does Kid Literature mean to me?

I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to have a share in Kid Literature from the ground up. Karen’s idea has grown and blossomed into something that I don’t think any of us could have imagined possible! I’ve have learned so much from all of these wonderful people I work with, friendships and bonds have been created that I never expected.

What started off as just something fun to do and share ideas, has resulted in a support system. A support system that has grown so massive that it’s hard to look back and remember a time before I had this. I do not know what I would do without ones like Karen, Cat, Steve, and Carolin, just to name a few of the many wonderful people apart of KL. In short, KL has become my writing family!

So I say to any of you who have not had the opportunity to visit this wonderful page, please don’t wait any longer! If you are looking for help starting out in writing, looking to share your latest book, or just need an inspirational quote; then Kid Literature is the place for you.

I am sure everyone has heard the saying It takes a village. That “village” applies to every aspect in writing! Writing can be, and often is a lonely road, but it doesn’t have to be! KL offers so much support, but just like with anything you have to be willing to accept it. So hop on over to the Facebook page, give us a like and let the magic begin!

This is what Kid Literature means to me. In a couple of weeks we will hear from Karen Emma Hall, Cat Michaels, and Carolin Palmer as they share with all of us what the Magic of Kid Literature Means to them.

Have you been a part of Kid Literature from the start, or have you just recently joined the community? Have you found KL to be helpful and fun place to visit? Please Leave a comment in the section below, and tell us what Kid Literature means to you?

In the meantime, here is a video of a look back over KL’s first year. To learn more about Kid Literature visit their new website! www.kidliteratureauthors.com or follow them on Facebook www.facebook.com/kidliterature

Don’t forget to click enter the Giveaway for the chance to win oodles of prizes!

Kid Literature 1st Year Anniversary Video

A Special Event!

This month is a very special month, do you know why? I can see all of you scratching your heads, trying to guess what the reason might be. Let me help you out no it has nothing to do with Easter. Did that help? Hmmm…. No you’re right that didn’t narrow it down much either. It has nothing to do with birthday, anniversary, or party. Or does it……..



Did you guess it?? Not yet!? Okay, okay, I won’t keep you guessing anymore. It’s really mean on my part to keep you in suspense, wondering what in the world is this girl blabbing on and on about.



Okay here it is, are you ready? Come a little bit close to the screen so you can hear…


Closer……..

Closer……………

Closer……………..

That’s too close! Back up just a little!



Much better, thank you! Okay are you ready! Of course you are, I already asked that didn’t I? HAHA! Okay, Okay, for reals this time I promise!!

IT’S THE 1 YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF KID LITERATURE!! WHOOO HOOOO!!



(Background filled with shouts, laughter, and bubbly being poured into glasses)



In honor of the 1 year anniversary for Kid Literature Karen Emma Hall, (founder) Steve Conoboy, Cat Michael’s, along with myself and other contributors have been thinking just how on earth are we going to celebrate this!?! Well, I am here to tell you that we have come up with a smashing way to celebrate! How you ask??

Come closer….

Oh wait, let’s not do this again. I’ll just tell you. Wait for it…. Wait for it… With a weeklong party! WOOT WOOT!! We are going to have videos, games, giveaways and more! Each day starting the 13-19th of April we will be having oodles and oodles of fun!


The Kid Literature Community did not form overnight. We came together as authors with a shared love of not only writing, but also that of reading children’s books (especially picture books). We wanted to create a place where not only could we share our works, but to encourage each other. To grow, to give back. Everything we do, we do it for the kids. That is something we have said since day one, and that is something that will never change. Everything comes back full circle for the kids, and because of the kids.

It was one year ago today that Karen started proposing the idea. Soon, that idea became a reality. Kid Literature became something bigger than any of us could have dreamed of! Kid Literature is made up not just from us Admins, but it is comprised of all of you too! Our supporters, our fans, our friends!

We couldn’t do this without all of you!



Because of this special week, I have decided to dedicate this month of blogs to Kid Literature. The community, the people, and the books. Kid Literature gives so much to all us as writers, parents and most importantly, the children.

So do join us next week for a fabulous party! I assure you it will be a week that you will not soon forget!




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The Story Behind Lorenzo

Back in December I was visiting a classroom of second graders where I was asked a series of questions. Who is Lorenzo the Bear? Where did he come from? Is he real, or fictional? Will he have more adventures, and stories to tell? All excellent questions! Such thinkers these children were!

I loved how excited they were they had so many questions, I couldn't keep up! It got me thinking, I don’t recall ever addressing all of these questions for you. Since tomorrow will be the Book Launch for Lorenzo’s next adventure, Journey to Honeysuckle Mountain. What better time than right now to tell you a little more about Lorenzo.

I was asked by a little boy ‘Who is Lorenzo, did you make him up?’ That is a question I get asked quite a lot and the answer is simple. Lorenzo is, HEY! If this is a blog about me, can’t I tell them about the classroom visit, and answer the questions? Of course! You are so right Lorenzo, why didn’t I think of that!?! OK, go ahead the keyboard is all yours! Thank you!

Okay. Am I real? YES!! I am based off a real stuffed toy my maker Carmela Dutra had when she was a child. When her dad gave her the bear he said he would protect her so she could sleep. Okay hang on, let me tell this part After all this was before you were borne. You’re right I think you should tell them. Thank you.

Like most youngsters I was afraid of the dark, the night was especially hard for me. One day, my dad told me he had something that would help me; then he handed me a stuffed bear. He assured me that this bear would protect me from whatever it was that troubled me. I loved the bear so much! I named him the Brave Bear Lorenzo (why I picked Lorenzo as the name, I have no idea). So between Lorenzo, a trusty nightlight, and my usual bed time stories; I was able to sleep again.



Thus, when my nephew Jason asked me to draw him pictures, and Desi wanted a story I couldn’t think of anything else other then my most beloved stuffed animal! For me, Lorenzo is most real, maybe not in the “traditional” sense. Even though he has a new home with my niece Desi, he will always be a part of my life.

Are you curious to see what the real Lorenzo looks like? Well, then check out the bear Desi is holding in the picture. That’s him!

That hasn’t changed. Even though I am happy in my new home I still keep in touch with Carmy. I’m still that same lovable, brave bear she had as a child. The only difference now, is that I can help all kinds of animals, and people alike through my stories! I am an outgoing bear who loves to make friends, and meet new animals. I’d like to think that I am the kind of bear that you can always count on. I do not let fear stand in my way when it comes to helping others. But What I really love is visiting classrooms!

It was so much see all of the boys and girls. They were so eager to hear about my first Adventure to Jellyfish Cove. Carmela even brought in with her a stuffed Lucy Bear for all of the boys and girls to hold and play with, it was a Beartastic time!

After the reading was finished all of the boys and girls started asking questions. One question that was asked more than once was, ‘Will Lorenzo take another adventure somewhere else???’ Why yes I do! My next one will be to Honeysuckle Mountain where I visit Queen Berverlee the Bumble Bee.

But do you what you what to know what my most favorite part about the visit was??? Come closer to the screen so you can hear me…… Closer…… Closer…… It was when they were told they get to help write a story!!!!!! Oh all of the boys and girls just screamed in excitement! Oh and their ideas! There were some pretty nifty ideas that they had. They were very descriptive of what would happen too. Some told how I would have to face off against Lord Boris again, then some talked about helping lost Zebras, and the Yeti’s!!

It was the most awesome, Beartastic experience I have ever had! I cannot wait until our next classroom visit. Well you don’t have to wait too much longer Lorenzo. I haven’t told you yet, but next week are visiting a second and third grade classroom at Anne Darling! REALLY!! Oh boy! I can’t wait I’m so beary excited! Let’s start planning that trip right now!

Thank you all for reading the blog that Lorenzo and I worked on together. Do you have any questions you would like to ask? Please leave a comment with your questions!! And bee sure to join us March 31st for the Book Launch of; The Adventures of Lorenzo the Bear Journey to Honeysuckle Mountain! https://www.facebook.com/events/15548...












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The Language that is Music

Music is a common singularity that crosses all borders of nationality, race, and culture. A tool for arousing emotions and feelings, music is far more powerful than language. An increased interest in how the brain processes musical emotion can be attributed to the way in which it is described as a “language of emotion” across cultures. Be it within films, live orchestras, concerts or a simple home stereo, music can be so haunting and overwhelming that it can only be described as standing halfway between thought and phenomenon.

Music unquestionably affects our emotions. We tend to listen to music that reflects our mood. When we’re happy we may listen to upbeat music; when we’re sad we may listen to slower, somber like songs; when we’re angry we may listen to darker music with heavy guitar, drums, and vocals that reflect our level of anger.



Have you ever been asked to name your favorite band or performer? Were you able to rattle off the top five you listened to regularly? We may not be able to say for certain why we prefer the artists we listen to. We might say It’s what I grew up with! Or even, That’s what my parent’s listened. We do know, and can say that we resonate with or feel the music. Or maybe even simpler, we just like the music they write.

But we can learn a lot about our emotional selves through our musical taste.

I hope everyone has enjoyed the preview of my latest blog on the topic of Music. I invite you to pop over to my blog page to finish reading the rest! Please feel free to leave a comment while you are there.

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Why do you write?

“So you’re an author? That’s cool! So like why? Why do you write?” I was just asked this the other day. It’s a common enough question (and plenty of the pros have reasoned this with more eloquence than I could ever imagine), so one might think I’d have a better answer – but I don’t.

Achieving fame, being awarded sparkling prizes or even just being recognized as a half decent author are not among the reasons. I write, because I write. Simple as that. There is a sense of joy and excitement in taking the bizarre, silly, cheerful and sometimes wretched thoughts from my mind and throwing them onto a canvas.

If someone actually likes what I create, that’s great! And if they don’t, well there are always other books to read. I know that what I produce is not everyone’s cup of tea, nor do I expect all to enjoy it. Now this is not to say that I’m not pleased when my books or eBooks sell, the contrary in fact, but it’s not the main objective when I write.

Much like with my art, when I don’t write something feels off. It’s like I have this lion roaring at me, telling me ‘I need to get out!’ It’s something that calls to me, almost mocking me in a sorts. The more I suppress it, the louder it gets.



Sometimes when I sit down, I don’t know what I am creating; but I know that I’m tired of being mocked. Once I succumb, and the words starting falling into place, I don’t usually want to stop. I get this drive to finish what I’ve started, becoming more excited the clearer the image becomes. And once I’m finished, that once roaring lion, is now a peaceful lamb.

There are a plethora of reasons why writers do what they do. Why they enjoy it, why they continue despite any agony it may bring. So many diverse reasons, and yet one commonality. We write, because we are writers!

So I guess the question I should be asking is to all of you…. why do you write?

Leave a comment below sharing with us why you write.


Wishing you all a little to Adventure today!


Carmela Dutra
Author of The Adventures of Lorenzo the Bear Series

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