French fans rewrite a scene from THAT BOOK WOMAN, by Heather Henson

We recently asked Heather Henson, author of THAT BOOK WOMAN, to share some of her favorite fan mail with us, and she sent us a very unique one. We’ll let Heather explain it herself:

THAT BOOK WOMAN is a picture book set in my home state of Kentucky.  It celebrates the work of the Pack Horse Librarians of Eastern Kentucky who, during the 1930’s, brought books to the people of Appalachia when there were very few schools and no libraries at all high up in the mountains. Each pack horse librarian, nicknamed a “book woman,” would travel the same route, see the same families, all up and down the mountainside every two weeks, her saddlebags loaded down with books. She was the book mobile on horseback, the only way to reach some families, since even in the 1930’s roads were almost as scarce as schools.

THAT BOOK WOMAN was translated into French, Chinese, Japanese, Spanish, and Catalonian, and although I’ve had books published in other languages before, this one is different because it’s written in a very specific dialect of a very specific era, and there are many “old timey” words and phrases, like “a mess of greens” (a big handful of collard greens from the garden), “a poke of berries” (a bag of handpicked berries), and “the best grub earthly” (really yummy food.)  It’s just amazing to me that a book like this could travel to so many different countries and be understood by so many different cultures. In a way, having THAT BOOK WOMAN reach kids all over the world is like having the spirit of the real  book women live on and on

And reach kids all over the world is exactly what it’s done. Since it was published in 2008, I’ve received lots of letters and emails from all over the U.S. – but this is the first time I’ve received one from a French elementary school – and in their own language! I was so excited, I wanted to share it with everyone.  The class tells me their school is about two hours north of Paris and that they are in the equivalent of our 3-4th grade.  What’s especially fun is that they decided to take the story as inspiration and write a whole new scene between Cal and the book woman, whom they’ve renamed Cathy. For those of you who speak French, here is an excerpt from their work:

     Je m'approche du garçon.

« Bonjour, comment t'appelles-tu? »

« Je m'appelle Cal et toi?»

« Je m 'appelle Cathy. Veux-tu que l'on fasse une partie de dames? » « Nan,j'ai pas envie... » « Eh bien, je m'en vais... » « Nan, attends, j'veux bien. » « Bon! Si tu insistes d'accord. » Sa soeur vient vers la table.

- « Bonjour, je m'appelle Lark, est-ce que je peux faire l'arbitre? » « Oui »je réponds.

- « Du vent... » répond Cal en s'énervant.

Je réplique:

- « je m'en vais si tu ne veux pas laisser ta soeur faire l'arbitre. »

- «OK... si elle ne m'énerve pas trop. » Après une demi-heure de jeu passée, Lark annonce:

- « Cal a gagné! »

Les parents me demandent :

- « voulez – vous rester dîner? »

- « non merci,  vous êtes gentils mais je dois aller livrer d'autres livres. » Je m'en vais et Cal est triste...

Sur le chemin, je pense à Cal...

« J'espère qu'il va essayer d'apprendre à lire avec sa soeur, ce serait formidable. Il n'aime pas trop lire mais Lark si. Il aime le jeu de dames et aussi l'élevage. Ah! Je sais, je vais lui offrir un livre sur l'élevage. Et comme ça, sa soeur lui apprendra à lire.

J'aimerais également qu'il soit heureux de vivre tout seul, mais  aussi avec les autres. »

    L'hiver arrive, il tombe de gros flocons de neige, la famille de Cal est bien au chaud devant la cheminée. J'arrive et je frappe à la porte.

- « Bonsoir monsieur, je vous donne ce livre d'arithmétique pour Lark, voilà un autre livre sur le bétail pour Cal. »

- « Merci pour tous ces livres mais Cal ne sait pas lire? »

- « Je pense que Lark va lui apprendre à lire, je suis sûre que ça lui plaira.

Il en est largement capable! »

- « Voulez-vous rester dormir? » propose gentiment le père de famille.

- « D'accord, si vous le voulez, par contre, je devrais repartir à l'aube. »

    Cal demande à Lark de lui apprendre à lire. Sa soeur est si gentille qu'elle accepte. Elle lui demande de s'asseoir à côté d'elle, elle commence à lui apprendre les syllabes, les mots, les phrases, les pages, les chapitres et les livres. Lark et Cal écrivent un livre ensemble et ils vont le lire à leurs parents. Ces derniers les félicitent et sont fières d'eux. Son frère la remercie, il va pouvoir me montrer qu'il sait lire.

    Nous sommes au printemps, la montagne est fleurie, j'arrive, j'aperçois la mère de Cal, je reprends les livres qu'elle me donne et je lui demande s'il sait lire. Ce dernier est caché, moi, je ne le vois pas mais mon cheval a senti sa présence. J'aperçois un doigt, une main, un bras, un pied, une jambe. Cal apparaît à pas de velours, intimidé, alors que j'étais prête à partir. Il

m'interpelle:

- « Salut!J'ai une bonne nouvelle... »

- « Je pense la connaître la bonne nouvelle... »

- « Oh! Ma mère vous l'a dit... Ma soeur m'a appris à lire le griffouillis de poule... »

- « Tu veux me faire plaisir alors lis-moi quelques lignes... » Cal lit la première page et je réponds:

- « C'est le plus beau cadeau que tu pouvais me faire... »

Cal et Lark lisent sur leur balcon, tranquillement. Maintenant, Cal préfère lire au lieu de s'occuper du bétail. Les jumeaux  s'occupent des animaux à la place de Cal. Je suis fière de sa soeur et lui. Les jumeaux, eux, sont jaloux car ils ne savent pas lire mais Cal, si. Alors il décide de leurs apprendre à lire avec l'aide de Lark...

Tres bien, Heather!

Charles Ghigna shares fan mail from Bonnie Hearn Hill and the University of Southern Mississippi

We asked Charles to share some of his favorite fan mail with us, and here are a few he said we could share with our followers:

“Dear Charles,

“In 1978 you judged the National Writers Poetry Contest and choose my poem as the winner. Thanks to you, that was my first writing success. I always wanted to write novels, and after 22 years as a newspaper editor, I was able to leave my day job in 2004 to write on a full-time basis.

“Over the years, I have tried to help other writers as you helped me. I could never begin to describe how you changed my life and allowed me to believe that I had potential as a writer. I still have your (typewritten) letter all these years later."

Bonnie Hearn Hill  

(Novelist)

* * *

“Charles,

“I rarely have the opportunity to attend the speakers and presentations of the festival because of my schedule.  I am in tears of joy to have been able to hear your presentation. I will remind myself often about the hidden four year old in each of us, and the special rhythm of words that can easily bring joy. I am certain that it will provide me with a happy smirk that will befuddle all around me!  You and your wife bring great joy to so many; in these days there is no greater gift.  Thank you for participating and sharing that gift with us. I look forward to your next visit.

“Sincerely and with much thanks,"

(Name withheld)

School of Library and Information Science

The University of Southern Mississippi  

118 College Dr. # 5146

Hattiesburg, MS 39406-0001”

And here are a few things elementary school students had to say:

"Mr. Ghigna was very funny telling stories. He makes you feel like you know how and why he wrote his poems."

"Charles Ghigna is a fantastic poet, and he is very, very funny. I hope he keeps on writing more poems."

"I liked the way Father Goose makes everything make so much sense. His poems are really good, and I like his funny rhymes."

For information on Charles’ presentations, please visit Balkin Buddies, and we hope you keep him in mind for online chats as well.

Marilyn Singer's MIRROR MIRROR is a 2012 North Carolina Children's Book Award Nominee

We are pleased to announced that Marilyn Singer's MIRROR MIRROR has been nominated for the 2012 North Carolina Children's Book Award in the Junior Books category.

The North Carolina Children's Book Award began in 1992. Each year since then, school and public libraries participate in the process of selecting, studying and voting for the next winner! Members of the North Carolina Library Association's children's committee select a group of picture books and junior novels from suggestions submitted by North Carolinian school children. The list of books is then given to each school and public library throughout the state. During the course of the year, classroom teachers, media specialists and public librarians in North Carolina encourage children to become familiar with the nominees and vote for their favorite title in two categories: "Picture Book" and "Junior Book."

Congratulations once again, Marilyn. And we hope you had a great time at ALA in New Orleans.

Illustrator Robin Brickman receives rave reviews from schools she has visited

Robin Brickman has been illustrating books for over 30 years, a few favorites of which are A LOG’S LIFE, by Wendy Pfeffer (Simon and Schuster), WINGS, by Sneed B. Collard (Charlesbridge), and STARFISH, by Edith Thacher Hurd (HarperCollins). She also frequently visits schools, and here are just a few remarks we’ve heard:

"This is one of the best programs I've seen involving all the children from Cedar Elementary in Hanover. MA. In my 37 years of teaching I've seen a multitude of programs!

D. Joubert, 3rd grade

Cedar Elementary School

Hanover. MA

"Robin supervised the construction of a 12x8 foot mural. It looks fabulous. This mural is right inside the front doors and everyone who walks into the building is enthralled by the size and beauty of it. I would love to have her re-visit the school!"

D. Curto, PTA Author's Day Chairperson,

Duzine Elementary School

New Paltz, NY

"Robin Brickman's visit to our school was unforgettable! She has a natural talent not only for illustration, but for engaging students of all ages. Robin's workshop was hands-on. Thanks to her, we can all feel proud as we gaze at our mural and see that she brought out the best in all of us. Robin Brickman's visit made an impression on our school, staff, and students that will last a lifetime!"

K. Alexander

Quarton Elementary School

Birmingham, MI

"Kudos to you, dear Robin Brickman!

For a wonderful artist you're the one we're pickin'!

You helped us create A LOG'S LIFE mural;

You even helped us fashion a flying red squirrel.

You showed us how to cut out a butterfly,

So its wings look symmetrical to every eye.

A wolf and a spider, a weasel and a snake,

You helped us with them all, for goodness sake!"

J. Hammer and the 2nd and 6th grade students

The Otselic Valley School

Georgetown, NY

Robin's presentation "is particularly interesting because it's an interactive program for kindergarten through 6th grade. This is really hands-on."

Kim Sonnenblick

Visiting authors program leader

Chadwick School

Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA

"She brings one really unique thing, and that's the collaboration between arts and science."

Kim Kohler

Art instructor

Chadwick School

Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA

Robin Brickman is available for school visits. If you’re interested in booking her for your own school, please contact Balkin Buddies.

Announcing Darcy Pattison’s new book, PRAIRIE STORMS

We're pleased to announce that Darcy Pattison's new book, PRAIRIE STORMS, will release in August 2011. In this lyrical book, experience a year of prairie storms from the point of view of native wild life who must shelter, hide, escape, disappear, endure and withstand those storms. Watch the sand hill cranes avoid the tornado, the red fox thrill to a soft evening shower, the earless lizard shimmy as it disappears beneath the burning sands of summer, the cougar dodge hail stones, the bald eagle shed sleet and the bison face into the teeth of a blizzard and stand defiant. A typical storm is featured for each month as well as a prairie animal in its normal habitat. The prairie biome or ecosystem is explored through its weather, especially its storms. This story is a celebration of the grasslands that dominates the center of American lands. There are a number of resources available, including teaching activities, monthly lesson plans (science, language arts, weather, animals, habitats AND a monthly coloring page!), and a book trailer. See the August Prairie Storms Coloring Page and a pdf Preview.

Darcy's other books include THE JOURNEY OF OLIVER K. WOODMAN, SEARCHING FOR OLIVER K. WOODMAN, THE SCARY SLOPES (A MY First Graphic Novel), and THE WAYFINDER.

How children’s book illustrator Robin Brickman came to work with cut paper

Robin Brickman is the illustrator of such books as BEAKS! (Charlesbridge), WINGS (Charlesbridge) STARFISH (HarperCollins), A LOG'S LIFE (S&S), I AM AN ARTIST (Lerner), SWALLOWS IN THE BIRDHOUSE (Boyds Mills Press), and ONE NIGHT IN THE CORAL SEA (Charlesbridge). We just recently learned how she came to work with cut paper and decided to share what she has to say:

HOW I CAME TO WORK WITH CUT PAPER:

I worked for 15 years as a professional illustrator, using pen and ink, watercolor and pastels. All along, I have explored other materials and techniques such as fiber arts, glass, jewelry, bookbinding, and papermaking. As a professional artist, it is important to set your work apart and in 1995 I became interested in cut paper. My own development of this technique set out to blend the scientific accuracy I am known for. I cut watercolor paper, paint it, and shape it by hand into a realistic form. Then, I glue those elements together and unify everything in the painting. Up to three inches deep, my work has overlapping elements and dimension. Paintings about natural science subjects require scientific research, and a lot of detail. Therefore, those paintings are often time consuming. There are a number of artists who do cut paper or dimensional art for books, but I believe that I am the only person to work with as much realism in paint with cut paper. Some people assume that elements in my paintings, such as wood and leaves, are real or found objects. However, I make everything in my paintings out of paper, with the occasional use of hair and small bits of plastic film.

In addition to conventionally illustrated works, such as the classic I AM AN ARTIST, written by Pat L. Collins, I have illustrated other picture books in 3-Dimension, including A LOG’S LIFE, by Wendy Pfeffer, and BEAKS!, ONE NIGHT IN THE CORAL SEA, and WINGS, written by Sneed Collard.

THIS IS HOW I CREATE THE SCULPTED ART FOR MY PAINTINGS:

I always start by researching the subject, using my own collection of references, libraries, museums, field research, and so on. I draw with pencils on tracing paper, continually checking for accuracy and inspiration. Sometimes the page breaks are pre-determined by a book’s format, as in Beaks! and Wings, some books are more flexible in that regard.

When I first began to cut and shape paper it was a wonderful discovery, artistically. Depending on how paper is cut, it can be graceful, or messy, malleable and strong. It was transformative to begin working this way and to tap into my scientific interest, my drawing skills, and my love of handwork. Although some paper artists use X-ACTO blades, I use ordinary scissors. This cutting method feels quite natural and I can do it for long stretches of time.

Often, I start painting and sculpting the featured animals and plants, or those that are in the front of a scene. Conversely, I might start with the background of a painting. The different levels of focus are a constant consideration and challenge. Elements in the foreground are clear and defined but background elements may be more stylized or less detailed. As I cut out different elements I keep every scrap of paper that is left over. I have used these bits of paper, often as small additions, to make my paintings more interesting. Keeping all of these scraps both saves me time and adds to the complexity of my work. It is like using herbs and spices when I am making soup!

In addition to paper I sometimes use clear or frosted Mylar for insect wings. I also mix paint with glue to create eyes, and occasionally I use hair for elements like spider webs and whiskers.

I create fine details, like an insect, by simplifying the forms: the legs, body parts, and wings. Then I reassemble the parts I’ve made, painting, shaping, and gluing the parts together. This deconstruction and re-construction step is often hard for younger students to understand, but it is second nature to me. Creating a flower is another example: I cut a flower’s overall shape, an oval or a sphere. Then I cut the individual petals, keeping them connected at the center of the oval. I will sometimes indent petals or leaves with my fingernail. When I paint those impressions become darker inside. The center of some flowers are created by placing bits of paper pulp and painted glue onto a small disk. This disk is then added on top of the petals. By adding painted features I build up what I want to create.

A third example is the way I cut feathers like fringe. A bird’s wings are “built” by making layers of paper that are glued like shingles on a roof. You can see these combinations in the face of the King Vulture in Wings. In addition to cut and painted paper, the wattle is paint and pulp that was placed onto the piece of orange paper serving as the beak. The texture and hairs of the face were created in pen and ink, and the fringe on the top of the vulture’s head is composed of slender pieces of black paper that were glued to the top of the Vulture’s head.

The logs and dirt in A Log’s Life are other examples of detail. Soil scenes are created with paper pulp, bits of cut paper, paint, and glue. I push down on the pulp to make an uneven surface. I also use paint and additional scraps of paper to create a textured appearance. When people ask me what I do, I tell them I’m a painter. It is my combination of these materials that creates my paintings.

If I get backed into a corner, artistically, I will experiment with my art supplies to figure out a solution. I discovered I could use glue to create a water drop on a log, and that hair makes a good spider web or chipmunk whiskers.

The curved features of tree trunks and branches are painted paper, reinforced on the back side with glue and additional paper. Sometimes I use craft wire to support slender branches or twigs. I also make paper pillars to prop things up, but mostly I can use paper pulp and glue to support elements from behind. I have studied bookmaking and papermaking, which I draw upon.

MY SCHOOL PROGRAMS:

I started to teach my workshops when my own sons were in elementary school. I was asked to talk about being a book illustrator because it’s an unusual profession. I realized that I liked the experience and I discovered that I had something unique to share: I could bring an art and science component to kids I also wanted to have a message, namely the science of what I illustrate. As a parent, I knew that young children would be bored by a long presentation. So I created a workshop format where I show photos and movies of what I do as an artist, and then say, “Now it’s your turn!”

Over the past ten years, I developed several workshops based on my book illustrations. The most popular and successful workshop is the creation of a forest or ocean habitat mural. Even the youngest students practice my cut, color, and sculpted paper techniques with these programs. Sometimes the workshops supplement the curriculum at a school but my books are always the starting point. Other workshops are take-home projects, but the community murals stay at the hosting school and they include everyone’s artwork in one scene. I like going to schools to demonstrate what I do and to show all ages they can do the same thing on their own using common materials such a paper, glue, paint, and scissors. The larger workshops for younger students use in-expensive paper, crayons, and scissors. I teach watercolor painting and more sophisticated techniques in smaller groups teenagers or adults, and when there is a longer time period available.

I present workshops across the country and love doing it.

For more information about Robin’s school presentations, please visit Balkin Buddies.

Alex Flinn's A KISS IN TIME and Neal Shusterman's ANTSY DOES TIME nominated for Arizona's 2012 Grand Canyon Reader Award

We're pleased to announce that Alex Flinn's A KISS IN TIME and Neal Shusterman's ANTSY DOES TIME have been nominated for Arizona's 2012 Grand Canyon Reader Award in the Tween Category.

Sponsored by the Arizona Library Association, the Grand Canyon Reader Award is a reader award program for students in Arizona. Students vote annually on their favorite book in the following categories: Picture, Non-Fiction, Intermediate, Tween and Teen (which is a voting optional category). The purpose of the award is to encourage Arizona young readers to become better acquainted with recently published quality books and to honor favorite books and authors.

Congratulations, Alex and Neal! Timeless books, both of them!

Marilyn Singer’s Autographing Sessions During ALA in New Orleans, June 2011

Marilyn Singer will be autographing at the American Library Association Conference in New Orleans as follows:

Saturday, 6/25/11

10:00-11:00 am – Live Oak, booth # 1145

Sunday, 6/26/11

 9:30 - 10:30 am – Follett, booth #2758

12:00 – 1:00 pm – Random House, booth # 1215

2:00 – 3:00 pm – Houghton Mifflin, booth # 1539

3:00 – 4:00 pm – Lee & Low, booth # 1132

Monday, 6/27/11

9:00 – 10:00 am – Simon & Schuster, booth # 1139

Monday, 6/27/11

5:30 – 7:30 am – Marilyn also hosts and speaks on the Poetry Blast, along with several other poets. This will take place in Room 243 of the convention center

If you’re going to ALA, do drop by and get an autograph, and we hope you’ll also come to the Poetry Blast, which Marilyn hosts at ALA each year.

Marilyn Singer's MIRROR MIRROR is a 2011-2012 Gate City Book Award nominee

The Gate City Book Award is chosen by students in grades 3 and 4 in Nashua, New Hampshire. They vote for their favorite books from a list nominated by district librarians.

Please join us in congratulating Marilyn Singer, whose MIRROR MIRROR is included in the 2011-2012 nominees.

Way to go, Marilyn!

Wendell Minor’s new bookmark for ALA

As you know, Wendell Minor will be attending the American Library Association Conference in New Orleans and we just posted his autographing schedule. At the conference, his new bookmark will be available. To those of you who aren’t attending, or even to those who are but would like to see it ahead of time, here’s a copy of the bookmark. Feel free to print it out.

And to those who are attending ALA, we look forward to seeing you there!

Florence and Wendell Minor’s Autographing Sessions During ALA in New Orleans, June 2011

Florence and Wendell Minor will be autographing at the American Library Association Conference in New Orleans as follows:

Saturday, June 25, 2011

2:00-3:00 pm - Live Oak Media booth 1145

Sunday, June 26, 2011

10:00-11:00 am - Simon & Schuster booth 1139

If you’re going to ALA, do drop by and get an autographed book -- or a few!







 

Pictured here are some of the titles they'll be autographing.

I’ll be dropping by myself as well as floating around the exhibit hall talking to people, so feel free to come up to me as well. I’d love to hear from people reading the Balkin Buddies blog.






Wendell and Florence look forward to seeing you in New Orleans.

Minor's HENRY KNOX is a 2011 Massachusetts Book Award Nominee

We're pleased to announce that Wendell Minor's HENRY KNOX is a 2011 Massachusetts Book Award nominee in the Middle Grade category.

The Massachusetts Book Awards recognize important works of Massachusetts fiction, nonfiction, poetry & children's literature published the previous year. Their three-member panels of judges (school, special, academic and public librarians; writers; public humanists) create a short list of "Recommended Reads" -- 10 to 12 of the best books submitted in each category -- which they promote to libraries and booksellers throughout Massachusetts. Winners will be chosen next month, and there is an annual recognition ceremony for them.

Please join us in congratulating Wendell on this nomination.

Marilyn Singer's MIRROR MIRROR and Wendell Minor's THE BUFFALO ARE BACK are nominated for the 2011-2012 Pennsylvania Keystone to Reading Award

MIRROR MIRROR, by Marilyn Singer (illustrated by Josée Masse) and THE BUFFALO ARE BACK, by Jean Craighead George and illustrated by Wendell Minor have been nominated for the 2011-2012 Pennsylvania Keystone to Reading Award, both in the Intermediate category.

Sponsored by the Keystone State Reading Association (KSRA), the purpose of the PA Keystone to Reading Book Award is to encourage reading a variety of quality trade books by elementary children in primary (K-3) and intermediate (4-6) grades. KSRA, an affiliate of the International Reading Association (IRA), is a state-wide organization in  Pennsylvania comprised of individuals who are engaged in reading instruction, literacy development, and the encouragement of lifelong reading habits. KSRA's mission is to promote literacy, provide instructional leadership, support professional development, and advocate literacy issues.

Please join us in congratulating Marilyn and Wendell.

Diane Stanley’s SAVING SKY wins a 2011 Arab American Book Award

We're pleased to announce that Diane Stanley's SAVING SKY is a 2011 Arab American Book Award Winner in the Children/Young Adult Category.

This national literary competition, established in 2006 and the only one of its kind in the U.S., is designed to draw attention to books and authors dealing with the Arab American experience. The winning titles were chosen by groups of selected readers, including respected authors, university professors, artists and Arab American National Museum (AANM) staff. The AANM is affiliated with the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC.

Diane will attend the 2011 Arab American Book Award ceremony, which will be held on Thursday, September 29, 2011 at the Carnegie Institution, in Washington, DC.

The ceremony will honor this year’s winners and celebrate the centennial of Ameen Rihani’s The Book of Khaled, considered to be the first work of Arab American literature. In addition, the ceremony will include a tribute to the late Arab American author Evelyn Shakir; beginning this year, the Book Awards’ Non-Fiction Award will be named for this pioneering scholar of Arab American literature. For further information about the award and the other winners, go to the AANM website.

Moreover, if any schools in and around the Washington, DC area would like to arrange a tie-in school visit with Diane Stanley while she's there to attend the ceremony, please contact Balkin Buddies.

For children's book writers and artists seeking help: Editorial Services and Literary Agents

Lately, I've received a lot of requests from writers and artists who want to get published. They think their manuscripts are ready, and their writers' groups agree. Nevertheless, in this highly competitive market, you might want to get a professional opinion from editors who know what children's publishers are looking for. So first let me offer a few excellent sources of editorial services. These sources are also for those of you who know your manuscript needs work:

EDITORIAL SERVICES

Deborah Brodie
http://deborahbrodie.com

Emma Dryden - Drydenbks
http://www.drydenbks.com

Namelos
http://www.namelos.com

"Getting an agent is as hard as getting published!" is something I hear all the time, and it's true, which is why I suggested editors first. Once your manuscript is as ready for publication as you can possibly make it, it's time to look for an agent. Here are a few you might try:

LITERARY AGENTS

Brenda Bowen, Children's Book Specialist
Sanford J. Greenburger Associates
http://www.greenburger.com

McVeigh Agency
http://www.themcveighagency.com

Sheldon Fogelman Agency
www.sheldonfogelmanagency.com

This particular page on the Balkin Buddies blog may be updated with new editors and literary agents, so you may want to bookmark this page.

All the best of luck with your manuscript and finding an agent. 

Wendell Minor’s NIGHT FLIGHT reviewed on Mrs. Archer's Book Notes Blog

Mrs. Archer is the librarian for Chinook Trail Elementary School and loves talking books with students and parents. Here, in part, is what she recently had to say about Wendell Minor's NIGHT FLIGHT on her blog, Mrs. Archer's Book Notes. 

"Night Flight is about Amelia Earhart's 1932 historic solo flight from Newfoundland to Ireland.

"Earlier this year, my third grade students had several lessons on historical fact vs. historical fiction.  One of the topics we covered was Amelia Earhart.  They became very interested in learning about this remarkable woman. As a result, I'm constantly on the look out for good books on Amelia Earhart to share with them.

"This is an excellent book to supplement lessons on historical fact vs. historical fiction or for celebrating famous women in history."

On behalf of Balkin Buddies and Wendell Minor, thanks Mrs. Archer, and we look forward to seeing your other book reviews!

Joanne Ryder's PANDA KINDERGARTEN is on the IL 2012 Monarch Award Master List

We’re pleased to announce that Joanne Ryder's PANDA KINDERGARTEN (HarperCollins) is on Illinois' 2012 Monarch Award Master List.  

The Monarch Butterfly is Illinois’ state insect and its name was chosen for the award to embody the emergence of children as they move from non-readers to independent readers and to symbolize the growth, change, and freedom that becoming a reader imparts.

Nominations of outstanding works of children's literature come from school library media specialists, public librarians, teachers, and students, and a volunteer reading committee selectes the Master List of 20 titles. Students then vote for them favorites and are compiled in February for the award announcement.

Congratulations, Joanne, on PANDA KINDERGARTEN makeing the Master List.

S.A. Bodeen's THE COMPOUND is the winner of the 2010-2011 MD Black-Eyed Susan Award

We're pleased to announce that S.A. Bodeen's THE COMPOUND is the winner of the 2010-2011 MD Black-Eyed Susan Award is the Grade 6-9 category.

Please join US in congratulating Stephanie, who will receive an award engraved with the book title, the year, and the Black-Eyed Susan Book Award logo. Authors, illustrators, and publishers recognize the Maryland Black-Eyed Susan Book Award as an honor bestowed by Maryland student readers.