Carmela Dutra's Blog, page 9

What does reading mean to you?

 

For some readers, it’s a sense of intimacy while reading; having a special bond with the book in their hands. For some, reading is a way of staving off boredom. Others seek solace through books. Still others are looking for edification or information.

To me reading is opening a door to new ideas, thoughts, and learning about new things. While taking you into the mind of the author, being able to see things through their perspective. Reading is something that for me is a way of life, a necessity not a luxury.

What about for children? What does reading mean to them? How does it affect them? According to my little cousin, “Books become whatever friend you need, or want them to be!” Reading is something that is vital to children, when trained, they even start to crave it.

So if you have a craving for something, what do you do? Usually, you indulge that craving (sometimes against better judgment lol). When a child craves a book, do you give it to them? With all of the things that can grab their attention, it’s refreshing when they reach for a book.

Even from infancy children can crave that desire. We read to our son every night before, and several times throughout the day, even if it’s just reading an e-mail out loud. At 6 months old he already is loving the vibrant pictures, the feel of the pages, and yes sometimes the taste too. Just like when my father read to me, I too change my voice for the various characters. It can really make the reading come alive! 

Have you ever asked a child why? No, I’m not referring to the why game that they just love to play. I mean about books, why? Why they enjoy reading? What draws them to that particular book? The answer my amaze you. They have amazing reasons as to why. I bet if you asked, their answers would not only impress you, but make you think. Have you asked them what reading means to them?

I asked that to my niece, and I was surprised how much thought she had put into it. “Reading means just that, reading.  But it’s more. I read the books in school because I have to, but I don’t always like them. But I like reading the ones I chose. That’s the type of reading I enjoy, that’s when the book is my friend. The books in school aren’t always friends. Sometimes they’re like those girls I have to play with at recess but I don’t enjoy it.”

See what I mean! She really put some thought into her answer, and it made me step back and ponder my answer. Now I challenge you, leave a comment and tell us: what does reading mean to you?

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Are Books a Luxury, or Necessity?

Are Books a Luxury, or Necessity?

When you think about books, how do you view them? 

Are they a luxury, something that is nice to have, but not needed? Or are they a necessity, where you must have them? Do they add to your life and home?  Or do you feel they are just something that sits on a shelf, collecting dust?

Books offer a wide breadth of information, experience, and knowledge. But unlike many electronic mediums, they can have more of a personal impact. Touching us personally as we feel the leather bound books in our hands. As we turn the pages, taking in the smell of the paper, the crisp feel between our finger tips. Books inform us about other people, countries, customs and cultures. They help to teach ourselves about history, the arts, science, religion, nature, mathematics, the list is endless. Books also help us to understand the effect that all those things have on us, and our world.

Books give us ideas that we might not have had before.  They might make us think about new situations, or make us think about situations that we already know about but in a different way.  In this way, they help us to develop intellectually.

Literature is born from the human need to tell stories, stories about one self or about others. All of the stories, the myths, the fables and the novels, including those addressed to children are in fact, the result of this wish and this basic need: they help us to live, to survive; they help children to grow up and develop.

In my life, books provide both an escape, and a place to find new ideas.  When I delve into a book, the four walls that encompass me seem to melt away. It’s as if I’m checking all of my feelings and emotions at the door, I enter a room and just lose all sense of everything around me. Hours can pass, and feel as if only minutes had ticked by.

How do you feel when you learn someone does not own a single book? Me, I feel a sense of sorrow for them. The house just seems so sad, as if there is void where something should be. For me, books are just one of the things that turn a house into a home.

Books change us in ways we are not always aware of. Sometimes we pick up vocabulary that we weren’t using before. This type of change is easy to notice. Sometimes books create more subtle changes in us. We might open our eyes to a new culture, or idea. Books challenge and expand our minds.

So for me books are a necessity! What about you? Are they a necessity to you? Please leave a comment and share your thoughts!

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

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 feel it is a time to celebrate family, come together for BBQ dinners, and lemonade refreshments.  Others celebrate the America that we know today, celebrating all of 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!  For most, not much compares to this holiday. It’s what brings the whole family together for some summer fun. It’s what kicks off summer,  gets 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 20th of June, why do most wait until the 4th?

Yes the holidays can be 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, and kids are out of school (mostly all). 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, and spending time relaxing in the backyard with my family as much as the next person. And who doesn’t enjoy watching fireworks? It’s literally fire in the sky!

For my family, 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 now have child. 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 a 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 that will never change that for anything![image error]               [image error]

So this is my summertime goal, what about you? What are your summer goals?

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

C*U*R*R*E*N*T*L*Y A Blog Hop of what I’m up to!

[image error]

 

Some of my fellow authors and blogger pals  and I are sharing our thoughts in the C*U*R*R*E*N*T*L*Y – Summer 2016 Blog Hop. I think it’s fun to take an inside peek at what people are up too, what they are thinking about, working on etc. So I jumped right on this blog hop. Please have a read and see what I’m CURRENTLY up to!  Then check out the other #Gr8Blogs listed at the end of this post for more  C*U*R*R*E*N*T*L*Y  reading material.

CURRENTLY Thinking About 

Oh gosh, there are a million things on my mind as of late! Here are the two things at the top of my list. [image error]My son[image error]Levi, who is almost 6 months old now. Where did the time go!?! I swear it feels like just yesterday I was bringing him home and getting to know this little person. My latest project. A STEM picture book from my new series Little Katie. The first book in this series: Little Katie Goes to the Moon!I’m thinking about all of the projects I have in store with this new book. How to engage young children, especially girls and get them interested in science, while still making it fun. Everyday I’m thinking about our son, and the new family that is blossoming right in front of my eyes.

CURRENTLY Reading

As of late, the books I’m reading are mostly young picture and board books with my son. In my spare time (ha that can be a joke! Do you ever really have spare time as a new parent?) I have the Three Princes by Ramona Wheeler. So far I’m not in love with the book, but it’s still pretty early so that might change.  After I finish this one, I’m planning to start the next Andrea Camilleri book I have waiting for me, August Heat. Oh, and let’s not forget my food network magazines! [image error]

CURRENTLY Watching

This time of year I tend to watch less TV as most of our shows are on break. The Flash, Arrow, Blind Spot, Elementary, Big Bang Theory, just to name a few. However, I do like to indulge in my guilty pleasures during the summer, reality TV. So right now is America’s Got Talent, Sister Wives, and My Big Fat Fabulous Life![image error]

CURRENTLY Making me Happy 

Many things in life bring me pleasure and entertainment, nothing more right now than that of my little guy, Levi.

CURRENTLY Seeing in my camera lens

You guessed it, more baby pictures! What can I say, I’m a first time mom who is utterly in love!

[image error]    [image error]

Thank you for stopping by! Now I would like to hear from you! 

What are you CURRENTLY up to this summer? What are you CURRENTLY reading, watching, any big plans?   Adding books on your to-read list? Finishing that great novel you’ve been meaning to? Please share in the comment section below!

For more fun with the C*U*R*R*E*N*T*L*Y Blog Hop – Summer 2016 Blog Hop, please visit these #Gr8Blogs next….

Auden Johnson,

Dark Treasury

Cat Michaels                                                                                                                                                                                                                         Cat’s Corner 

Corrina Holyoake,

Venturing Into the Unknown

Julie Gorges,

Baby-Boomer Bliss

Jd Holiday,

Jd’s Writers Blog

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Author Interview with JD Holiday

I always enjoy hearing from fellow authors and how things are going for them. I find it fascinating how things happened to come together for them, how they ended where they are, why they continue etc. We may be fellow children’s authors, but everyone has a unique story. One that is truly unique to them. I thought it would be nice to share one such story, that of my fellow author buds, JD Holiday.

Author and illustrator, J.D. Holiday is the author of three children’s books: Janoose the Goose, The Spy Game, and a chapter book for six to eight year olds, THE GREAT SNOWBALL ESCAPADE: and for adults, a collection of short stories,  STORIES AND IMAGININGS FOR THE READING SPOT. She has written a variety of short stories and articles. She is a member of both The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. She is also a pod caster and blogger at: JD’s Writers Blog

I asked JD to share a blurb with us from her books.

Janoose the Goose ~ Janoose likes life in the barnyard very much. She is there visiting her cousin, Molly Duck and her baby, DeeDee. Her vacation is over and Janoose must go home because there are no job openings on the farm. When her flight home arrives, the fox has begun a crime spree. Though the farm animals had a farm watch program once, they were no good at it! Janoose is the only one who can stop him!

[image error]THE GREAT SNOWBALL ESCAPADE is about Wilhemena Brooks’cousin, Bud Dunphry come to live with her family. Wil, as she likes to be called, finds her pink pencil sharpener is missing after Christmas. Wil knows Bud has it! Who else would have taken it? Bud doesn’t like girls! In fact, Bud doesn’t like anybody. Wil tries to ignore him but he pulls her friend’s hair, takes over games, and when Bud is in trouble he making his “you’re going to get it” face at her. After a snowstorm closes school, Wil and her friends go sled riding. Bud shows up and starts a snowball fight which lands Wil in her room for the rest of the day for fighting. When her pencil sharpener is found, right where she left it, Wil decides she has to try harder to understand her cousin and stay out of trouble. Her mother told her to be nice to Bud and to treat him like she would like to be treated. If Wil treats Bud nicely does that change anything for her?

The Spy Game ~

Eddie would love to have a puppy to play with.  A puppy would pull on a rope. Catch a ball and lick your face. But his Uncle brings Eddie an older dog named about a famous spy. What can you do with an old dog? It probably couldn’t learn new tricks, and the only thing this dog did was stare.  It’s what they find to do together that makes them the best of friends. 

 STORIES AND IMAGININGS FOR THE READING SPOT ~ A Collection of Short Stories For Adults ~be entertained and amused from Anne and Romanoff’s naughty pack, Stephanie finds trouble with a wounded cat and a remorseful landscaper; and the beach cottage that brings Cheney’s nightmares of the Sci Fi warrior into focus in Stories & Imaginings For The Reading Spot~

I now invite you to look in on a conversation Rosie and I recently had.

When did you decide to become a writer?

When I was a child I had no idea that the clicking of the keys, the zip of the carriage return or the ding of the bell as my father wrote week nights and weekend on his mystery manuscripts using an old typewriter would lead me to writing. But it did. All I know is that the mechanics of writing must have lain dormant in my head for years. But it was when a friend asked me to help with a manuscript she was writing that I knew it was for me. That experience proved to be natural and fun. I was addicted.

What is your next project?

I am current working on pictures to a sequel to my first children picture book, Janoose The Goose called; Janoose And The Fall Feather Fair co-written with my grandson when he was 6 years old. Luke is now 10.

Where do your ideas come from?

My ideas comes straight out of my childhood and the relationships with my family.

Do you have a special time to write or how is your day structured?

Yes, but I can write at anytime I have as idea. I usually write or paint my picture for my books from 11 AM to about 2:30 PM weeks. That’s will I have the most time.

Any advice for aspiring authors?

To make sure they edit manuscripts many times. So important.

If you want to learn more about JD and her books, then I encourage you to get social and follow her at the following links below!

Amazon

Blog

Website

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

What Makes a Good Book?

What makes a Good Book?

[image error]

What makes a  good book? Does it have to win an award to be considered good?  Can a book be considered good if it is a great story with average writing? How about a well-written book with a less-than-compelling story line?

That is a tough question, to put into words the reasons why you pick a certain book to read. I can almost more easily say why I don’t like certain books over other’s. For me, it is usually due to the author, and his or her writing style. For example, there is one author I am always drawn to. The covers are very eye catching (yes yes I know don’t judge a book by its cover), the teaser on the back of the book seems intriguing. Even the last page of the book seems catchy! Oh, I forgot to mention that I always read the last page of a book to see if it hooks me. Sadly, after 3-4 books I have come to  find  I simply don’t like her style of writing.

For me, a good book is more than just a well-written story. A good book is a treasure trove of humanity so that no matter how often you open a page and start reading, there is still something new to be discovered. A good book is one that makes the reader feel. It takes you on a compelling journey. Calling a book “good” is an opinion that can be applied to any book. I believe that a book can be considered good if it is a great story with average writing. A great story with many struggles and ultimate success can be told even when the writing is average. Some story lines are not compelling, but they are so well written that people will recommend them. Have I read ones like these? Yes. [image error]

A  book doesn’t have to be a best seller, or on a recommended reading list for it to be classified as good.  Sometimes what makes a book a good one,  has to do more with what the reader needs at that given time in his or her life. Simply put, a good book is one that you enjoy reading. Sometimes the best books are hidden gems that you didn’t even know were out there! Take a look and pick up a book, you never know what you might just find.

These are just some of my thoughts, really the answer to this question varies upon each person. That being said, what about for you? What do you look for in books? Could you define what makes a good book to you?

Behind the scenes of an Author Visit

Well it’s that time of year again folks! School is coming to an end, or at some schools it has already ended. Summer is just around the corner and the adventures are soon to begin! This past school year has been a blur! It feels like just yesterday I was watching commercials for school supplies at the local Target. I’m sure all of you parent’s reading this are nodding your heads in agreement.

While this school year feels like it just started, it’s already coming to a close! For me, it was a very different type of school year. It wasn’t the normal collecting box tops for education to send to my niece and nephew, or even sending them notebooks and pencils. This year I was privileged to visit a variety of classrooms.



Each visit was a different experience, the grades ranged between first and third. There were English and bilingual students. I had a few combo classes, I was even working with a few special needs students. Each class came with its own challenges, some of which were the various sizes of the classes. Some school have the 20 -1- rule, and others did not. In the end, all of them were filled with a buzz of energy! I enjoyed every second I had with the students, and I cannot wait for the new school to begin so I can start them all over again!

Lately I have been getting several messages/e-mails that look something like this.

“I just got invited for my very first author visit, and I wanted to see if you had any advice since you have done these types of visits before. I will be reading to (insert grade level), what advice do you have regarding handouts, activities, selling books, etc.?”

I thought this would be a fantastic blog opportunity, to break down what goes into a classroom visits. Everything I discuss will be in reference to my series The Adventures of Lorenzo the Bear. However, the same idea can be used with any book. I will be applying these same techniques when my new series Little Katie comes out June 3rd. That’s right everyone, The Adventures of Lorenzo the Bear will not be my only series! I’m so excited so share Little Katie with everyone! She has been over a year in the making. Eek! So excited!! Okay, back on topic now.

The grade levels that I tend to stick with are between 1-3, this is my target audience, but I do not limit myself to these grades. I have recently been asked to start visiting both fourth and fifth grade as well, so we’ll have to get more creative there. Before each visit there are several, and I mean several phone/e-mail/text and sometimes in person conversations between the teacher(s) and myself. Any parent knows that each of their children are unique, needing things tailored just for them. Same goes for each classroom I visit.

The needs of each school, classroom, teacher, and student’s vary. That is why I spend so much time communicating with the teacher(s) to address the needs of their student’s. I often ask what they are focusing in school? Do they want an activity that will focus on writing, or art? With their feedback, I work with them to create a custom classroom visit. I usually e-mail a few activities for them to choose from, and then we go from there.


There is a basic structure to the visits; I come introduce myself, read my story, Q&A, activities, handouts, and say goodbye. But each visit varies based on the needs of the class. Sadly, some schools I visit had their funding for Arts cut. Since I am also an illustrator, I inform the teacher(s) that I can offer art as an activity to focus on. Sometimes I’ll show a video to the class showing them how Lorenzo the Bear comes together, then I help the students to draw Lorenzo themselves. The steps they learn when drawing Lorenzo the Bear, can be then applied classroom draw any animal they desire.

Other classrooms are wanting to focus on writing, especially plot and character development. Or, writing a story with your audience in mind. In this instance I offer an activity that focuses on writing, usually a story prompt.

For the really little ones simplicity is key! I like to keep it as short and as simple as I can! I aim to keep in them engaged as much as possible. This is where we will usually play a game together, make bear hats, or color.

Sometimes teachers who just want their student’s to have fun! When this is the case we play something like MadLibs, or Word search. Regardless of the activity that is chosen, each one is custom made by myself, and ties in with the book I read to the class. There is always a theme I stick with, and that is my books. Oh and most importantly, I make it a point to personally work with each and every student in the class.


Despite what some of the kids may say, they all LOVE to color! So I am sure to always bring along coloring pages for them. These are kept as a backup to use, if we fly through the planned activity. Otherwise they get these at the end of the visit to use later in class, or to take home.

I really appreciate the enthusiasm of the teachers. They often ask: “How long can we keep you!?” I explain that it depends on how many classrooms I will be visiting that day. Overall my visits are usually 60 min. especially if I have back to back classrooms. Sometimes my visits are a little shorter for first and kindergartner’s, it just depends.

Here is the big question everyone wants to know “If you sell your books, how do you go about it?” I have to give all of the credit to my publishing house here. My editor sent me a flyer they give to all of their children’s authors to help them sell their books in schools. It’s known as a give back program. The students are sent home with a flyer allowing them to purchase the book from me directly at a discount, then a portion from each sale goes back to the school library. This is approved by the principal, and then sent home with the students. This has been very effective in selling books.

In addition to sending home book order flyers, each student receives a parting gift to commemorate our visit. Usually it’s a book marker, but sometimes it’s a printable activity like a bear and or pirate hat. The student’s seem to get most excited over the donation of a book to each classroom I visit, so they will always have it to read over and over again.

So there you have it! A breakdown of an author visit with me, Carmela Dutra. I hope this helps any of you who might be starting off with author visits. Best of luck. You will rock your author visit! Are you an author who has visited a classroom before? Please leave a comment sharing your experiences!

Are you a teacher or Librarian? Would you like to schedule your own author visit? Please, visit the link below to set one up. Do live out of state? Or perhaps out of the country? That’s OK we can schedule a Skype visit too!

Besides being a fun break from the classroom routine, an author or illustrator visit introduces students to the processes of writing, developing characters, and expressing one’s creativity. It gets readers excited about books, and it provides an opportunity to encourage young writers. All of my visits are free, as I believe strongly in giving back to schools. So schedule one for you today!

CarmelaDutra.com

Author Interview with Rosie Russell

I always enjoy hearing from fellow authors and how things are going for them. I find it fascinating how things happened to come together for them, how they ended where they are, why they continue etc. We may be fellow children’s authors, but everyone has a unique story. One that is truly unique to them. I thought it would be nice to share one such story, that of my fellow author buds, Rosie Russell.

Rosie Russell is an author and illustrator at Books by Rose. She has six titles currently available in paperback and kindle on Amazon.com andBarnesandnoble.com  She has studied Early Childhood Education, and has taught students in elementary and middle school for fifteen years in the Midwest.

Rosie now writes and illustrates full time and is looking forward to sharing her books with students, encouraging them to write and illustrate their own stories.

I invite you to look in on a conversation Rosie and I recently had.

 

How, or why did you choose to become an author?

After raising two sons, I went to work as a substitute teacher in our school district. I worked with elementary and middle school students for fifteen years. I did everything from working as a Teacher, Special Ed., ESL, Reading, Art, and P.E. Teacher. I was a Librarian and worked in the offices. You name it, I did it! The one thing I loved the most, was spending time reading to the children. Diving into stories, and helping them write their own stories was a thrill to me.

Was it hard to create your stories?

When our grandson was born it was the perfect time for me to start a new career. I was happy to be on hand to help out with him. Reading to him, like I did with our sons, was, and still is, a complete joy to me. I knew I always wanted to try writing my own children’s stories. When I set my mind to it, it was not hard at all to come up with my own tales. I love it when I can use real life situations, memories, people I know and love, and items in my stories. They all have a special meaning to me.

You mentioned have early readers? What are these?[image error]

My Early Readers, They are for reading levels Pre-School through 1st grade.

My first story that I wrote is about our sons growing up. “Avi and Jackson Best Friends.” In the story it’s about two little boys that do many fun things throughout the year. Even though they are different in age, which is true to our sons, they are best friends. Our grown sons are best friends to this day. A dollar of each book sold donates to players in need of sports equipment.

My second story is “Beasley’s Journey.” Again, this one was easy for me as I based it on a sweet little beagle we had when I was around four years old. His name was Georgie. I will never forget the day our dad pulled up in the driveway. His darling little face was peeking from the backside window in our station wagon we had at the time. Unfortunately, he did not live long. A truck hit him right in front of our home and right in front of my families’ eyes. That memory never left. I then decided I would create a character after him and name him Beasley. In my first Beasley book, he finds himself left behind and meets many friends along the way. Beasley is a kind soul and has to be kind even when others are not so friendly. His story has made such a big hit with everyone that I knew that I would have to write a second story. I created my second book called “Beasley and Friends to the Rescue.” This story has all new characters, and oh are some of them “characters!” “Lola Duck” is the first one in the story to come and get Beasley. She needs help to find what all the racket is that’s going on at Farmer Bill’s barn. Let me just say…”Lola Duck is dramatic!  “Beasley and Friends to the Rescue” is my newest story which I just finished a fun book launch for that title.

[image error]Beasley also was in a campaign called “Beasley Gives Back.” He was the feature in one of my book fairs, helping a young mother raise funds for her cancer. Another friend included items to sell and 100% of all the profits for those items, went to her fund. Beasley plans to do more of these in the future when needed.

The third story I wrote is, “A Search and Find of Every Kind with Jake and his dog named Cain.” This story is about our youngest son and a dog that he currently owns.

This “Search and Find” book has over a hundred things to find. Picture finds for non-readers, word finds for readers. There is a small story that follows along and fun extra activities at the end of the book.

All the above “pet” books, donate a dollar of each book sold to “The Rescue Project.” They are a wonderful group here in Kansas City that reach out to families with pets. If they are in need of food, medical supplies, and homes, this group is there! They are completely dedicated in educating the owners of the pets also.

I noticed you also illustrate your own books, could you tell us a little bit about that?

I illustrate my books using a Wacom Pen Tablet. I have around four different kinds of programs to help me get the right look for each story. I have learned so many techniques from different learning sites on how to arrive for the perfect picture I’m looking for. It’s been exciting to learn and draw from some of the great sites out there. I encourage everyone to give digital drawing a try.

Thank you so much Rosie for share with all of us your unique story! One last question for you, what is your favorite food to indulge in?

Humm Vanilla almond ice cream when we’re out! It’s different and something I would never buy myself here at home. Hamburgers and fries and Fried Chicken which I wish I could eat more of but I don’t too often. POPCORN is my favorite snack food!

Me too! Popcorn all the way! I knew we were friends for a reason!

If you want to learn more about Rosie and her books, then I encourage you to get social and follow her at the following links below![image error]

Website: bookbyrose.com

Web address: booksbyrose4u@gmail

Goodreads, Pinterest, Twitter,and Facebook 

KidLit Parade Guest Blog

A few months back, I was invited to join a new group that had been formed on Facebook. A group may not be the best turn of phrase, it’s more of a community. A Community of fellow authors, teachers, parent’s and ones who are doing all they can to support Children’s Literacy. I have enjoyed  all that I have been learning, the interchange of ideas, and expressions has been encouraging.

I felt I would be remiss if I did not take this blogging opportunity to share with all of you, this hidden gem. I’ve thought about this for awhile now, but how would I go about it? After mulling things over, why not invite the founding members to share their personal expressions with us!

I’ve asked each of the four members to tell us a little bit about KidLit Parade from their perspective. To share with us the story behind the community, and how it has impacted them.  So without further ado, I now turn things over to Nelson Suit!

 

[image error]

KidLit Parade is a collaborative project dedicated to inspiring kids to read and enjoy books. We are comprised of a motley group of authors, teachers, parents and care givers, artists and other creatives who enjoy each other’s company and who, each in our own way, believe in the importance of children’s literacy.

When the four of us (that’s Jill Cofsky, K. Lamb, Cat Michaels and Nelson Suit – more about us below) first started to talk about the KidLit Parade idea last fall, what we had in mind was to gather a group of creative people together who would not only share children’s literacy ideas and resources we came upon but that would be a source, a wellspring if you will, for generating new creative literacy ideas and resources. And, of course, we wanted to have fun while doing it!

Have you considered making a read-aloud video? What are the different ways kids can write and make their own books? Are there fun word games that inspire kids to learn new words? Can you intersperse literacy ideas into something as fun and whimsical as tea time? How have you used online resources and learning apps to support reading?

Each month, we announce a creative prompt that is intended to spur ideas and discussion around literacy themes such as these. We currently use a closed Facebook group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/KidLi...] as the forum for our discussion and shares. The group is intended to be a place where members can feel safe about sharing new ideas. It’s a place where we can experiment.

We are slowly building a small community of like-minded individuals with our Facebook group. Our aspiration: to be creative, original and fun literacy advocates who are supportive of one another.

[image error]

What is always challenging, of course, is time. Most of us in the group are involved in myriads of projects at the same time (not to mention having to balance family and work). So the Facebook group is what we are focused on at this time. The four of us are grateful for the group that has coalesced around KLP. Writing, narrating, illustrating or otherwise publishing children’s books and reading resources or working with kids on reading is not easy work. It all takes dedication and, if nothing else, the group is a place you can go and know that someone will always have something nice and supportive to say.

We have plans for the future though. For one, we are hoping that members who generate literacy ideas and resources within the KLP group would be able to share it via the KidLit Parade website . We may post (with permission, of course) a member’s ideas on the site with a link to the member’s webpage or simply link to the member’s page where the resource would be located. This is an idea we are working on. Also, if a member has a children’s literacy page, we may exchange links and create a “parade” of children’s literacy pages.

There’s also a presence for KidLit Parade on Twitter: @KidLitParade, and we look forward to expanding our activities there. We currently retweet children’s literacy posts (use hashtag #kidlitx for literacy tweets and we’ll search for those) and, as time allows, we hope to share more original literacy ideas and resources there. We hope to create a network of KLP members who will support each other by retweeting posts with the #kidlitx hashtag. If members are posting literacy-related posts on their blogs, for example, or have a new children’s book or other literacy resource available, KLP members can support each other by being engaged in conversation and sharing.

As the group matures and there is interest, group members might also collaborate on specific children’s literacy projects that are more concrete in nature (fun, creative ones, of course, and ones that will have real impact on kids being inspired to read and write).

Thank you Carmela for giving us the opportunity to say something about KidLit Parade. We’re also so grateful that you are part of our community. Whether you are author, librarian or gardener, if part of your work involves finding creative ways to inspire a child to read and write, we invite you to learn more about us via our website at KidLitParade.com and to connect with any of the us (below). Join us on the march in support of children’s literacy!

Here’s a little more about ourselves (the founding members) in our own individual voices and a bit about what attracted us to the project.

 

[image error]

Jill Cofsky: Hello! My name is Jill Cofsky. I’m a professional voice actor and a first grade public school teacher. As a voice actor, I work behind the scenes to add a voice to projects, such as children’s audiobooks, book trailers, promotional videos, or educational materials. In my role as a first grade teacher, I do my best to ignite a love of reading in my students. Additionally, I also volunteer as a community news broadcaster for the visually impaired in my area and as an audiobook narrator for Learning Ally, a U.S. nonprofit serving students with learning and visual disabilities.

I am honored to be one of the founding members and the voice talent for KidLit Parade. Nelson, Kristen, and Cat are amazing friends who kindly share their love for, and knowledge of, children’s literacy with others. When asked to be involved with KLP, I knew instantly that it would be an incredibly rewarding experience to be a part of this supportive and inspirational project. We hope to come together with other members of our group to share ideas and inspire a love of reading in children. Together, we can do so much!

K. Lamb: I’d like to first thank Carmy for inviting us here today and for wanting to learn more about KidLit Parade. My name is K. Lamb. I am the author of theDani P. Mystery Series. My own interest in this collaboration that hopes to encourage literacy among children is the importance of earlyliteracy. It is my strong belief that if you capture a child’s imagination at a young age they will develop a love of literature that will last a lifetime. Not only does this promote academic success, but it helps a child to become aware of the world around them. One of my favorite ideologies in education is don’t teach a child what to think, but teach a child how to think. With this as a foundation, a child can strive and accomplish goals that might have once been unimaginable. Please join us in our mission to help promote literacy. Remember, it is never too early to start a child upon their path to the future. #PromoteLiteracy

Cat Michaels: Hey, it’s Cat here.  Lovely meeting you!  I’m a blogger, educator, and author of the Sweet T Tales Series of chapter books for early readers.  I live with my family in North Carolina where I write, design pocket gardens, and dabble in digital photography.  Currently, I’m writing my third Sweet T Tale for publication in winter 2016.

I’ve had many career paths, including time in classrooms and on college campuses, but my professional life always included helping people of all ages develop their best selves. And that’s what drew me to this community.  KidLit Parade offers a unique opportunity to come together with other creatives, educators, and family members to pool their resources and ideas to promote literacy…..the great stuff that helps us help kids. With my special education background, I also look for ways to support those who struggle with reading and writing.

Plus truth be told, I’m majorly jazzed working alongside the talented folk in the KLP community…..love learning from them and soaking up ideas they generously share.  We are growing slowly to make sure this parade grows in the best way.  The possibilities for our future are beyond exciting!

Nelson Suit: My name is Nelson Suit and I am the author of the middle gradeTilley Pond Mouse book series. The three books in the series chronicle the adventures of Els the mouse and his friends as they travel in the wilds beyond his home at Tilley Pond. I am also an editor at Inkspokes, a literacy e-zine dedicated to authors, illustrators and other creatives who indie publish or publish via small presses.

My interest in KidLit Parade stems in part from my own interest in writing, but it also arises because I have two kids at home.  One is about to enter kindergarten and the other is in fourth grade. It always seems easier to find books to inspire a kindergartener – for them books emanate love and magic. It’s often more of a challenge to reach an older child, especially these days with all the distractions that digital technology brings to the home. So partly I wanted to experiment with new ideas, creative ideas that would inspire a nine or ten-year-old to maintain a love of reading (at the same time also looking for new resources for the younger one). And I was hoping to have some friends to do this with!

Lamb, Cat Michaels, Jill Cofsky and I had crossed paths a number of times in our book-making pursuits and I knew their work and thought it would be really fun to have an opportunity to work with them. Have you read E.L. Konigsburg’s middle grade book The View from Saturday? Sometimes I think we could be the four Souls meeting at Sillington House for high tea (well, if you haven’t read the book, here’s a reading idea – it was a good read-aloud book for me to read with my 10-year old). Of course, now the group is bigger, and there are more folks dropping by for tea!

 

Thank you so much Nelson, Cat, Jill and K for stopping by my humble blog to give an inside peek of the working of KidLit Parade. If you would like to to learn more about KidLit Parade and would like to join us in promoting Children’s Literacy, please visit kidlitparade.com 

You can learn more about each of our guest by visiting their links here:

Jill Cofsky (Voice Actor & Teacher): Facebook | Twitter 

K. Lamb (Author): Website | Facebook | Twitter

Cat Michaels (Author): Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Nelson Suit (Author & Inkspokes editor): Website | Facebook | Twitter |Inkspokes

Go Be You! A Gomee Girl Guest Blogger

Well it’s that time of the week, Monday! While Monday’s are no Friday, they still give us something that only come around once a week. Drum-roll please ……. MONDAY BLOGS! Today’s blog is from guest blogger Donna, she is the founder of Gomee Girl. I am so excited to have Donna here with us today as she tells us a little about herself, and the mission of Gomee Girl. Sit back, and enjoy this week’s blog.  Now, I turn the blogging over to you Gomee Girl!

Hello Friends! I’m so happy to be here with you, and I’m so grateful to the amazing Carmela Dutra for inviting me to guest blog!

I’m Donna, and I’m the lucky mom of 3 beautiful children and the wife of one amazing man! I love all kinds of flowers, and I love to grow them in the Gomee Girl all summer long up here in New Hampshire. I have a serious love for Italian food, and you’ll never catch me on a bad day because I don’t believe in them; all days are good if you just look around a little! My family makes my heart flutter with joy and zinnias make me happy.

I’m all grown up now (although I giggle like a kid most of the time) but I remember being a young girl and trying to grow up. It wasn’t always easy! Being the real me was sometimes disguised behind trying to fit in, and being afraid. I remember what it felt like to try to be me, and I know that there are so many girls out there who feel the exact same way. But you know what? I learned that it’s okay to be ME… always! I think that the sooner we can get this message to our girls, the better! Expressing the real you is where it’s at!

When we encourage our girls to express themselves and to be true to themselves, they become connected to that special part in their heart that knows them best. Helping our girls express themselves gives them the freedom to know and become who they are meant to be. This is ME and I love MEE! Go Mee! When our girls do this, they gain confidence, and confidence leads to great things!

Leaders are confident. Change makers are confident. People who step out of the box and create good in our world are confident.

Gomee Girls believe in themselves and in their dreams; in being true to themselves, in dreaming big and expressing who they truly are, they gain confidence… and confident girls create positive change in the world.

So, go ahead… Go Be YOU!® The sky is not the limit! Be yourself because, in doing so, you share something amazing with the world… you share the gift of YOU!

 

Thank you so much for sharing a little bit about yourself, and that of Gomee Girl. You can find Gomee Girl on the following social media channels. You are welcome you to stop by sometime to say hello, they’d love to see you!

Instagram: www.instagram.com/gomeegirl 

Twitter: www.twitter.com/gomeegirl

Facebook: www.facebook.com/gomeegirl