Carmela Dutra's Blog, page 12

Dr. Seuss Day!

I am a HUGE Dr. Seuss fan, and really who isn’t? March 2nd is a special day for us Seuss fans, for it is Dr. Seuss Day! What does this mean? It means we look back over the years and reflect on all of his creations from And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street, to Oh, The Places You’ll Go! (Which just happens to be my personal favorite by the Dr. himself) Thinking about all of the works he gave us, how have they made an impact in the field of Children’s Literature?

I do not think there is one person among us who would disagree by my saying Theodor Seuss Geisel a.k.a Dr. Seuss was a literally genius! However, is it fair for us to say that his books contributed to society? I feel the answer is a big YES!

How many of us have ever read something that inspired us to bigger, and greater things? How many after reading Night by Elie Wiesel were not moved and affected by the account of a Jewish author was sent to Auschwitz at 15-years-old. His story of personal struggle, heartbreak, and passion. Or, Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck. Giving us new meaning to the American dream, focusing on power and a friendship that will enrage you with jealousy (but in a good way).

Dr. Seuss showed a respect for literature, poetry, and the essence of childhood that many other authors have failed or not come near enough to achieve. Through his works, he shows an endearment to the innocence of children. Showing us that childhood is the purest, most clever, and most important moment in one’s life.



Dr. Seuss helped to transform children’s literature into something that can be appreciated by more than children. His whimsical style and rhyming schemes were elements that came to be appreciated by children, but over time, his works seem to acquire more meaning as the initial child reader grows up and becomes an adolescent and adult. The work itself does not change, but the reader does, and in looking at the same work over time, new levels of meaning emerge.

His stories not only entertain, but teach us invaluable lessons. In the words of Dr. Seuss, “There is no one alive who is Youer than You.” Make the most of what you’ve got. In Yertle the Turtle, we see “feather envy” and it’s a gentle reminder to be careful what you wish for and appreciate what you’ve got.

As mentioned earlier my favorite Seuss book is Oh, the Places you’ll go! As a child it was a fun read, it made me think about what I would do. But now as an adult it has much deeper meaning to me. Life is a great balancing act with ups and downs, but it’s up to us to chose what road we will go down.


Dr Seuss gives such wise advice:

Congratulations!

Today is your day.

You’re off to Great Places!

You’re off and away!

You have brains in your head.

You have feet in your shoes.

You can steer yourself any direction you choose.

You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the guy who’ll decide where to go.

You’ll look up and down streets. Look’em over with care. About some you will say, “I don’t choose to go there.” With your head full of brains and your shoes full of feet, you’re too smart to go down a not-so-good street.

And you may not find any you’ll want to go down. In that case, of course, you’ll head straight out of town. It’s opener there in the wide open air.

Out there things can happen and frequently do to people as brainy and footsy as you.

And when things start to happen, don’t worry. Don’t stew. Just go right along. You’ll start happening too.

Oh! The Places You’ll Go!

You’ll be on your way up!

You’ll be seeing great sights!

You’ll join the high fliers who soar to high heights.


As the rest of the poem goes on it gets very interesting. What I love most about this poem is that he points out you’ll have times when you’re lonely, or scared about walking down the road you've chosen. When you want to turn back but you’ll go on regardless. That is life for you, that is all part of its rich tapestry. we are not alone, other people are walking their own road right beside us. They too have these fears – am I good enough? Will I succeed? Can I do this? But we do, because…

You are off to great places.

Today is your day

Your mountain is waiting

So get on your way!


Wishing you all a little to Adventure today!

Carmela Dutra
Author of The Adventures of Lorenzo the Bear Series

www.Lorenzothebear.com
Twitter.com/Lorenzothebear @lorenzothebear
Facebook.com/Lorenzothebear (Like me!)
www.ablogforyourthoughts.com

#GiveABook!

What comes to mind when you see the date February 14th? No doubt it’s Valentine’s Day. This is after all the day for lovers, but what about those who are lovers of books? Well good news! This day is also for them! In addition to Valentine’s Day, February 14th is also International Book Giving Day.


Here’s a little background for those unfamiliar with the holiday. This is a day devoted to instilling a lifelong love of reading in children and providing access to books for children in need. Book Giving Day calls on volunteers to share their favorite book with a young reader. Although the holiday originated in the UK, book lovers around the world now join in the celebrations every year.

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 is a day to tell our family and friends we love them. What better way to tell our children, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, etc. we love them than with a book!

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 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 is soon to be released in March, I will be 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 will also open this up to Amazon and have FREE download Days for my first book in the series 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 this day means to you!

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

Childhood Memories

I spent this past weekend cleaning up around the house, organizing boxes. All of this was in an effort to find something specific, which alas it was nowhere to be found. What I did find was some old photo albums. Won’t you agree with me when I say there is this feeling of nostalgia when you flip through old photo albums?

Looking through those photos brought back memories. Seeing pictures of my old cat Tom (who lived to be 20yrs old) my sister, our old bedroom that we shared. Those memories got me thinking about what some of my favorite were. There wasn’t anything I would trade for my summers playing in the backyard with my father’s tools. Or going to park for game of Frisbee. But what were some of my favorite memories??

Then I was reminded when I saw some of my old books. Some of the best memories from my childhood are when my father and I would read. It wasn’t even always reading the same book together; often times he would pick me up a comic book and get a classic car magazine for himself. We would go out back, sit in one of his cars (my father was an auto body repair’s man, specializing in classic cars) and read. Even though we didn’t always read a book “together” we still read together.



It was something that didn’t cost anything, and something that has stayed with me all these years. I will often remind my father of some of those memories; he’s always somewhat surprised at how that made an impact on me. You can never underestimate the power a book (or in my case comic books) holds, the affects it will have or the memories it will create.

Now that the new week us upon us what will we do? We take time to schedule activities, make arrangements, but why not take some of that time and schedule reading? It won’t cost anything rather, it will create memories that money can’t buy!



Wishing you all a little to Adventure today!

Carmela Dutra
Author of Lorenzo the Bear Series

www.Lorenzothebear.com
Twitter.com/Lorenzothebear @lorenzothebear
Facebook.com/Lorenzothebear (Like me!)
www.ablogforyourthoughts.com

Author Visit

Over the past two months I’ve had the opportunity to visit 5 classrooms, grades 2nd and 3rd. I also have had the opportunity to meet other teachers who expressed interest in having me come and visit their classrooms. Visiting the classrooms was such a wonderful privilege, I had been sharing some of the photos on my various social media pages. Each time I posted one I was asked more than once to tell them about the visit. So I thought I would take a few moments to tell all of you about these wonderful visits.

First I have to give a big thank you to a dear friend of mine Irma P. She took the initiative to reach out to the teachers of her niece and nephew. By her doing this, it allowed me to get my foot in the door with other teachers. She is probably tired of hearing me thank her, but here is one more big thanks to you Irma!

Author visits are more than just showing up to read their book(s) to the class and leaving. The best part of the visit is the interaction with the students. But how do you know what to do at these visits? What would I do? Would I talk about myself? About the book I’m reading? What kind of questions would I ask to engage my audience? Being young, their attention span might not be that long. So what would I come up with that would keep them engaged and focused during my visit?



Before visiting each classroom I talked with the teachers many times to find out where their students were in terms of the writing, and reading. What were they focusing on in the classroom? Younger grades might be focusing more on the art aspect of books, trying to tell stories through images. Or for the older students working on their understanding of verbs, nouns, and adjectives. Keeping all of this in mind would allow me to tailor my visit to each classroom to best meet their needs.



It just so happened that all of the classes I would be visiting were working on how to write their own stories (this is an author’s dream classroom visit). What better activity would there be then to have the students help write a new adventure for Lorenzo the Bear to take!

After introducing myself to the classroom I would give them a chance to ask me anything they wanted to ask (most of the time I didn’t have to even ask if they had any questions they would just start shouting things out at me). Before reading I would ask them “What would you do if your best friend didn’t show up to play with you one day?” Their answers were really thought out, and different too.

I then introduce everyone to Lucy Bear! She would spend the whole visit with all of the students. I encourage everyone to share her so everyone can have a chance to hold and play with her. Then I would hand her to the teacher to select which student would hold her first. Lucy Bear has become a key aspect of my author visits. She is used primarily for inspiration when writing. Once the reading is finished I open it up to the students, to see if they have any questions they would like to ask. E.g. characters, the writing process, illustration etc. I am always blow away by the variety of questions they ask me.



Next is time for the best part, activities! They students get so excited when they hear they will not only get to help write a Lorenzo story, but that the book will Painter classroom visit3include their ideas and be dedicated to their classroom. The particular story they were working on was a Winter Wonderland Story, where Lorenzo and Lucy journey to the artic. They are encouraged to think outside of the norm, getting creative is most of the fun!

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The ideas these kids had were so funny and unique. They ranged from artic animals to Pit Bulls, Zebra’s, and even a few made up animals. At the conclusion of my visit all of the students received a certificate, promoting them Junior Authors! They were all shocked when I handed them their certificates, I had several ask me: “Does this mean I get to write my own stories now too?” As authors is any sweeter feeling than knowing that your visit impacted them? Even if just one student puts a pen (or pencil) to paper and creates something of their own, it was all worth it.




It was such a joy to visit these classrooms, work one on one with the students, and to connect with the teachers. The best part is going home with their stories and reading their ideas for the next story The Adventures of Lorenzo the Bear. Once I have the story completed the teachers have invited me back to visit again, and share the story we all created together. I had one teacher tell me, “In all of the years I have been teaching, I’ve never had a single author come and visit my class before. This was a treat for the student’s, but an even bigger one for me.”

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr

“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.

I have a dream today!

I have a dream that one day, down in Alabama, with its vicious racists, with its governor having his lips dripping with the words of “interposition” and “nullification” — one day right there in Alabama little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers.”



One of the most powerful speeches in world history: the “I Have a Dream” speech. Just saying that brings a chill down my spine. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s message to the world was not just to fight racism and segregation.

His goal was to make people believe that each individual has power, and anything can be achieved peacefully. Words, feelings, and actions to live by….

Every day brings on challenges. Challenges unique to each individual… However if everyone reflected on the words he spoke, and then acted on at least a few…… How much different would things be….

Dr. King set his goals in a time when people were being hung for sharing his opinion. Still, he was not afraid. He got many death threats while leading the civil rights movement, but this did not stop him, because he knew that giving into fear was the biggest threat to the civil rights movement.

Today is time to reflect on these things, to look at all this speech accomplished. Maybe not then at that moment in time, but decades later. What it means to you, and what you hope it will mean to others in the future.

Dr. King said, “Faith is taking the first step, even when you don’t see the whole staircase.”



Wishing you all a little to Adventure today!

Carmela Dutra
Author of Lorenzo the Bear Series

www.Lorenzothebear.com
Twitter.com/Lorenzothebear @lorenzothebear
Facebook.com/Lorenzothebear (Like me!)
www.ablogforyourthoughts.com

A New Year, and New Possibilities

Making New Year’s resolutions is a tradition that many like to uphold. Every year they pick out a few things to work on, maybe keeping the list framed by their bedside as a constant reminder. These resolutions can be anything from giving yourself more “Me Time” to starting that novel you've always wanted to work on.

What does the New Year mean to you? Is it a new beginning? A chance to excel? Maybe a time to meets goals that you didn't quite reach last year. Or an opportunity to make more powerful goals in order to push yourself further—to challenge yourself to bigger and better dreams.



Do you set a resolution for yourself? Many do, and yet out of those who do set a resolution many also fail to keep it. This can be for many different reasons, reasons beyond ones control. For me personally I do not make resolutions; I do try and better myself, my family, things I want to accomplish. But I don’t try and force myself into something, especially if I might not be able to keep it. Yes it is true what they say ‘a goal without a date is just a dream.’ But I feel you can have a goal and meet it without putting yourself into such a time crunch.

I am happy with what I accomplished last year, as I hope most everyone is as well. I like most, I have things that yes if given the chance I would like to do it differently, but that’s ok. What has happened has happened, that’s 2014’s problem. There is no use crying over spilled milk (or milk that never spilled at all).

To me the New Year brings on a chance for new possibilities. 2015 will be filled with a sense of wonder, and adventure, you just have to look for it. If you do not set for yourself a resolution, or a goal. Do you have something in which you hope to accomplish?

Here are a few things I would like to accomplish in the upcoming year.

Tackling the third and fourth Adventures of Lorenzo the Bear is high on my to-do list. Which in itself is an undertaking considering I am also the illustrator.

Officially start on my new series about a little girl and her puppy who also take adventures. I’ve already wrote it, but now after letting it sit for many months I am ready to take another look at it and dive in.

Continue more classroom visits where I get to read to, and work one on one with students. If I can have any share in helping to cultivate a love of reading, writing in them… words could not express the joy that would bring me.
I have always wanted to put pen to paper and create YA novel…… Only time will tell what I come up with.

Aside from writing and illustrating, I want to truly savor each moment. Life is very precious, something that has been thoroughly impressed upon me throughout my years of volunteer work. Never taking things for granted, not dwelling on the past, and always looking towards the future.

Most important, as we look at 2014 in the rearview mirror, I want to thank you for being with me on this passage this past year. I’m beyond grateful for your company, support, and encouragement.

So here is my challenge to you! Be it a resolution, goal or accomplishment; just be the best you can be! 2015 is your year, make it count, make it last, make it memorable. Each year is unique all on its own. Leave a comment for us all to read, and together we can make 2015 a year for the books!




Wishing you all a little to Adventure today!

Carmela Dutra
Author of Lorenzo the Bear Series

www.Lorenzothebear.com
Twitter.com/Lorenzothebear @lorenzothebear
Facebook.com/Lorenzothebear (Like me!)
www.ablogforyourthoughts.com

A Winters Meaning

As this year comes to a close we look back at all it has given us, taken from us, and promised us. As with everything life, all things must some to an end and start anew. As one season slips away fading into memory, a new one is brought to life. A cycle of unending wonder, one of hopes and dreams.

As we thing of the seasons, we think of the imagery they pass. Spring, a time Joy and Love. Summer, a time of Searches and Reflection. Autumn brings with it Bounty and Changes. And winter, can often be times of Hope and Despair. Each season represents a different stage in our life, in our growth, in our love. We each have our favorite season, a reason beyond measure. For me that season is winter.

Without one season we cannot truly appreciate another. I think Ward Elliot Hour said it best “The color of springtime is in the flower. The color of winter is in the imagination.”



Winter has a subtle beauty to it, one covered in snow, and silence. It is a beauty that is meek and yet complex all in one. The way it smells after the first rain, how snow delicately falls, gently coating the evergreens. The way each snowflake kisses your face. Or the way fire crackles and spats before spluttering into life, then dances and flitters about.

Winter is a season unequaled by any other. The most opposite of all seasons, yet to me one the most beautiful of all. Can one truly describe winter any more than one can describe the feel of sand under your barefoot? Can one explain the beauty of waking up to find a yard of freshly fallen snow? No more than one can explain the way a rose smells as it blooms to life.

As things fade away into memories, new ones are born. Time spent with family and friends, exchanging love and sharing stories. As winter goes on it will soon fade into spring, bringing with it some of the hidden beauty winter has. As the cycle goes on we think and ponder, about the New Year and blessings it will bring.

Oh if I could trap a little bit of winter in bottle, to always hold the magic that is winter.



Wishing you all a little to Adventure today!

Carmela Dutra
Author of Lorenzo the Bear Series

www.Lorenzothebear.com
Twitter.com/Lorenzothebear @lorenzothebear
Facebook.com/Lorenzothebear (Like me!)
www.ablogforyourthoughts.com

Goodreads Giveaway Entrants

I want to extend a big thank you everyone who entered the Goodreads giveaway we had this past month! The winners have already been notified by Goodreads.

Congratulations to Bronson collins of New bedford MA. and
Rosa Cline of Kingston AR. !

Again thank you to all! It was so exciting to see that 639 people entered the giveaway! Please do not get discouraged there will be plenty more giveaways listed, stay tuned for details to come.

#Beartastic thanks to all!

#GiveBooks


Wishing you all a little to Adventure today!

Carmela Dutra
Author of Lorenzo the Bear Series

www.Lorenzothebear.com
Twitter.com/Lorenzothebear @lorenzothebear
Facebook.com/Lorenzothebear (Like me!)
www.ablogforyourthoughts.com

Character Blog Hop: Guest Blogger: A.S. Chung

In keeping with the theme of Picture Book month for November A.S. Chung will tell us about one of her characters from, A Brand New Day, A Banana Split Story.

I hope all of you enjoy this special two part blog presentation we have today. I want to give a big thanks to both my guest bloggers today, Carolin Palmer and A.S. Chung!

And remember, just because November is coming to a close not mean the celebration of picture books have to also.

What is the name of your character?


My character is nameless and will continue to be so for the rest of the ‘Banana Split Story’ series. For the purpose of the storyline, I felt that naming the character was unnecessary as he/she was to represent all young children around the ages of 3-6 years who hail from a divorced family.

Is he/she fictional or a historic person?

This character is based on my daughter, who was 5 years old at the time of writing. I wrote this story for her. I wanted to show her that despite the fact that her father and I were no longer together, it does not mean that we love her any less or that life would be any more difficult or less happy. I wanted to show her some of the special things that could come out of a separated family and how love could conquer anything!

When and where does the story take place?

The story is timeless and knows no boundaries. Divorce is a prevalent life challenge experienced in all walks of life.

What is the personal goal of the character?

The personal goal of this character is to represent all the young children in society today who have to live in a family with divorced parents. The character shows love, resilience and positive outlook on life.



As ‘A Brand New Day’ is about divorce and that alone is the major problem at hand. Instead on dwelling on the issue however, the character chooses to see the brighter side of life and understands that it is possible to live a full and happy life, despite her parents being separated.

How can I learn more ‘A Brand New Day’?

Visit my blog/website at http://pigeonholebooks.com Here you’ll find all my updates, book reviews and author & blogger interviews. I may also be found through these social connections:

You can connect with A.S. Chung to learn more about her, and her work by visiting the following links Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pigeonholebo...
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...

Wishing you all a little to Adventure today!

Carmela Dutra
Author of Lorenzo the Bear Series

www.Lorenzothebear.com
Twitter.com/Lorenzothebear @lorenzothebear
Facebook.com/Lorenzothebear (Like me!)
www.ablogforyourthoughts.com

Picture Book Month

November is National Picture Book Month. So for today’s blog, I thought it was be fitting to discuss Picture Books!

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. In an effort to accomplish this, many have bought everything possible to help their children read.

From computer programs, to enrolling them in best preschools they can find. I’m not faulting them for wanting the best for their children by any means, who can argue with wanting the best for their children. Growing up I was not a good reader, I well below the average. My mother got me “hooked on phonics” reader rabbit, and everything she could find. Until one day, she gave me a picture book, then things changed.

Often time’s, individuals can underestimate the value of picture books. Some will encourage their children to move on to more text-heavy chapter books as a means to advance their skills. Chapter books are not necessarily more complex than picture books in fact, their vocabulary and sentence structure can be considered simplistic when compared with older level picture books.

So why are picture books important?

The illustrations of a picture book help children understand what they are reading and allow young readers to analyze the story. When children are having difficulty, the illustrations can help them figure out the meaning of what they are reading. The illustrations are a powerful way to help get the point across to young readers.

Children love art! Why do you think they spend so much time coloring, drawing and doing crafts? Children are drawn to the bright vivid pictures, captivated by the details each illustration holds. And let’s be honest with ourselves, as adults we too are spellbound by the beauty and intricate details on the pages.

Picture books are multi-sensory, which aids a child’s growing mind and stimulates their imagination. Not only do the children hear the story, they see the illustrations, and smell and touch the pages. Picture books are less daunting than say a chapter book, so they will be more likely to give a go at reading a sentence or two. Thereby, building their reading skills while enjoying it.

Picture books allow an entirely different, more interactive communication between parent and child. My mom use to read bothbanner-mother-child-smaller chapter and picture books with me. While I enjoyed both, it was easier for me to comment on the subject out of a picture book. Picture books allow you to talk about what you see on each page. Asking questions such as: How they are feeling? What do you think we will discover on the next page?

It’s unfortunate when kids are pushed past picture books, just as some turn up their noses at graphic novels and magazines. It’s important to encourage kids to get their hands on everything they can, especially picture books, comics, and even kid-friendly websites. It doesn’t matter what they read as long as they read and children who learn to love books will be children who grow up to be good readers.

Support National Picture Book Month by reading a picture book yourself. You never know what reading one will lead too. Please, tell us what your thoughts are on this topic, we would love to hear them.

“Literature has the ability to open up a whole new world to children, but we need to have a share in helping them to find that door and open it with them. Let’s set the example and help to foster this love of reading in our little ones. ” ~ Carmela Dutra

Wishing you all a little to Adventure today!

Carmela Dutra
Author of Lorenzo the Bear Series

www.Lorenzothebear.com
Twitter.com/Lorenzothebear @lorenzothebear
Facebook.com/Lorenzothebear (Like me!)
www.ablogforyourthoughts.com