Helen Foster James

Paper Son and Angel Island

2011-12-01T14:46:00.000-08:00

I'm pleased to announce the historical fiction, picture book manuscript I co-wrote with Virginia Loh about a paper son will be published by Sleeping Bear Press! It will be one of the titles in their series, Tales of Young Americans.

Paper sons emigrated from China to America through Angel Island. To learn more about paper sons and the Angel Island Immigration experience, visit the Angel Island Immigration Station Foundation website at: http://www.aiisf.org/

Virginia Shin-Mui Loh is also the author of The Jade Dragon (Candlewick, 2006).

The book will be published in 2014 or 2015. More information to come!

Book of the Year Award

2011-11-24T08:03:00.000-08:00

Little California and Little America received Creative Child Awards Program Book of the Year (combined award in the board books category).

Their website is www.creativechild.com.

The books are listed on page 50 of their online catalog.

Had to share!

Happy Holiday Season!

California Reading Association's Eureka! Nonfiction Book Award

2011-11-17T08:17:00.000-08:00

The California Reading Association Announces

its Eureka! Nonfiction Children's Book Awards

Eureka! Gold Awards

13 Planets: The Latest View of the Solar System (2011) by David A. Aguilar; National Geographic

At the Sea Floor Café: Odd Ocean Critter Poems (2011) by Leslie Bulion and illustrated by Leslie Evans; Peachtree

Bug Shots: The Good, the Bad, and the Bugly (2011) by Alexandra Siy and Dennis Kunkel; Holiday House

Drawing From Memory (2011) by Allen Say; Scholastic

How To Cook: Delicious Dishes Perfect for Teen Cooks (2011) consultant Maggie Mayhew; DK Publishing

The Mangrove Tree: Planting Trees to Feed Families (2011) by Susan L. Roth and Cindy Trumbore; Lee & Low

My Uncle Martin’s Words for America: Martin Luther King Jr.’s Niece Tells How He Made a Difference (2011) by Angela Farris Watkins and illustrated by Eric Velasquez; Abrams

Rah, Rah, Radishes: A Vegetable Chant (2011) by April Pulley Sayre; Beach Lane Books

Eureka! Silver Honor Books

Almost Astronauts: 13 Women Who Dared to Dream (2009) by Tanya Lee Stone; Candlewick

Ben Franklin: His Wit and Wisdom from A-Z (2011) by Alan Schroeder and illustrated by John O’Brien; Holiday House

Black and White: The Confrontation of Reverend Fred L. Shuttlesworth and Eugene “Bull” Connor (2011) by Larry Dane Brimner; Calkins Creek

Bubbles Float, Bubbles Pop (Science Starts Series) (2011) by Mark Weakland; Capstone

Camping with the President (2009) by Ginger Wadsworth and illustrated by Karen Dugan; Calkins Creek

Dark Emperor and Other Poems of the Night (2010) by Joyce Sidman and illustrated by Rick Allen; Houghton Mifflin

Eliza’s Cherry Trees: Japan’s Gift to America (2011) by Andrea Zimmerman and illustrated by Ju Hong Chen; Pelican Press

First Garden: The White House Garden and How it Grew (2011) written and illustrated by Robbin Gourley; Clarion Books

For the Love of Music: The Remarkable Story of Maria Anno Mozart (2011) by Elizabeth Rusch and illustrated by Lou Fancher and Steve Johnson; Tricycle Press

Friends: True Stories of Extraordinary Animal Friendships (2011) by Catherine Thimmesh; Houghton Mifflin

Harry Houdini: The Legend of the World’s Greatest Escape Artist (2011) by Janice Weaver and illustrated by Chris Lane; Abrams

I Am the Book: Poems (2011) selected by Lee Bennett Hopkins and illustrated by Diego “Yayo” Herrera; Holiday House

I Feel Better with a Frog in My Throat: History’s Strangest Cures (2010) by Carlyn Beccia; Houghton Mifflin

Inkblot (2011) written and illustrated by Margaret Peot; Boyds Mills

Jim Henson: The Guy who Played with Puppets (2011) by Kathleen Krull and illustrated by Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher; Random House

Jimi: Sounds like a Rainbow: A Story of the Young Jimi Hendrix (2010) by Gary Golio and illustrated by Javaka Steptoe; Clarion Books

Lend a Hand: Girl-Sized Ways of Helping Others (2011) by Apryl Lundsten; American Girl

Migrant Mother: How a Photograph Defined the Great Depression (Captured History Series) (2011) by Don Nardo; Compass Point\

Multiply on the Fly (2011) by Suzanne Slade and illustrated by Erin E. Hunter; Sylvan Dell

Nurse, Soldier, Spy: The Story of Sarah Edmonds, a Civil War Hero (2011) by Marissa Moss and illustrated by John Hendrix; Abrams

Pets (Learn to Draw Series) (2012) by Jordan McGill; AV2 Books by Weigl

Red Bird Sings: The Story of Zitkala-Sa, Native American Author, Musician, and Activist (2011) adapted by Gina Capaldi and Q. L. Pearce, illustrations by Gina Capaldi; Carolrhoda

Roots and Blues: A Celebration (2011) by Arnold Adoff and paintings by R. Gregory Christie; Clarion Books

Scarum Fair (2010) poems by Jessica Swaim and illustrated by Carol Ashley; Wordsong

Seasons (2011) by Anne Crausaz; Kane Miller

Time to Eat, Time to Sleep, Time for a Bath (3 books) (2011) by Steve Jenkins and Robin Page; Houghton Mifflin

Treasury of Greek Mythology: Classic Stories of Gods, Goddesses, Heroes and Monsters (2011) by Donna Jo Napoli and illustrations by Christina Balit; National Geographic

What Do You Believe? Religion and Faith in the World Today (2011) consultant Dr. Gavin Hyman; DK Publishing

Wheels of Change: How Women Rode the Bicycle to Freedom (with a few flat tires along the way) (2011) by Sue Macy; National Geographic

Midwest Book Review

2011-09-27T19:58:00.000-07:00

The Easy Reader Shelf

Little America
Helen Foster James, author
Jeannie Brett, Michael Glenn Monroe, and Helle Urban, illustrators
Sleeping Bear Press
Suite 200
315 East Eisenhower Parkway
Ann Arbor, MI 48108
9781585361793 $9.95 www.sleepingbearpress.com

Little America is a board book for beginning readers, written in the format of ten rhyming riddles about American treasures. For example, riddle five is "Baked in the oven, round and sweet, try a slice for a tasty treat," and the answer is "Apple Pie," naturally. Bright, colorful illustrations add the perfect touch to this delightful addition to the "Little" board book series for the very young.

Showering a Baby with Books

2011-09-27T07:00:00.000-07:00

Recently it was my pleasure to attend a baby shower for a longtime friend who had just become a first-time grandma. She was delighted to have a new little one in her life and her friends rallied around her in celebration.

I had never heard of a baby shower for grandmas, but I’m always happy to celebrate with a friend. I googled around and found that grandma showers are a new and very up-and-coming tradition. They’re trendy. They’re unique and, if you ask me, they’re here to stay.

Don’t get me wrong, showers are usually “not my thing,” but this was different in many ways. One of the best parts of the shower was that every one of the dozen attendees was to bring a baby book for little Elliot so grandma would always have baby books handy for his visits. Now, that’s an idea I can back! This simple idea started Elliot’s personal library of books.

The attendees investigated what book (or books) we should gift grandma and Elliot. Without consulting each other, there was not a single duplication. The assorted books ranged from long-time favorites to fresh-off-the-press releases. From board books to plastic books for the tub and almost every type of book in between!

If you are looking for help finding great shower books, visit the National Parenting Publications Awards website (www.nappaawards.parenthood.com) for a list of this year’s winners and previous winners.

If you want more help, visit your local children’s bookstore and ask them for assistance. They are sure to be able to put the right book in your hands. If you aren’t lucky enough to have a children’s bookstore in your neighborhood, try your local independent brick-and-mortar store. They’ll give you great advice. A visit to your local public library might put you in touch with a librarian with a host of favorite book ideas, and don’t forget to recall all the books you or your child loved as a little one.

I hope the next time you have a shower to attend (or give!), you’ll consider a shower of books. And, if you have a new grandmother in your life, I hope you’ll give her a book shower.

I'm the author of two board books that would make excellent shower gifts: Little California and Little America (Sleeping Bear Press, 2011). To learn more about Helen, visit her website at www.helenfosterjames.com.

Juliette Gordon Lowe's 100th annivesary

2011-09-21T18:29:00.000-07:00

"Come right over! I've got something for the girls of Savannah, and all America, and all the world, and we're going to start it tonight!"

—Juliette Gordon Low phoning her cousin Nina Anderson Pape in 1912

With those words, the Girl Scouts were started and 2012 marks its 100th anniversary. What better way to celebrate the Girl Scouts than to celebrate with one of their creations: S'mores!

My book has a double-page spread celebrating Juliette Low and another environmentalist, John Muir. Check it out.

Is your Girl Scout group celebrating this 100th anniversary? If so, consider inviting me to the celebration. We can make some s'mores together!

National S'mores Day!

2011-08-10T09:07:00.000-07:00

Happy National S'mores Day!

Have you had a s'more today?

S'mores Cookies

2011-07-18T16:28:00.000-07:00

Wow! A big thank you to Kat, a librarian who loves to connect children's books and cooking! She mentioned my book, S Is for S'mores: A Camping Alphabet and presented a fabulous s'mores cookie recipe. Read her entire blog here.

Thanks Kat!

Eureka! Nonfiction Children's Book Award

2011-07-13T17:53:00.000-07:00

The California Reading Association announces its second annual Eureka! Award for children's nonfiction! We hope you’ll consider submitting outstanding nonfiction titles for this prestigious award.

The submission form and a description of the Eureka! Award program can be found at the California Reading Association's website at www.californiareads.org. . If you have questions, please email me at hfjames@san.rr.com.

We’re looking forward to another successful year of showcasing nonfiction children’s books. For a list of 2010 winners, please visit the CRA website.

NOTE: Submissions are due by September 1.

We hope you will help us celebrate fabulous nonfiction books!

Dancing Home by Alma Flor Ada

2011-06-27T09:19:00.000-07:00

I recently had the opportunity to review Dancing Home by Alma Flor Ada and Gabriel Zubizarreta for "School Library Journal." I received a very kind email from Alma thanking me for the review and she sent me some additional information about the book to share with you.

"When kids ask me which is my favorite book among the ones I have written I always try to explain that each one is special in its own way. But Dancing Home is a very special one for me for various reasons.

I never expected to write a book with my son Gabriel (who is an accountant and a very busy man), but he had some wonderful suggestions to my initial manuscript and talking about them led to a true collaboration. That in itself was precious, but it became even more significant when the book became a starting point for some fascinating dialogue which eventually involved other members of the family. For Gabriel, my daughter Rosalma (who translated the poem included in the book) and I, it was an opportunity to speak about our own issues as an immigrant family, the complexity of negotiating two cultures, the pain brought about by divorce, issues perhaps too difficult to discuss when they were happening and easier to discuss as they related to the book. Gabriel's two daughters also got involved in the process becoming eventually two secondary characters in the book.

As you know I have written many books, each always incorporating something from my own experiences, but Dancing Home has been a unique experience.

I trust that this book will inspire children to recognize the value of family relationships, even when they may not always be easy, to understand that they need not repeat their parents mistakes, and to treasure who they are."

Here are two reviews of Dancing Home:

Booklist Review:

Ten-year-old Margie has spent her entire life trying to fit in—to pass as an American—despite the fact that her parents were born in Mexico. Then, her Mexican cousin Lupe comes to live with them, and her plan
goes awry. At first, she resents Lupe for her foreign ways and for monopolizing her parents’ attention; later, she comes to love Lupe as a sister and appreciate the Mexican part of her heritage. Margie begins to
master Spanish, enjoys celebrating Navidad, and participates in a Cinco de Mayo folklorico dance at school. Ada, the author of many multicultural titles, including Tales Our Abuelitas Told: A Hispanic
Folktale Collection (2006), and Zubizarreta write knowingly of the difficulties of a life lived in two cultures. A subplot involving Lupe’s father (who came to America illegally and later abandoned his family) is also well handled, as is the inclusion of a Ruben Dario poem, “To Margarita.” Give this to fans of Pam Muñoz Ryan’s Esperanza Rising (2000) and Becoming Naomi Leon (2004).

Kirkus Review:

Two cousins, one born in Texas and the other in Mexico, learn the importance of family and friendship.

As an only child living in California with her Mexican-American parents, Margie Ceballos-González is proud to be American. Everything changes when her cousin Lupe González leaves her mother, stepfather and half-brothers in Mexico to live with Margie and her parents. Years before, Lupe’s father had moved to the United States for work and then disappeared. Margie and Lupe are both in fifth grade at the same school, and Lupe’s presence immediately draws exactly the sort of attention Margie has been trying to avoid. At home, she finds herself competing for attention as her parents welcome Lupe with Mexican foods and Spanish conversation. Sensing her cousin’s dilemma, Lupe finds ways to help Margie appreciate their shared Mexican heritage. Margie thaws, even realizing the beauty of her name, Margarita, which came from one of her mother’s favorite flowers, the daisy. The third-person narration shifts its focus gently from girl to girl, allowing readers access to their thoughts and feelings. The authors also connect Nicaraguan poet Rubén Darío’s “A Margarita” to the story, and the full poem follows the novel in both Spanish and English.

Although sometimes wise beyond their years, Margie and Lupe will charm readers as each girl struggles for belonging and acceptance in this realistic novel. (Fiction. 8-12)

Wynola Summer Antiques Festival

2011-06-13T18:26:00.000-07:00

Wynola Summer Antiques Festival

August 6 & 7, 2011

10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Antiques and collectibles, arts, crafts, kids' activities

and games, gold panning, and farm animals.

I'll be there with books at a dramatically

discounted price. Come and get them

and get your books personally autographed!

E IS FOR ENCHANTMENT: A NEW MEXICO ALPHABET

S IS FOR S'MORES: A CAMPING ALPHABET

LITTLE CALIFORNIA

LITTLE AMERICA

I'll be bringing all of them!

Where: Wynola Junction Antiques & Collectibles

4326 Highway 78

Julian, CA 92036

760-765-4758

It will be a weekend

of fun and events for the entire family.

National Parenting Press Book Awards

2011-06-13T15:42:00.001-07:00

It's my pleasure to serve as a National Parenting Publications Awards book judge. NAPPA is celebrating more than 20 years of being the "go-to" source for parents and professionals looking for the best children's products and resources for parents.

Submit your book for consideration!

Want to know more? Click to go to NAPPA's website now!

A Handful of Helpful Websites

2011-06-09T07:00:00.000-07:00

Books to the Ceiling, Books to the Sky:

Choosing and Using Children’s Literature

A Handful of Helpful Websites

Dr. Helen Foster James

www.helenfosterjames.com

hfjames@san.rr.com

American Library Association
This website lists the Children’s Book Awards from the American Library Association (ALA), Association of Library Service to Children (ALSC). Information about each award and a list of past and present recipients can be found at their website. www.ala.org/alsc Their children’s book awards include:

(John) Newbery Medal  The Newbery Medal honors the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children.

(Randolph) Caldecott Medal  The Caldecott Medal honors the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children.

The Arbuthnot Award honors an author, critic, librarian, historian, or teacher of children's literature, of any country, who then presents a lecture at a winning host site.

The Batchelder Award is given to an American publisher for a children's book considered to be the most outstanding of those books originally published in a language other than English in a country other than the United States, and subsequently translated into English and published in the United States.

(Pura) Belpré Medal  The Belpré Medal honors a Latino/Latina writer and illustrator whose works best portray, affirm, and celebrate the Latino cultural experience in an outstanding work of literature for children and youth.

(Andrew) Carnegie Medal  The Carnegie Medal honors the producer of the most outstanding video production for children released during the preceding year.

(Theodor Seuss) Geisel Medal  The Theodor Seuss Geisel Medal honors the author(s) and illustrator(s) of the most distinguished contribution to the body of American children’s literature known as beginning reader books published in the United States during the preceding year.

(ALSC/Booklist/YALSA) Odyssey Award for Excellence in Audiobook Production  The Odyssey Award will be awarded annually to the best audiobook produced for children and/or young adults, available in English in the United States.

(Robert F.) Sibert Informational Book Medal  The Sibert Medal honors the author(s) and illustrator(s) of the most distinguished informational book published during the preceding year.

 The Wilder Medal honors an author or illustrator whose books, published in the United States, have made, over a period of years, a substantial and lasting contribution to literature for children.

California Reading Association
For everyone who cares about literacy. The state affiliate of the International Reading Association.

California Young Reader Medal (CYRM)
If you don’t know about the CYRM program, immediately visit their website and get your students involved in this program asap!

CYBILS (Children’s and Young Adult Bloggers’ Literary Awards)
They recognize the children’s and young adult authors (and illustrators) whose books combine the highest literary merit and “kid appeal.” What does that mean? If some awards can be compared to Brussels sprouts, and other, more populist ones to gummy bears, then think of these as organic chicken nuggets—Yummy and nutritious.

Deborah Ford
Our very own local award-winning library media specialist and international speaker has her own blog and promotes the benefits of books and libraries.

Eureka!
A new and exciting award for nonfiction children’s books sponsored by the California Reading Association. www.californiareads.org (click on Eureka Awards)

I.N.K. (Interesting Nonfiction for Kids!)
A great blog written by nonfiction children’s book writers. This blog will help you keep up-to-date on all nonfiction books.

International Reading Association
For everyone who cares about literacy.

Planet Esme
Author and “certified readiologist,” Esmé Raji Codell promotes children’s books and you won’t want to miss her “Book-a-Day Blog.”

Society of Children’s Books Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI)
If you want to write children’s books, this is the organization for you! Conferences, local meetings, journals, and networking are available through this important organization.

Teachingbooks.net

I just recorded two short audios for teachingbooks.net. One is a three minute audio about my book, "S is for S’mores: A Camping Book," and one is a one minute audio about my name. I thought these might be of interest to you. Although teachingbooks.net is a subscription website, these are free links for all that they gave me to share with you. I hope you find them useful!

S is for S'mores
http://www.teachingbooks.net/book_reading.cgi?id=4970&a=1

Author Name Pronunciation
http://www.teachingbooks.net/pronounce.cgi?aid=1805

Yellow Book Road Children's Bookstore and LITTLE CALIFORNIA

2011-05-27T18:30:00.000-07:00

Mark Your Calendar!

I'll be at the Yellow Book Road's new store on Friday, July 15 in the morning (exact time TBA). I'll be launching my new book, LITTLE CALIFORNIA! This fabulous independent children's bookstore has moved and their new address is:

2690 Historic Decatur Road #102, San Diego 92106
[aka BARRACKS 19] on the corner of Dewey & Historic Decatur

If you get in the Liberty Station area, follow the BLUE signs to ACE Hardware - you'll end up just across the street! NOT FAR FROM CORVETTE DINER!

Email me at hfjames@san.rr.com if you don't know the time as the date approaches!

See You There!

Bakersfield Young Authors' Fair

2011-05-18T08:01:00.000-07:00

It was my pleasure to be a part of the Kern Reading Association's Young Authors' Fair. I had the best time! The kids were prepared and it was great fun sharing with them. I was at:

Beardsley Elementary

Chavez Elementary

Owens Primary

Franklin Elementary

Vineland Elementary

Thanks to everyone for making this an excellent event! You Rock!

Teachingbooks.net

2011-03-10T15:49:00.000-08:00

I just recorded two short audios for teachingbooks.net. One is a three minute audio about my book, "S is for S’mores: A Camping Book," and one is a one minute audio about my name. I thought these might be of interest to you. Although teachingbooks.net is a subscription website, these are free links for all that they gave me to share with you. I hope you find them useful!

S is for S'mores
http://www.teachingbooks.net/book_reading.cgi?id=4970&a=1

Author name pronunciation
http://www.teachingbooks.net/pronounce.cgi?aid=1805

California Young Reader Medal 2011-2012

2011-03-09T19:17:00.000-08:00

The California Young Reader Medal nominees for next school year (2011-2012) have been announced! The list is below.

If you are interested in nominating a future CYRM title, please visit www.californiayoungreader.org and find the submission form that is due April 1. I sent in my nominations today. By the way, TWO of the books I nominated for 2011-2012 made the list! Can you guess which ones?

CYRM Nominees for 2011 – 2012

PRIMARY

On Meadowview Street by Henry Cole. Greenwillow Books, 2007.

Let’s Do Nothing by Tony Fucile. Candlewick Press, 2009.

The Odd Egg by Emily Gravett. Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2009.

Princess Hyacinth: The Surprising Tale of a Girl Who Floated by Florence Heide. Illustrated by Lane Smith, Schwartz & Wade Books, 2009.

I Need My Monster by Amanda Noll. Illustrated by Howard McWilliam. Flashlight Press, 2009.

INTERMEDIATE

Violet Raines Almost Got Struck by Lightning by Danette Haworth. Walker & Co., 2008.

Alvin Ho: Allergic to Girls, School and Other Scary Things by Lenore Look. Schwartz & Wade Books, 2008.

The Small Adventure of Popeye and Elvis by Barbara O’Conner. Farrar, Straus & Giroux, 2009.

MIDDLE SCHOOL/JUNIOR HIGH

Revolution is Not a Dinner Party: A Novel by Ying Chang Compestine. Henry Holt, 2007.

Waiting for Normal by Leslie Conner. Katherine Tegen Books, 2008.

Every Soul a Star, by Wendy Mass. Little, Brown & Co., 2008.

YOUNG ADULT

Graceling by Kristin Cashore. Harcourt, 2008.

Beastly by Alex Flinn. Harper Teen, 2007.

If I Stay by Gayle Forman. Penguin Group USA, 2009.

PICTURE BOOKS FOR OLDER READERS

Goal! written by Mina Javaherbin. Illustrated by A.G.Ford. Candlewick Press, 2010.

Henry’s Freedom Box written by Ellen Levine. Illustrated by Kadir Nelson. Scholastic Press, 2007.

Wabi Sabi written by Mark Reibstein. Illustrated by Ed Young. Little, Brown & Co., 2008.

California Reading Association's—A Keynote Speaker

2011-03-06T16:27:00.000-08:00

It is my pleasure to announce that I will be a keynote speaker at the California Reading Association's 44th Annual Professional Development Institute. The event is co-sponosored by Solano Community College and will be held on Friday, November 4 and Saturday, November 5 in Vacaville California.

For more information, please visit the California Reading Association's website at www.californiareads.org.

See you there!

César Chávez Day

2011-02-25T21:33:00.000-08:00

"Real education should consist of drawing the goodness and the best out of our own students. What better books can there be than the book of humanity?" –– César Chávez

Celebrate the official state holiday to honor Latino leader César Chávez. The day is intended to promote service to the community to honor his life and work. This day is celebrated on March 31st in honor of his birthday.

Kathleen Krull's book, HARVESTING HOPE: The Story of César Chávez, is the perfect resource to celebrate the day! Download activities to help you connect with the book and the holiday at the illustrator's website: www.yuyimorales.com.

A Sampling of the Book's Awards:

ALA Pura Belpre Honor Book

ALA Notable Children's Book

2003 Picture Book Award, Jane Addams Peace Association

Winner of 2004 Christopher Award

Honor Book, 2003 Americas Award

Elizabeth Burr Award, Wisconsin

Notable Children's Books in the English Language Arts, Children’s Literature Assembly

Southern California Children’s Booksellers Award

School Library Journal’s “Best Children’s Books of 2003”

Book Links Magazine, "Lasting Connections of 2003"

The Carter G. Woodson Honor Book Award, National Council for the Social Studies

On the master lists for the Texas Bluebonnet Award

Kansas’s William Allen White Children’s Book Awards

Maryland’s Black-Eyed Susan Book Award

Maine’s Student Book Awards

Rhode Island Children’s Book Awards

Spencer Valley

2011-02-18T17:55:00.000-08:00

Spencer Valley School. School Visit. Wow. Fun! Enough Said!

ALA — I was there!

2011-01-11T19:25:00.002-08:00

It's like Disneyland for children's book lovers. Nothing can compare to the fun and joy of seeing great children's books recognized and honored! Here's the American Library Association's list. (Not my list, their list. And, this gives me a chance to again say how important NONFICTION books are for kids!)

Newbery Medal

"Moon Over Manifest," written by Clare Vanderpool, published by Delacorte Press, an imprint of Random House Children's Books, a division of Random House, Inc.

Newbery Honor Books

"Turtle in Paradise" written by Jennifer L. Holm, published by Random House Children's Books, a division of Random House, Inc.

"Heart of a Samurai" written by Margi Preus, published by Amulet Books, an imprint of Abrams

"Dark Emperor and Other Poems of the Night" written by Joyce Sidman, illustrated by Rick Allen, published by Houghton Mifflin Books for Children, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

"One Crazy Summer" written by Rita Williams-Garcia, published by Amistad, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers

Caldecott Medal

"A Sick Day for Amos McGee" illustrated by Erin E. Stead, written by Philip C. Stead, a Neal Porter Book, published by Roaring Brook Press, a division of Holtzbrinck Publishing

Caldecott Honor Books

"Dave the Potter: Artist, Poet, Slave" illustrated by Bryan Collier, written by Laban Carrick Hill, published by Little, Brown and Company, a division of Hachette Book Group, Inc.

"Interrupting Chicken" illustrated and written by David Ezra Stein, published by Candlewick Press

2012 Arbuthnot Honor Lecture

Peter Sis

Batchelder Award

"A Time of Miracles" written by Anne-Laure Bondoux, translated by Y. Maudet, published by Delacorte Press, an imprint of Random House Children's Books, a division of Random House, Inc.

Batchelder Honor Books

"Departure Time" written by Truus Matti, translated by Nancy Forest-Flier, published by Namelos

"Nothing" written by Janne Teller, translated by Martin Aitken, published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing Division

Belpre (Illustrator) Award

"Grandma's Gift" illustrated and written by Eric Velasquez, published by Walker Publishing Company, Inc., a division of Bloomsbury Publishing, Inc.

Belpre (Illustrator) Honor Books

"Fiesta Babies" illustrated by Amy Córdova, written by Carmen Tafolla, published by Tricycle Press, an imprint of the Crown Publishing Group, a division of Random House, Inc.

"Me, Frida" illustrated by David Diaz, written by Amy Novesky, published by Abrams Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Abrams

"Dear Primo: A Letter to My Cousin" illustrated and written by Duncan Tonatiuh, published by Abrams Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Abrams

Belpre (Author) Award

"The Dreamer" written by Pam Munoz Ryan, illustrated by Peter Sis, published by Scholastic Press, an imprint of Scholastic Inc.

Belpre (Author) Honor Books

"Ole! Flamenco" written by George Ancona, photographs by George Ancona, published by Lee & Low Books Inc.

"The Firefly Letters: A Suffragette's Journey to Cuba" written by Margarita Engle, published by Henry Holt and Company, LLC

"90 Miles to Havana" written by Enrique Flores-Galbis, published by Roaring Brook Press, a division of Holtzbrinck Publishing

Carnegie Award

"The Curious Garden" produced by Paul R. Gagne and Melissa Reilly Ellard, Weston Woods Studios

Geisel Award

"Bink and Gollie" written by Kate DiCamillo and Alison McGhee, illustrated by Tony Fucile, published by Candlewick Press

Geisel Honor Books

"Ling & Ting: Not Exactly the Same!" written and illustrated by Grace Lin, published by Little, Brown and Company, a division of Hachette Book Group, Inc.

"We Are in a Book!" written and illustrated by Mo Willems, published by Hyperion Books for Children, an imprint of Disney Book Group

Odyssey Award

"The True Meaning of Smekday" produced by Listening Library, an imprint of Random House Audio Publishing Group

Odyssey Honor Audio Books

"Alchemy and Meggy Swann" produced by Listening Library, an imprint of the Random House Audio Publishing Group

"The Knife of Never Letting Go" produced by Candlewick on Brilliance Audio, an imprint of Brilliance Audio

"Revolution" produced by Listening Library, an imprint of the Random House Audio Publishing Group

"will grayson, will grayson" produced by Brilliance Audio

Sibert Medal

"Kakapo Rescue: Saving the World's Strangest Parrot" written by Sy Montgomery, photographs by Nic Bishop, published by Houghton Mifflin Books for Children, an imprint of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company

Sibert Honor Books

"Ballet for Martha: Making Appalachian Spring" written by Jan Greenberg and Sandra Jordan, illustrated by Brian Floca. A Neal Porter Book., published by Flash Point, an imprint of Roaring Brook Press, a division of Holtzbrinck Publishing

"Lafayette and the American Revolution, written by Russell Freedman, published by Holiday House

Wilder Medal

Tomie dePaola

Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow

2010-12-29T14:58:00.001-08:00

It's snowing in Mt Laguna!

Books, Books, Books!

2010-12-20T18:39:00.000-08:00

“There is more treasure in books than in all the pirates' loot
on Treasure Island . . . and best of all, you can enjoy these riches
every day of your life.” — Walt Disney

Books, books, books! I’m surrounded by them and it’s a happy sight to see favorite books stacked by my desk, along with other stacks of waiting-to-be-read books. They are truly a treasure and we’re responsible for ensuring that the children in our lives have access to their riches.

In this financial climate, stretching the dollar and finding inexpensive entertainment are popular and necessary actions. The biggest bargain (and treasure) around? Your local public library – where books, DVDs, CDs, excellent programs and more await every family member.

Making routine visits to your local library not only saves money, but shows your child how important reading and books are in your family’s life. Browse the shelves of books with your child and find a beloved book from your childhood. And don’t forget the nonfiction shelves! You might find three more books that your dinosaur-loving child hasn’t devoured. Visit the cookbook shelf and find the just-right cookbook to share with your junior chef.

Of course, you’ll want to make sure your child has his or her own personal home library, and NAPPA choices make fine additions. Each has been carefully selected from among hundreds of entries and our resulting winners span a wide variety of reading interests.

At gift-giving time, remember the personal libraries of the other children in your life. Gifts are a great way to add to their personal libraries and they show how much you value reading.

It’s never too early to start developing a baby’s library. Baby books make outstanding shower gifts and NAPPA has many fine options listed in both its Gold and Honors categories this year and in past years. Books are sturdy and their content deepens as your child’s understanding of the world grows. Books last longer than an adorable outfit or a popular toy, so add a baby book to your shower gift bag (along with that cute outfit)!

Surround the children in your life with a treasure of books to expand their imaginations, perspectives and knowledge of the world around them.

Happy Holidays!

2010-12-10T18:28:00.000-08:00

Just a note to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

I'm busy at work on LITTLE AMERICA. It will be a board book for the same series as my LITTLE CALIFORNIA book and will be published by Sleeping Bear Press in March 2012. I'm excited!

HO HO HO!

Authors' Fair 2011

2010-11-26T11:47:00.000-08:00

The Greater San Diego Reading Association and the San Diego County Office of Education will host Authors' Fair on Friday, March 18, 2011. This event has a long, fabulous tradition. Here's a sneak peek at the details and if you need more info, just email me at hfjames@san.rr.com.

Authors’s Fair
Friday, March 18, 2011

Stacia Deutsch
www.blasttothepastbooks.com
Lincoln’s Legacy
Disney’s Dream
Bell’s Breakthrough
King’s Courage
Sacagawea’s Strength
Franklin’s Fame
Washington’s War
Betsy Ross’s Star

Key Words: Historical Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Time Travel, Fantasy, Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King, Sacagawea, Inventors, Famous People in History

Edith Hope Fine
www.edithfine.com
Water, Weed and Wait
Armando and the Blue Tarp School
Cryptomania: Teleporting into Greek and Latin with the Cryptokids
Under the Lemon Moon
Nitty-Gritty Grammar: A Not-So Serious Guide to Clear Communication
More Nitty-Gritty Grammar: Another Not-So Serious Guide to Clear Communication
Biographies of Gary Paulsen, Martin Luther King, Jr., Rosa Parks, Barbara McClintock

Key Words: Gardening, Literacy, School Stories, Greek and Latin Root Words, Multicultural Education, Grammar, Biography, Expository Text, Research

Patty Hall
www.pattyhall.com
Johnny Gruelle, Creator of Raggedy Ann and Andy
Raggedy Ann and More: Johnny Gruelle’s Dolls and Merchandise
Raggedy Ann and Johnny Gruelle: A Bibliography of Published Works
The Real-For-Sure Story of Raggedy Ann
Raggedy Ann and Andy: Day at the Fair
Raggedy Ann and Andy: School Day Adventure
Raggedy Ann and Andy: Going to Grandma’s
Raggedy Ann and Andy: All That We Love

Patty also has a variety of CDs. Check out her website for details.

Key Words: Biography, Children’s Literature, Music, Research
 
Judith Josephson
www.judithjosephson.com
Armando and the Blue Tarp School
Nitty-Gritty Grammar: A Not-So Serious Guide to Clear Communication
More Nitty-Gritty Grammar: Another Not-So Serious Guide to Clear Communication
Why Did Cherokees Move West? And Other Questions About the Trial of Tears
Umbrellas
Biographies of Nelson Mandela, Louis Armstrong, Jesse Owens, Ludwig van Beethoven, Nikki Giovanni, Mother Jones

Key Words: Literacy, School Stories, Multicultural Education, Grammar, Expository Text, Biography, Research

Lori Mitchell
www.differentjustlikeme.com
Different Just Like Me (author and illustrator)
Holly Bloom’s Garden (illustrator)
Lifes Building Blocks (series illustrator)

Key Words: Character Education, Perseverance, Diversity, Gardening, Accepting Differences, Vitilgo, Illustration

Note: Different Just Like Me is available in braille through the Los Angeles Braille Institute (323) 660-3880.

Joy Raab
www.joyraab.com
Kate Sessions: The Mother of Balboa Park (author and illustrator)
Balboa Park: A to Z (illustrator)

Key Words: San Diego History, Biography, Balboa Park, Children’s Book Illustration, Women in the History of San Diego, Community

EVERYONE will be visiting with Shelley Moore Thomas in larger group (in addition to “their author,” and display time. Shelley is both an author and a storyteller.Her books include;

A Cold Winter's Good Night
Good Night, Good Knight
Get Well, Good Knight
Happy Birthday, Good Knight
Take Care, Good Knight
Somewhere Today

www.shelleymoorethomas.blogspot.com/

National Parenting Publications Awards

2010-11-03T08:14:00.001-07:00

Every year it's my pleasure to be a judge for the National Parenting Publications Awards. Here's one of my favorite gold medal winners for this year!

The Popularity Papers, by Amy Ignatow; Abrams/Amulet Books, 2010; $15.99; www.amuletbooks.com.

Fifth graders Lydia Goldblatt and Julie Graham-Chang are best friends and are determined to become more popular in school this year. In their eagerness to crack the code of popularity, they carefully observe their popular classmates and tackle brave experiments to get to the top of the social order. The novel is told with graphics that will keep readers laughing and reading – and perhaps even inspire them to tackle their own graphic journal of daily life. This is Ignatow’s first novel and you can learn more about her at www.amyignatow.com where you can follow her blog.

For more information about NAPPA, visit their website at www.nappaawards.com and learn about the great choices this year for books, video, toys, and more for children.

Holiday House Eureka Awards

2010-11-02T22:13:00.000-07:00

It was great fun today to receive Holiday House's November News email and see their mention of their TWO Eureka honor books.

The Grand Mosque of Paris: A Story of How Muslims Rescued Jews During the Holocaust by Karen Gray Ruelle and Deborah Durland DeSaix

Lafayette and the American Revolution by Russell Freedman

Visit Holiday House's website (www.holidayhouse.com) for excellent Educators' Guides for each of the books.

Eureka! Nonfiction Children's Book Awards

2010-10-18T19:25:00.000-07:00

The California Reading Association is pleased to announce their first annual Eureka! Nonfiction Children's Book Awards!

Eureka! Gold Awards

Birmingham Sunday (2010) by Larry Dane Brimner; Boyds Mills Press

Black Elk’s Vision: A Lakota Story (2010) written and illustrated by S.D. Nelson; Abrams Books for Young Readers

The Extraordinary Mark Twain (According to Susy) (2010) by Barbara Kerley and illustrated by Edwin Fotheringham; Scholastic Press

Pierre the Penguin (2010) by Jean Marzollo and illustrated by Laura Regan; Sleeping Bear Press

A Polar Bear’s World (2010) written and illustrated by Caroline Arnold; Picture Window

Ubiquitous: Celebrating Nature’s Survivors (2010) by Joyce Sidman and illustrated by Becki Prange; Houghton Mifflin

Eureka! Silver Honor Books

A Boy Named Beckoning: The True Story of Dr. Carlos Montezuma: Native American Hero (2008) adapted and illustrated by Gina Capaldi; Carolrhoda

The Boy Who Invented TV: The Story of Philo Farnsworth (2009) by Kathleen Krull and illustrated by Greg Couch; Alfred A Knopf

Bylines: A Photobiography of Nellie Bly (2009) by Sue Macy; National Geographic

Claude Monet: The Painter Who Stopped the Trains (2010) by P. I. Maltbie and illustrated by Jos A. Smith; Abrams for Young Readers

Country Road A-B-C: An Illustrated Journey Through America’s Farmland (2010) written and illustrated by Arthur Geisert; Houghton Mifflin

Dizzy in Your Eyes: Poems About Love (2010) by Pat Mora; Alfred A. Knopf

Down, Down, Down: A Journey to the Bottom of the Sea (2009) written and illustrated by Steve Jenkins; Houghton Mifflin

Emma’s Poem: The Voice of the Statue of Liberty (2010) by Linda Glaser and illustrated by Claire A. Nivola; Houghton Mifflin

An Eye for Color: The Story of Josef Albers (2009) by Natasha Wing and illustrated by Julia Breckenreid; Henry Holt & Co.

The Grand Mosque of Paris: A Story of How Muslims Rescued Jews During the Holocaust (2009) by Karen Gray Ruelle and Deborah Durland DeSaix; Holiday House

How Animals Work: Why and How Animals Do the Things They Do (2010) by David Burnie; DK Publishing

Lafayette and the American Revolution (2010) by Russell Freedman; Holiday House

Lives of the Pirates: Swashbucklers, Scoundrels (Neighbors Beware!) (2010) by Kathleen Krull and illustrated by Kathryn Hewitt; Harcourt

Nugget on the Flight Deck (2009) by Patricia Newman and illustrated by Aaron Zenz; Walker & Co.

Orangutans Are Ticklish (2010) by Steve Grubman with Jill Davis; Schwartz & Wade Books

P is for Piñata: A Mexican Alphabet (2008) by Tony Johnston and illustrated by John Parra; Sleeping Bear Press

Paisley Pig & Friends: A Multicultural A-B-C (2010) by Willow Bascom; Publishing Works, Inc.

Pharaoh’s Boat (2009) written and illustrated by David Weitzman; Houghton Mifflin

Traveling the Freedom Road: From Slavery and the Civil War through Reconstruction (2009) by Linda Barrett Osborne; Abrams Books

Under the Snow (2009) by Melissa Stewart and illustrated by Constance R. Bergum; Peachtree Books

Well Defined: Vocabulary in Rhyme (2009) Michael Salinger; Wordsong

You Never Heard of Sandy Koufax?! (2009) by Jonah Winter and illustrated by André Carrilho; Schwartz & Wade Book

For more information about the award, please contact Dr. Helen Foster James as hfjames@san.rr.com. Find out more about the award at www.californiareads.org

Eureka! Nonfiction Children's Book Awards

2010-10-18T19:20:00.000-07:00

Eureka! Gold Awards

Birmingham Sunday (2010) by Larry Dane Brimner; Boyds Mills Press

Black Elk’s Vision: A Lakota Story (2010) written and illustrated by S.D. Nelson; Abrams Books for Young Readers

The Extraordinary Mark Twain (According to Susy) (2010) by Barbara Kerley and illustrated by Edwin Fotheringham; Scholastic Press

Pierre the Penguin (2010) by Jean Marzollo and illustrated by Laura Regan; Sleeping Bear Press

A Polar Bear’s World (2010) written and illustrated by Caroline Arnold; Picture Window

Ubiquitous: Celebrating Nature’s Survivors (2010) by Joyce Sidman and illustrated by Becki Prange; Houghton Mifflin

Eureka! Silver Honor Books

A Boy Named Beckoning: The True Story of Dr. Carlos Montezuma: Native American Hero (2008) adapted and illustrated by Gina Capaldi; Carolrhoda

The Boy Who Invented TV: The Story of Philo Farnsworth (2009) by Kathleen Krull and illustrated by Greg Couch; Alfred A Knopf

Bylines: A Photobiography of Nellie Bly (2009) by Sue Macy; National Geographic

Claude Monet: The Painter Who Stopped the Trains (2010) by P. I. Maltbie and illustrated by Jos A. Smith; Abrams for Young Readers

Country Road A-B-C: An Illustrated Journey Through America’s Farmland (2010) written and illustrated by Arthur Geisert; Houghton Mifflin

Dizzy in Your Eyes: Poems About Love (2010) by Pat Mora; Alfred A. Knopf

Down, Down, Down: A Journey to the Bottom of the Sea (2009) written and illustrated by Steve Jenkins; Houghton Mifflin

Emma’s Poem: The Voice of the Statue of Liberty (2010) by Linda Glaser and illustrated by Claire A. Nivola; Houghton Mifflin

An Eye for Color: The Story of Josef Albers (2009) by Natasha Wing and illustrated by Julia Breckenreid; Henry Holt & Co.

The Grand Mosque of Paris: A Story of How Muslims Rescued Jews During the Holocaust (2009) by Karen Gray Ruelle and Deborah Durland DeSaix; Holiday House

How Animals Work: Why and How Animals Do the Things They Do (2010) by David Burnie; DK Publishing

Lafayette and the American Revolution (2010) by Russell Freedman; Holiday House

Lives of the Pirates: Swashbucklers, Scoundrels (Neighbors Beware!) (2010) by Kathleen Krull and illustrated by Kathryn Hewitt; Harcourt

Nugget on the Flight Deck (2009) by Patricia Newman and illustrated by Aaron Zenz; Walker & Co.

Orangutans Are Ticklish (2010) by Steve Grubman with Jill Davis; Schwartz & Wade Books

P is for Piñata: A Mexican Alphabet (2008) by Tony Johnston and illustrated by John Parra; Sleeping Bear Press

Paisley Pig & Friends: A Multicultural A-B-C (2010) by Willow Bascom; Publishing Works, Inc.

Pharaoh’s Boat (2009) written and illustrated by David Weitzman; Houghton Mifflin

Traveling the Freedom Road: From Slavery and the Civil War through Reconstruction (2009) by Linda Barrett Osborne; Abrams Books

Under the Snow (2009) by Melissa Stewart and illustrated by Constance R. Bergum; Peachtree Books

Well Defined: Vocabulary in Rhyme (2009) Michael Salinger; Wordsong

You Never Heard of Sandy Koufax?! (2009) by Jonah Winter and illustrated by André Carrilho; Schwartz & Wade Book

LITTLE CALIFORNIA

2010-10-13T14:52:00.000-07:00

Hooray!

I'm looking forward to my next book, LITTLE CALIFORNIA! It will be published in March 2011 by Sleeping Bear Press. Here's the cover and the info. More news to come!

Published/Released: March 2011
ISBN 13: 9781585365388
ISBN 10: 1585365386
Product number: 255838
Shipping Weight: 0.73 lbs (0.33 kgs)

A list of 365 Best Children's Books Ever

2010-10-06T09:24:00.000-07:00

Cindi Rose from the San Francisco examiner.com listed my book, S IS FOR S'MORES: A CAMPING ALPHABET, on her list of "365 Best Children's Books Ever." Wow. How fun is that?

Here's the link:

http://www.examiner.com/fiction-in-san-francisco/a-list-of-365-best-children-s-books-ever-part-1

The Dreamer Wins Gold!

2010-09-27T07:35:00.000-07:00

The National Parenting Publications Awards (NAPPA) will be announced officially soon, but here's one fresh-off-the-press item: THE DREAMER by Pam Muñoz Ryan receives a GOLD award.

This novel is a beautifully presented fictionalized biography of Pablo Neruda, the Nobel Prize-winning poet. The book weaves elements of magical realism with biography, poetry, and literary fiction and it’s complemented by sensorial, transporting illustrations. “School Library Journal" called it “The perfect marriage of text and art” and “Booklist” said it “has all the feel of a classic.” For NAPPA it’s definitely a “Gold Winner.” Learn more about the author at her website, www.pammunozryan.com.

For more information about NAPPA awards, visit their website at: www.parenthood.com.

My Name Is Not Isabella

2010-09-12T15:55:00.000-07:00

My Name Is Not Isabella, by Jennifer Fosberry, illustrated by Mike Litwin; Jabberwocky, 2010; $16.99; www.sourcebooks.com.

A little girl decides to be many amazing women in history—all in one day. She tells her mom she’s not Isabella, but instead she’s Sally, a great astronaut, Annie a fast sharp-shooter, Marie, a smart scientist, and other fabulous women. Information about the women Isabella admires are presented in more detail at the back of the book and this book is sure to spark discussions of important women in history and the importance of being yourself.

National S'mores Day!

2010-08-11T08:00:00.000-07:00

August 10 is National S'mores Day!

I'm pleased Cindi Rose, San Francisco's Fiction Examiner, included my book in her National S'mores Day salute. Here is the article and a big thank you to Cindi Rose for the shout out.

If you missed National S'mores Day, remember that August 30 is National Marshmallow Toasting Day! Just a thought . . .

Camping and S'mores Go Together Like Peanut Butter and Jelly

by Cindi Rose, San Francisco Children's Fiction Examiner

Camping is an activity that thousands enjoy every time the weather warms up during the summer months. Camping in the backyard or at Yellowstone, neither reaches the fullest potential of enjoyment without s'mores. Just like it seems wrong to eat peanut butter without jelly, it seems wrong to go camping and not eat s'mores.

August 10 is National S'mores Day and what better way to recognize it than going camping and eating the tasty treat. Of course, whether you are able to get outside and pitch a tent or just set one up in your living room, don't forget to bring along some books for bedtime reading after the entire family has gorged on graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows.

There are s'mores recipes out there, believe it or not, but they are truly enjoyed best when made in the simplest of ways.

Ingredients

campfire that has burned down to coals
roasting sticks
marshmallows
graham crackers
chocolate bars

Steps

Break each graham cracker in half so that you now have two graham cracker squares.
Break chocolate bar into pieces along scored lines and place one piece on top of graham cracker.
Place a marshmallow on the roasting stick and hold over hot coals, rotating to ensure thorough heating until marshmallow is a golden brown.
Grasping roasted marshmallow between a graham/chocolate layer and another square graham cracker, remove roasting stick.

Enjoy!

Camping Books

S Is for S'mores: A Camping Alphabet by Helen Foster James and Lita Judge An alphabet book? About s'mores and camping? It doesn't get any better than this!

Curious George Goes Camping by Margret Rey and H. A. Rey You know there will be some sort of mishap or mix up when George and the Man with the Yellow Hat go camping.

Amelia Bedelia Goes Camping by Peggy Parrish and Lynn Sweat Amelia is so confused. How is she supposed to pitch a tent and all the other things required to go camping?

Toasting Marshmallows: Camping Poems by Kristine O'Connell George and Kate Kiesler Eighteen poems express the excitement, peace, and craziness that make camping an enjoyable experience.

When I Go Camping With Grandma by Marion Dane Bauer and Allen Garns All the adventures of a camping trip shared between a grandmother and a first-time camper.

Graphic Novels

2010-08-05T08:10:00.000-07:00

I'm pleased to announce that the upcoming issue of "The California Reader" will feature MEANWHILE by Jason Shiga.

The issue will also feature an article about graphic novels by Nancy Frey, a San Diego State University professor.

"The California Reader" is the journal of the California Reading Association.

National S'mores Day!

2010-08-04T16:50:00.000-07:00

August 10 is National S'mores Day!

Are you ready?

Join Me at the Yellow Book Road

2010-07-19T15:59:00.000-07:00

Please join me at the Yellow Book Road children's book store on Wednesday, August 4 @ 11 AM. They'll be serving real s'mores and we'll have some fun time with my book, S IS FOR S'MORES: A CAMPING ALPHABET.

The Yellow Book Road
7200 Parkway Dr, Suite 118
La Mesa
(619) 463-4900
www.yellowbookroad.com

WONDERDADS: San Diego's Urban Trees

2010-07-12T08:12:00.000-07:00

San Diego's Urban Trees

Find San Diego’s Urban Trees as you stroll along San Diego Bay and enjoy the pedestrian promenade. Artists were invited to design artistic trees to add color, form, interest, and fun to the waterfront. It’s outdoor, art sightseeing for free!

www.portofsandiego.org/public-art

S'mores Recipe

2010-07-11T15:54:00.000-07:00

Here's a basic s'mores recipe.

Ingredients:

Graham Crackers
Chocolate Candy Bar (Thin Type)
Marshmallows (Big Type)

Equipment:

A Roasting Stick or Long Fork
A Campfire
An Adult to Help You

1. Get two graham crackers.

2. Put a thin chocolate candy bar on one of the graham crackers.

3. Put a marshmallow on a roasting stick and roast until it's a toasty, golden brown.

4. Slide the marshmallow off the stick and onto the candy bar. (Be careful! The marshmallow will be hot.)

5. Place the other graham cracker on top.

6. Each and say, "Yummy! I wan't s'more!"

From S IS FOR S'MORES: A CAMPING ALPHABET by Helen Foster James (Sleeping Bear Press)

WONDERDADS: A Cup of Coffee

2010-07-11T07:59:00.000-07:00

Bon Jour!

Sometimes a Wonderdad just needs a cup of delicious coffee and this popular spot has a bakery (delicious cupcakes with special filling inside!) that will tempt dad and child. A kid’s menu has popular items—grilled cheese, French toast, mac and cheese, or a deli sandwich. Dine in or enjoy the bistro style patio.

St Tropez Bakery & Bistro
947 S Coast Hwy 101
Encinitas, CA 92024
(760) 633-0084
www.sttropezbistro.com

WONDERDADS: Things to Do for Free In San Diego

2010-07-10T08:36:00.000-07:00

Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum
T-4203 Anderson Ave
San Diego, CA 92145-0316
1-(877) FLY-USMC

www.flyingleathernecks.org

This museum is dedicated to preserving the history of Marine Corps Aviation. They have a collection of more than 40 vintage aircraft and other Marine memorabilia, trophies (kids love the trophies!), and artifacts. Free, but donations are accepted.

20210 Open Cockpit Days

Climb aboard the

• F-18 Hornet

• F-5 Tiger II

• T-34 Mentor

• CH-46 Sea Knight

June 12, 13, 26, 27

July 10, 11, 24, 25

August 7, 8, 21, 22

September 4, 5

WONDERDADS San Diego: Queen Califia

2010-07-09T12:06:00.000-07:00

Have you seen Queen Califia’s Magic Circle Garden?

Niki de Saint Phalle’s mosaic maze sculpture is inspired by the mythical Amazonian queen whose name inspired California’s name. Walk inside and around this whimsical, fanciful—but never forgettable—sculpture. It's located in Kit Carson Park in Escondido. Open 8:30 AM to dusk, closed Mondays and rainy days. Always free.

Visit their website: www.queencalifia.org

WONDERDADS: Avoid the Gray Day

2010-07-08T14:15:00.000-07:00

It’s another gray day on San Diego’s coast and where can you escape that “May Gray” or “June Gloom” even in July?

Mount Laguna.

One hour east of San Diego, this area is at 6,000 feet elevation and in a forest of pine and oak. The campgrounds are popular and there’s plenty of day hikes. Stop by the visitor center on the weekend for information.

Laguna Mountain Visitor Information Center
From I-8 it’s 10 miles north on Sunrise Hwy (S1)
(619) 473-8547
www.lmva.org

They sell adventure passes ($5/day, $30/year). There’s a small, kid-friendly wildlife display and you’ll get answers to your questions about trails, campgrounds, and picnic areas.

Great spot for WONDERDADS and kids!

WONDERDADS San Diego

2010-07-07T11:56:00.001-07:00

I'm working on the San Diego edition of the WONDERDADS series. I've found a lot of great adventures for kids and their dads. Did you know this . . .

The Experimental Aircraft Association (www.eaa14.org) hosts Young Eagles each month on the 2nd Saturday at Brown Field. Their goal is to provide 1 million young people ages 8 through 17 with a free introductory airplane ride. The rides are provided through the generosity of volunteer EAA pilots and members of other authorized aviation organizations. Check the EAA website for details.

For more information about WONDERDADS, visit their website at www.wonderdads.com.

WONDERDADS

2010-07-01T13:29:00.000-07:00

I'm working on a new project that I'm excited about: WONDERDADS: "The Best Dad & Child Activities in San Diego." I'm a native San Diegan so I'm pleased to be able to showcase my town!

The book will be cool stuff for dads to do with their kids including parks, outdoor recreation, stores, restaurants, great activities, unique adventures, and more. There will be suggestions for rainy days and memorable events. Lots of great ideas! Lots of fun!

The publisher's website is www.wonderdads.com. I hope you'll check out their website and I can't wait for my book to be published. I'll keep you updated!

I'm posting the image of a similar book in the series that's about San Francisco!

Now . . . back to my research!

Arizona Road Trip

2010-06-04T14:54:00.000-07:00

Greetings!

I'm just back from my Arizona road trip with a visit to the Grand Canyon where I got to happily sign copies of my book, S is for S'mores: A Camping Alphabet.

After our stay in an historic cabin with a rim view of the Grand Canyon, we visited Winslow where we were "standing on the corner of Winslow, Arizona." We stayed at Mary Colter's La Posada Hotel. Fabulous . . . if you ever have the chance . . .

And, of course, there were numerous visits to Cracker Barrel restaurants. Yum.

Nonfiction Children's Book Award

2010-05-07T11:30:00.000-07:00

I'm please to announce the California Reading Association's new award to showcase outstanding nonfiction books. If you are an author, illustrator, publisher, etc, please contact me for more information.

California Reading Association’s
Eureka! Nonfiction Children’s Book Award

The California Reading Association has established an award to celebrate and honor nonfiction children’s books. The Eureka! Nonfiction Children’s Book Award will assist teachers, librarians, and parents in identifying outstanding nonfiction books for their students and children.

Eligible books must be nonfiction, but can be in any genre including poetry, folktale/fairy tale, informational, biography, memoir, cookbooks, joke books, self-help, reference, etc. Concisely: Any book that is not fiction is eligible for the Eureka!

Gold and silver (honor) awards will be selected each year from submitted books and will reflect a wide diversity of nonfiction genres and age )level interest.

The first winners will be announced to our membership and posted on the CRA website in October 2010.
Submission of Books

Books must be submitted to be eligible for the Eureka! award. Submissions will be received from June 1 through September 1 of each year. Submissions must be accompanied by the submission entry form and mailed to the California Reading Association. Visit the CRA website at www.californiareads.org or call the CRA office at 714-435-1983 for a submission form.

Books must have been published during the current year or two years prior. Only books published during those three years are eligible. Books may be submitted by a publisher, author, illustrator, or other interested individual.

Gold and Silver Award Winners

Gold and Silver award Eureka! winners will be announced California Reading Association’s journal, The California Reader and posted on the California Reading Association’s website, www.californiareads.org.

A list of winners will be available at CRA’s state conference and a conference session will showcase the year’s winning books.

Recipients will receive a certificate of honor from California Reading Association and award stickers to place on their books.

For more information, please contact the California Reading Association at www.californiareads.org or email me at hfjames@san.rr.com.

New Children's Museum Resource

2010-05-05T16:55:00.000-07:00

The National Children's Museum has a new publication, FAMILY LITERACY PROJECTS ON A BUDGET. I'm thrilled it includes S IS FOR S'MORES: A CAMPING ALPHABET as one of the alphabet titles. I was a founding friend of the Children's Museum of San Diego many years ago so it's a real treat for me to be included in this valuable resource.

The resource "provides educators and families with affordable resources and activities designed to foster literacy at school and in the home. Developed by National Children's Museum education experts, the book teaches school-age educators and family childcare providers to proactively address community literacy with PACT (parent and child together) teaching methods, creative hands-on activities, and inexpensive supplies. This publication offers resources, ideas, helpful tips, and suggestions to develop and present cost-effective literacy activities based on broad themes and familiar subject matter. Emergent reading skills such as identifying everyday objects, storytelling, vocabulary practice, letter recognition, and print and phonological awareness comprise a comprehensive approach to family literacy and are integrated into the book."

It was just released and is available on amazon.com.

REI and International Reading Association Visits in Chicago

2010-05-04T14:39:00.001-07:00

Here I am in a tent at the REI in Chicago reading my book, S IS FOR S'MORES: A CAMPING ALPHABET, to some young campers. How fun is that?! Thanks to Claire for organizing this event.

I was in Chicago to attend the International Reading Association where I participated in a session with writers Larry Dane Brimner, Juanita Havill, and Joan Sandin. Our Topic: How Research Intensifies Reading: Authors and Illustrators Talk About the Importance of Research in Putting Flesh on the Bare Bones of Fact. And, it was my pleasure to sign books at the Sleeping Bear Press booth.

See you at ALA in San Diego on January 7-12, 2011. More details later!

California Young Reader Medal Nominees 2010-2011

2010-03-04T14:54:00.000-08:00

I love the California Young Reader Medal program. Here are the 2010-2011 nominees. For more information about the program, please visit their website at: www.californiayoungreadermedal.org.

Primary Category

A Visitor for Bear by Bonnie Becker. Illustrated by Kady MacDonald. Candlewick Press, 2008.
Pete & Pickles by Berkeley Breathed Philomel, 2008.
Duck by Randy Cecil. Candlewick Press, 2008.
Martina the Beautiful Cockroach: A Cuban Folktale. by Carmen Deedy. Illustrated by Michael Austin. Peachtree Publications, 2008.
Thelonius Monster's Sky-High Fly Pie by Judy Sierra. Illustrated by Edward Koren. Knopf, 2006.

Intermediate Category

Igraine the Brave by Cornelia Funke.The Chicken House, 2007.
Greetings from Planet Earth by Barbara Kerley. Scholastic Press, 2007.
Zorgamazoo by Robert Paul Weston. Razorbill, 2008

Middle School Category

Elijah of Buxton by Christopher Paul Curtis. Scholastic, 2007.
Cracker! The Best Dog in Vietnam by Cynthia Kadohota. Atheneum, 2007.
Skulduggery Pleasant: Scepter of the Ancients, Book 1 by Derek Landy. The Bowen Press, 2007.

Young Adult Category

Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. Scholastic Press, 2008.
Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary E. Pearson. Henry Holt & Co., 2008.
Unwind by Neal Shusterman. Simon & Schuster, 2007.

Picture Book for Older Readers

Moon Over Star by Diana Aston. Dial, 2008.
John Paul George & Ben by Lane Smith. Hyperion Books, 2006.
Four Feet, Two Sandals by Karen Williams. Eerdmans Books for young Readers, 2007.

Eureka! Nonfiction Children’s Book Award

2010-02-16T07:01:00.000-08:00

California Reading Association’s
Eureka! Nonfiction Children’s Book Award

The California Reading Association has established an award to celebrate and honor nonfiction children’s books. The Eureka! Nonfiction Children’s Book Award will assist teachers, librarians, and parents in identifying outstanding nonfiction books for their students and children.

Eligible books must be nonfiction, but can be in any genre including poetry, folktale/fairy tale, informational, biography, memoir, cookbooks, joke books, self-help, reference, etc. Concisely: Any book that is not fiction is eligible for the Eureka!

Gold and silver (honor) awards will be selected each year from submitted books and will reflect a wide diversity of nonfiction genres and age level interest.

The first winners will be announced to our membership and posted on the CRA website in October 2010.

Submission of Books

Books must be submitted to be eligible for the Eureka! award. Submissions will be received from June 1 through September 1 of each year. Submissions must be accompanied by the submission entry form and mailed to the California Reading Association. Visit the CRA website at www.californiareads.org or call the CRA office at 714-435-1983 for a submission form.

Books must have been published during the current year or two years prior. Only books published during those three years are eligible. Books may be submitted by a publisher, author, illustrator, or other interested individual.

Gold and Silver Award Winners

Gold and Silver award Eureka! winners will be announced California Reading Association’s journal, The California Reader and posted on the California Reading Association’s website, www.californiareads.org.

A list of winners will be available at CRA’s state conference and a conference session will showcase the year’s winning books.

Recipients will receive a certificate of honor from California Reading Association and award stickers to place on their books.

For more information, please contact the California Reading Association.

California Reading Association
www.californiareads.org
714-435-1983

Little California

2010-02-13T19:50:00.000-08:00

I'm writing a new book:

LITTLE CALIFORNIA

to be published by Sleeping Bear Press.

It will be a part of a series, and LITTLE MICHIGAN is fresh off the press. It's adorable and I'm excited!

100 Days of School

2010-02-13T19:35:00.000-08:00

I spoke with my editor on Friday and she told me her son was celebrating the 100th day of school AND Valentine's Day on Friday in his first grade class. (Did I mention how much I loved teaching first graders?)

This reminded me of this article I wrote:

Book Links: November 1999 (v.9 no.2)

Celebrating the One-Hundredth Day of School
by Dr. Helen Foster James

The world may be counting down to the year 2000, but another counting is taking place right now in primary grades throughout the country to commemorate an event that happens every year: the one hundredth day of school. The count begins on the first day of school, when number lines and tallies begin, and counting sticks are placed in the 1s container. Culminating celebration activities abound as cereal, leaves, buttons, beads, and other everyday items are counted, sorted and placed in groups of 10, displayed, or mounted.

Now is the perfect time to bring out your favorite counting books, assess your collection, and add a few new treats to your shelves in preparation for this year’s celebration. It provides a great opportunity for reading a few counting books aloud and making a classroom or library display for children to enjoy.

A few books have been written specifically for this kind of celebration. Angela Shelf Medearis told this story about the beginnings of her book The 100th Day of School:

I was visiting a school when a tribe of first graders walked into the assembly wearing sashes and hats decorated with all kinds of odd things glued on them. The teacher was wearing a vest with 100 pennies glued all over it. I thought that maybe it was somebody’s birthday and asked the teacher. She told me that it was the 100th day of school. She was a first year teacher and I thought that maybe she was particularly happy to have completed 100 days! But, then she told me all about celebrating the 100th day of school and the counting and calendar activities teachers did. I knew immediately that I wanted to write a story about the 100th day of school to give teachers a tool.

The book has become a great resource for students and teachers. The book’s illustrator, Joan Holub, created a Web site () to complement the book. The site presents more than “200 Celebration Ideas for the 100th Day of School” to assist teachers in activities and projects. Some of the ideas included are having a person who is 100 years old visit the class, collecting 100 postcards, and having the principal come to class as a “Zero Hero.”

When Josef Slate’s Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten was published, everywhere Ashley Wolff, the book’s illustrator, went, kindergarten teachers told her Miss Bindergarten should celebrate 100 days. Ashley was familiar with the one hundredth day of school concept from her own children’s school experiences and was eager to make an accurate, helpful picture book for the occasion. She recalls:

There was high drama associated with Miss Bindergarten Celebrates the 100th Day of Kindergarten that I still speak about whenever I show slides of it. I relied heavily on the creativity and the generosity of all the teachers I know to help me come up with ideas for the 100-days activities and ran all ideas by them for appropriateness and accuracy. When all the art was done, I, of course, checked it, my teacher and librarian friends looked it over, my editor and numerous art people and assistants checked it and it was sent to Hong Kong for printing.

I was showing slides I had taken before I had sent it off at a conference when a teacher raised her hand and bravely said “I see a mistake.” Well, she had spotted little cut-off milk cartons tacked to the calendar easel and filled with counting straws for each day of the year. I had reversed the place order and put the ones in the hundreds’ place and no one had spotted it until she did!

I thanked her, finished my show and went straight home to call my editor and tell her to literally stop the presses. This embarrasses me to this day but shows what utter dependence I have on the kindness of teachers!

Emily’s First One Hundred Days of School chronicles her school adventures, one day at a time, as she encounters and learns her numbers in a variety of ways. Rosemary Wells makes connections between numbers and the many ways they appear in our daily life, including games, poetry, and songs. The song “Tea for Two,” the card game Crazy Eights, the town Twenty-nine Palms, and piccalilli labels with 57 varieties of pickles are just a few of the ways that Wells has incorporated numbers, counting, and everyday life in this counting-book treasure.

Counting books about and many of those not purposefully written for the day also make great contributions to the festivities. Pam Muñoz Ryan, the author of One Hundred Is a Family, explains a little about the counting that takes place in her book:

The book counts one to ten and then to one hundred by tens. On each page, the number of people increases. There are twenty people on a spread, then thirty people on the next spread, then forty people, fifty, sixty, and up to one hundred. And are there exactly that many people on each page? Absolutely! A third grader even told me an easy way to count them. She said, “It’s not hard, you just take a ruler and move it slowly across the page and count each face you see.” How many people are in the book? 595!

How Many Ants? illustrator Joan Cottle writes in her illustrator’s note that she painted “more than 1,050 ants, 2,100 antennae, and 6,300 ant legs!” to complete the book. Its author, Larry Dane Brimner, explained the process of writing his emergent reader in this way:

I knew I wanted to write a book dealing with the concept of 100 and the idea of 100 ants seemed intriguing. The problem was to do it in a way that accommodated the repetitiveness of the emergent reader and respected the confines of telling a “story” in a limited number of words. The result was the classic “quest,” with a visual set up on the title page through an illustration of the scout ant and opening with a map. The quest, or treasure hunt, ensues and as the army of ants advances toward its goal it increases by tens—a concept I commonly witness in kindergartens throughout the country. The conclusion required some sort of surprise, since the reader knows from the very outset that the ants are after a cake, so I opted to have human characters beat them to it. And that leaves us with “One hundred ants too late!”

Upper-grade teachers and students needn’t feel left out of the younger children’s celebration. There are a host of picture books that are sophisticated and can be enjoyed by all ages, including Laura Rankin’s The Handmade Counting Book. This book will delight all readers as they view hands signing the numbers from 1 to 20 and then 25, 50, 75, and 100, in American Sign Language. Longtime favorites such as Eleanor Estes’ The Hundred Dresses, Sharon Bell Mathis’ The Hundred Penny Box, and Rachel Field’s Hitty, Her First Hundred Years may make a fine read-aloud choice for the celebration. In addition, Rosemary Wells and Susan Jeffers have collaborated on Rachel Field’s Hitty: Her First Hundred Years with New Adventures.

The books listed below reflect some of the best of those available that are dedicated to celebrations of the one hundredth day of school, and a small selection of counting books that adapt very well to use in such programs.

One Hundredth Day Books

Cuyler, Margery. 100th Day Worries. Illus. by Arthur Howard. 2000. 32p. Simon & Schuster, $16 (0-689-82979-5).
Preschool–Gr. 2. Jessica is a worrier. When her first-grade teacher asks each child to bring a collection of 100 things for the one hundredth day of school, Jessica worries about what to bring, until her family help out with contributions from their own collections. This charming story of a supportive family, depicted in quirky cartoon illustrations, incorporates lots of counting and addition.

Harris, Trudy. 100 Days of School. Illus. by Beth Griffis Johnson. 1999. 32p. Millbrook, $21.90 (0-7613-1271-4).
K–Gr. 2. Clever math problems focus on familiar objects and animals and are paired with witty asides and livened with bright, clear illustrations, making this picture book a great resource for ideas for celebrating the first 100 days of school.

Medearis, Angela Shelf. The 100th Day of School. Illus. by Joan Holub. 1996. 32p. Scholastic, paper, $3.99 (0-590-25944-X).
Preschool–Gr. 2. Celebrate the special day and “do everything the 100 way” with this easy reader showing children planting 100 seeds, learning 100 spelling words, and baking 100 cookies.

Slate, Joseph. Miss Bindergarten Celebrates the 100th Day of Kindergarten. Illus. by Ashley Wolff. 1998. 32p. Dutton, $15.99 (0-525-46000-4).
Preschool–Gr. 2. The creators of the popular Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten present this companion book. In this lively look at the one hundredth day celebration in kindergarten, each student must bring 100 of some wonderful thing.

Wells, Rosemary. Emily’s First One Hundred Days of School. 2000. 61p. Hyperion, $15.99 (0-7868-0507-2).
K–Gr. 2. Emily starts learning her numbers on her first day of school, and each day she learns a number in a different way.

Related Books

Appelt, Kathi. Bats on Parade. Illus. by Melissa Sweet. 1999. 32p. Morrow, $16 (0-688-15665-7).
K–Gr. 3. On a midsummer’s eve, the Marching Bat Band arrives and its members assemble, marching and playing their instruments, to create a rollicking parade of 385 bats. The first bats arrive in 2s, then 3 by 3, up to 10 by 10, creating multiplication problems as they march along. The counting story is told in rhyme, with lively illustrations, by the creators of Bat Jamboree (1996).

Arnosky, Jim. Mouse Numbers: A Very First Counting Book. 1999. 48p. Clarion, $4.95 (0-395-55006-8).
Preschool–Gr. 1. A mouse journeys from 0 to 10 and back again in this small-sized, wordless book where young readers enjoy spotting the numerals in the mouse’s surroundings.

Beaton, Clare. One Moose, Twenty Mice. 1999. 32p. Barefoot, $14.95 (1-902283-37-6).
Preschool–K. Can the reader find the ginger cat hidden among each of the felt-art stitched pages of this charming book? This simple book presents the numbers 1–20 with an interactive flair.

Brimner, Larry Dane. How Many Ants? Illus. by Joan Cottle. 1997. 32p. Children’s Press, $17 (0-516-20398-3); paper, $4.95 (0-516-26251-3).
Preschool–Gr. 2. Part of the Rookie Readers series for emergent readers, this story counts along as ants continue to increase by multiples as they march up the hill toward a tall, tall cake. One hundred ants march toward, over, by, and down to their goal.

Estes, Eleanor. The Hundred Dresses. Illus. by Louis Slobodkin. 1944. 81p. Harcourt, $16 (0-15-237374-8); paper, $6 (0-15-642350-2).
Gr. 3–6. This Newbery Honor Book tells the story of Wanda, who wears the same faded blue dress every day. She tells her schoolmates that she has 100 dresses at home of silk, velvet, and all colors.

Field, Rachel. Hitty, Her First Hundred Years. Illus. by Dorothy P. Lathrop. 1929. 224p. Simon & Schuster, $17 (0-02-734840-7); paper, $4.99 (0-440-40337-5).
Gr. 4–7. This classic story of Phoebe’s remarkable wooden doll and her exciting adventures both on land and at sea through the course of a century was the Newbery Medal recipient in 1930.

Hassett, John, and Ann Hassett. Cat up a Tree. 1998. 32p. Houghton, $15 (0-395-88415-2).
K–Gr. 3. Nana Quimby asks for help from the firehouse, police, pet shop, zoo, library, and even city hall, as cats and more cats are stuck in her tree. Will anyone help her rescue the stranded cats? The cats are depicted in 5s, from 5 all the way up to 40, making the counting part of the fun in this humorous tale.

Johnson, Stephen T. City by Numbers. 1998. 32p. Viking, $15.99 (0-670-87251-2).
Preschool–Gr. 5. Tour New York City as Johnson explores it in these realistic paintings featuring the numbers 1 through 21, all hidden within the city’s sights. Twenty-one was selected as the final number to salute the twenty-first century, in this companion to the 1996 Caldecott Honor Book Alphabet City.

Krudwig, Vickie Leigh. Cucumber Soup. Illus. by Craig McFarland Brown. 1998. 32p. Fulcrum, $16.95 (1-55591-380-6).
K–Gr. 2. One tiny flea, two praying mantises, and other insects in the garden work together to provide the strength needed to move the cucumber. Factual information about each insect is included, and a recipe for cucumber soup completes this offering. The book is also available in a Spanish version, Sopa de Pepino, translated by Antonio Madrigal.

Lesser, Carolyn. Spots: Counting Creatures from Sky to Sea. Illus. by Laura Regan. 1999. 32p. Harcourt, $16 (0-15-200666-4).
K–Gr. 3. Spotted animals from around the world introduce the numbers from 1 to 10. The animals are depicted in biomes, and notes at the end of this informative book provide background on each biome. The illustrations are gorgeous, and the language is delightful—salamanders are sloshing, wiggling, and lurking—in this nonfiction book that successfully combines facts with fun.

Marsh, T. J., and Jennifer Ward. Way Out in the Desert. Illus. by Kenneth J. Spengler. 1998. 32p. Rising Moon, $15.95 (0-87358-678-5).
K–Gr. 3. The Sonoran Desert community is presented in this variation of Olive A. Wadsworth’s poem “Over in the Meadow.” A glossary explains the desert terms, and music notations are provided.

Mathis, Sharon Bell. The Hundred Penny Box. Illus. by Leo and Diane Dillon. 1975. 47p. Viking, $16.99 (0-670-38787-8).
Gr. 2–5. An intergenerational story of a boy and his 100-year-old great-great-aunt. Aunt Dew’s most precious possession is her 100-penny box, which holds 1 penny for each year of her life.

McGrath, Barbara Barbieri. The Cheerios Counting Book. Illus. by Rob Bolster and Frank Mazzola, Jr. 1998. 32p. Scholastic, $10.95 (0-590-00321-6); paper, $4.95 (0-590-68357-8).
Preschool–Gr. 2. A one hundredth day celebration would not be complete without counting Cheerios or a similar cereal. This book uses Cheerios as the tool to count from 1 to 20 and then in groups of 10 to 100.

Merriam, Eve. Ten Rosy Roses. Illus. by Julia Gorton. 1999. 32p. HarperCollins, $14.95 (0-06-027887-0).
K–Gr. 2. Julia Gorton’s ‘50s-style illustrations complement Eve Merriam’s poem that counts down from 10 to 0 as children pick roses for their teacher.

Rankin, Laura. The Handmade Counting Book. 1998. 32p. Dutton, $15 (0-8037-2309-1).
All ages. This lovely book counts from 1 to 20 and then 25, 50, 75, and 100 in American Sign Language. The illustrations provide the hand motions, and display realistic, beautifully illustrated objects to be counted. This is a companion book to the popular The Handmade Alphabet (1991).

Ryan, Pam Muñoz. One Hundred Is a Family. Illus. by Benrei Huang. 1994. 32p. Hyperion, $14.49 (1-56282-673-5); paper, $4.95 (0-7868-1120-X).
Preschool–Gr. 2. Counting first from 1 to 10, then by 10s to 100, this book celebrates the many meanings of family. People connect in ever-widening circles, creating families of community, heritage, and friendship.

Sís, Peter. Fire Truck. 1998. 24p. Greenwillow, $14.95 (0-688-15878-1).
Preschool–K. This award–winning author-illustrator demonstrates his artistic range in this simple story. Matt, a little boy with a passion for fire trucks, wakes up to find he is a fire truck—with one driver, two ladders, three hoses, and other equipment to count. The metaphor extends visually through a gatefold illustration that opens into a three-page spread.

Tolstoy, Aleksei. The Gigantic Turnip. Illus. by Niamh Sharkey. 1999. 40p. Barefoot, $15.95 (1-902283-12-0).
K–Gr. 3. Tolstoy’s popular tale is told with six yellow canaries, five white geese, four speckled hens, three black cats, two pot-bellied pigs, and one brown cow. They all work together to help the old man and the old woman pull up their gigantic turnip. Quirky illustrations make this an excellent variation of this favorite tale.

Walton, Rick. So Many Bunnies: A Bedtime ABC and Counting Book. Illus. by Paige Blair. 1998. 32p. Lothrop, $16 (0-688-13656-7).
Preschool–Gr. 2. Old Mother Rabbit lived in a shoe with her 26 children. Each bunny child is named after a letter of the alphabet, and each is placed to sleep in a location that rhymes with his or her name: “18 was named Rae. She slept in the hay.” Rhymes, alphabet, counting, and bedtime bunnies add up to pleasure in this sweet concept book.

Wells, Rosemary. Rachel Field’s Hitty: Her First Hundred Years with New Adventures. Illus. by Susan Jeffers. 1999. 112p. Simon & Schuster, $19.95 (0-689-81716-9).
Gr. 3–7. Rosemary Wells and Susan Jeffers have collaborated on extending the classic story about a girl and her doll.

Helen Foster James teaches children’s literature at University of California, San Diego, and National University. She is the author of Across the Generations: Selecting and Using Intergenerational Resources (Highsmith, 1997).

Bullies and Bulling

2010-02-13T19:30:00.000-08:00

Here's an article I wrote for Book Links, an American Library Association journal.

Bullies and Bullying

by Helen Foster James

"So here's what I can't figure out. If everybody who works at school is so smart, how come they can't get rid of the bullies? How come when it comes to bullies, kids are mostly on their own?" --Jake in Jake Drake: Bully Buster by Andrew Clements

I began to think about writing an article on bullies when a ninth-grade boy at Santana High School in Santee, California, started shooting and killing students last year. The school is in a quiet San Diego suburb and less than two miles from where I once worked. The geographic proximity of the event brought the tragic stories of similar school shootings closer to me personally.

Children's author Larry Dane Brimner writes, "Bullies come in two types: physical and verbal. The physical bully lashes out with fists and feet and seems to bulldoze a path through the school. Less obvious is the verbal bully, who does not use force and physical strength, but instead relies on cutting words and name-calling. Although difficult to detect, the verbal bully is every bit as hurtful as the one who would poke you in the stomach. From Littleton to Santee, the children who committed these violent acts, the so-called 'bullies,' were described as not fitting in. In every case they were objects of name calling and teasing. In other words, they were objects of bullying themselves, and eventually acted out against their tormentors. Schools should be safe and nurturing places for everyone. As adults in the school setting, we need to be as alert to the verbal bully as we are to the physical one." But what can we adults who work with children do? Is Jake Drake right--do we leave kids on their own when it comes to bullies? For those of us who love sharing books, what can we offer to students on this subject? Below is a sampling of books that may assist in a discussion of teasing and tormenting and help both children and adults in dealing with bullies and their victims.

Books for Younger Readers

Bottner, Barbara. Bootsie Barker Bites. Illus. by Peggy Rathmann. 1992. 32p. Putnam, $16.99 (0-399-22125-5); Puffin, paper, $5.99 (0-698-11427-2).
Preschool-Gr. 3. While her mother visits with Bootsie's mother, the narrator is subjected to Bootsie's unpleasant games, which frequently involve biting. When faced with the prospect of having Bootsie spend the night, the narrator turns the tables on Bootsie by inventing a new game to play.

Brimner, Larry Dane. Cory Coleman, Grade 2. Illus. by Karen Ritz. 1991. 80p. Holt, paper, $6.95 (0-8050-1844-1).
K-Gr. 3. Seven-year-old Cory's experiences with a bully end up ruining his birthday party. However, readers will feel some sympathy for the bully as they learn what motivates his actions.

Carlson, Nancy. How to Lose All Your Friends. 1994. 32p. Viking, $15.99 (0-670-84906-5); Puffin, paper, $5.99 (0-14-055862-4).
Preschool-Gr. 2. With humor, Carlson pokes fun at bullies and others who have a hard time attracting and keeping friends. This tongue-in-cheek book invites discussion about what characteristics true friends exhibit.

Caseley, Judith. Bully. 2001. 32p. HarperCollins/Greenwillow, $15.95 (0-688-17867-7).
Preschool-Gr. 3. When Mickey's best friend, Jack, turns into a bully, Mickey's mother and father offer advice on how to handle the situation. Mickey learns that Jack feels displaced by his new baby sister and is angry and hurt. Readers will feel sympathy for both the victim and the bully and may gain an understanding of the pain often felt by students who become bullies.

Clements, Andrew. Jake Drake: Bully Buster. Illus. by Amanda Harvey. 2001. 80p. Simon & Schuster, $14 (0-689-83917-0); Aladdin, paper, $3.99 (0-689-83880-8).
Gr. 2-5. Now a fourth-grader in this popular series, Jake seems to be a bully magnet, and new kid Link Baxter is a superbully. What happens when they're teamed up for a class project?

Estes, Eleanor. The Hundred Dresses. Illus. by Louis Slobodkin. 1944; reissued 1988. 80p. Harcourt, $16 (0-15-237374-8); paper, $6 (0-15-642350-2).
Gr. 3-5. Wanda Petronski is teased and taunted every day because she wears the same faded dress. But she says she has 100 beautiful dresses at home, made of silk, velvet, and in many different colors. She does--she's drawn every one of them. This Newbery Honor Book is an effective indictment of prejudice.

Henkes, Kevin. Chrysanthemum. 1991. 32p. HarperCollins/Greenwillow, $15.95 (0-688-09699-9); paper, $5.95 (0-688-14732-1).
Preschool-Gr. 3. Chrysanthemum, a mouse, starts kindergarten and is teased by her classmates because of her name. Her parents provide love and support and, with the help of her music teacher, Delphinium, flower names may become a new fad.

Keats, Ezra Jack. Goggles! 1969; reissued 1998. 32p. Viking, $15.99 (0-670-88062-0); Puffin, paper, $6.99 (0-14-056440-3).
Preschool-Gr. 3. One day, Peter and his friend Archie stumble on a treasure--a pair of motorcycle goggles. They then must use their wits to keep their prize away from the neighborhood bullies, in this Caldecott Honor Book.

McCain, Becky Ray. Nobody Knew What to Do: A Story about Bullying. Illus. by Todd Leonardo. 2001. 24p. Albert Whitman, $14.95 (0-8075-5711-0).
Gr. 1-4. When Ray is bullied the other children in his class are sympathetic but feel powerless to do anything. One child seeks help from his teacher "so we could all figure out what to do." McCain presents the topic in a straightforward, nonsentimental manner. A brief discussion about "Bully Prevention" for adults is included.

Naylor, Phyllis Reynolds. The King of the Playground. Illus. by Nola Langner Malone. 1994. 32p. Aladdin, paper, $6.99 (0-689-71802-0).
Preschool-Gr. 3. Each day Sammy threatens Kevin, proclaiming himself "King of the Playground." Kevin and his father discuss Sammy's actions, and Kevin gains the confidence to resolve the conflict. Alexis O'Neill's The Recess Queen (Scholastic, 2002) offers another take on playground bullying.

Parr, Todd. It's Okay to Be Different. 2001. 32p. Little, Brown/Megan Tingley, $14.95 (0-316-66603-3).
Preschool-Gr. 3. Through bright, childlike illustrations and text, Parr says that it's okay to be different from others, an important first step in getting children to accept each other.

Polacco, Patricia. Thank You, Mr. Falker. 1998. 40p. Philomel, $16.99 (0-399-23166-8).
K-Gr. 3. This touching book is based on the author's childhood, during which she endured being teased and called "dumb" because of a learning disability that left her unable to read until the fifth grade. Here a caring teacher learns her secret and provides her with the support she needs to learn to read.

Romain, Trevor. Bullies Are a Pain in the Brain. 1997. 112p. Free Spirit, paper, $9.95 (1-57542-023-6).
Gr. 3-5. This nonfiction book may assist in starting conversations about bullies and tormenters. Presented with humor and cartoonlike illustrations are practical coping strategies to avoid, confront, and understand bullies.

Books for Older Readers

Blume, Judy. Blubber. 1974; reissued 1982. 160p. Simon & Schuster, $16.99 (0-02-711010-9); Yearling, paper, $4.99 (0-440-40707-9).
Gr. 4-6. Jill goes along with the rest of her fifth-grade class in tormenting Linda, an overweight classmate. But then she finds out what it's like to be on the other side when she is subjected to their taunts. Blume's book is an honest and realistic look at the cruelty in schools, and it doesn't present a tidy ending.

Cormier, Robert. The Chocolate War. 1974; reissued 1986. 253p. Knopf, $19.95 (0-394-82805-4); Laurel-Leaf, paper, $5.50 (0-440-94459-7).
Gr. 8-12. After refusing to sell chocolates in the annual fundraising drive at a Catholic boys' high school, Jerry is abused and victimized by a group of bullying classmates and, even worse, a teacher, in this young adult classic.

Crutcher, Chris. Ironman. 1995. 192p. HarperCollins/Greenwillow, $16.95 (0-688-13503-X); Laurel-Leaf, paper, $4.99 (0-440-21971-X).
Gr. 8-12. When 17-year-old Bo attends an anger management group at school, he starts to examine his relationship with his father, who is bullying his own son. Strong characterization and flowing prose make this a believable story.

Hahn, Mary Downing.Stepping on the Cracks. 1991. 224p. Clarion, $16 (0-395-58507-4); Avon, paper, $4.95 (0-380-71900-2).
Gr. 5-8. Best friends Margaret and Elizabeth are feeling patriotic during World War II--and also very scared of the sixth-grade class bully, Gordy Smith. Then they learn that he is hiding his brother, a conscientious objector who has deserted the army. The girls are faced with many questions. Is Gordy's brother a coward? Should they turn him in? Hahn leaves the issues open in this thought-provoking novel.

Howe, James. The Misfits. 2001. 288p. Simon & Schuster/Atheneum, $16 (0-689-83955-3).
Gr. 5-8. In this engaging if somewhat message-heavy novel about name-calling, Bobby and his friends--Addie, the political radical, Joe, who is gay, and Skeezie, the troublemaker--are self-defined seventh-grade misfits who form the No-Name Party for the upcoming school election. Their slogan is "Sticks and stones may break our bones, but names will break our spirits." The characters here are strong and satisfying, and the inclusion of a confident gay student is heartening.

Hinton, S. E. The Outsiders. 1967; reissued 1997. 192p. Viking, $16.99 (0-670-53257-6); Puffin, paper, $6.99 (0-14-038572-X).
Gr. 8-12. The Greasers, members of a tough lower-class neighborhood gang, have a running feud with the Socs, who hail from a more middle-class neighborhood. Ponyboy, a Greaser, tells his story, which demonstrates the desperate need to belong.

Johnston, Tony. Any Small Goodness: A Novel of the Barrio. 2001. 128p. Scholastic/Blue Sky, $15.95 (0-439-18936-5).
Gr. 4-7. In the barrio of East Los Angeles, 11-year-old Arturo encounters some gang members who "just enjoy sending fear-ripples over people." Spanish expressions and numerous local references contribute to the rich setting and characters.

Lord, Bette Bao. In the Year of the Boar and Jackie Robinson. Illus. by Marc Simont. 1984. 176p. HarperTrophy, paper, $4.95 (0-06-440175-8).
Gr. 3-6. In 1947, a 10-year-old Chinese girl named Shirley comes to Brooklyn. Shirley doesn't know English, so it's hard to make friends. But after she becomes friends with the toughest girl in the class, the other kids include her in their games and she discovers baseball and the Brooklyn Dodgers.

Mead, Alice. Junebug and the Reverend. 1998. 192p. Farrar, $16 (0-374-33965-1).
Gr. 4-6. In this sequel to Junebug (Farrar, 1995), Junebug's life is changing for the better; his family leaves the projects and makes a new start. But while his sister, Tasha, makes friends easily, Junebug becomes the target of bullying. Mead effectively portrays a resilient young boy in a difficult situation.

Naidoo, Beverley. The Other Side of Truth. 2001. 272p. HarperCollins, $16.95 (0-06-029628-3).
Gr. 6-10. In this contemporary adventure story, Sade's mother is assassinated in their driveway in Nigeria, a consequence of Sade's father's anti-government newspaper columns. Sade and her brother flee to London to live with an uncle, but upon their arrival, they find that he is missing. With no way to reach their father, they lie about their identities and are placed in a foster home, and soon Sade finds herself trying to overcome cruel bullying at her new school.

Philbrick, Rodman. Freak the Mighty. 1993. 176p. Scholastic/Blue Sky, $15.95 (0-590-47412-X); paper, $4.99 (0-590-47413-8).
Gr. 7-10. Max and Kevin, two picked-on boys, combine their strengths to eliminate their weaknesses and take on the world and its bullies. Told in retrospect by Max, this is a poignant story of friendship and acceptance with two extraordinary characters and well-paced action that will hold readers' attention.

Spinelli, Jerry. Crash. 1996. 162p. Knopf, $16 (0-679-87957-9); Yearling, paper, $5.50 (0-679-88550-1).
Gr. 5-7. Crash Coogan is a football player, completely confident, and the tormentor of Penn Webb, a friendly, small, pacifist Quaker. Crash's beloved grandfather comes to live with the family and suffers a disabling stroke, resulting in a change in Crash's lifestyle and in his thinking about values. Strong characters, a fast-paced plot, and lots of humor will draw kids to this novel.

Spinelli, Jerry. Wringer. 1997. 240p. HarperCollins, $15.95 (0-06-024913-7); HarperTrophy, paper, $5.95 (0-06-440578-8).
Gr. 4-7. Nine-year-old Palmer struggles with peer pressure as he faces his tenth birthday, when he will become a "wringer"--one who wrings the necks of pigeons wounded in the annual Pigeon Day Shoot. Palmer fears what will happen if his former best friend, who betrayed him to gain acceptance from a gang of bullies, finds out he has adopted a pet pigeon.

Strasser, Todd. Give a Boy a Gun. 2000. 160p. Simon & Schuster, $16 (0-689-81112-8); Simon Pulse, paper, $4.99 (0-689-84893-5).
Gr. 8-12. This chilling account of two boys who take classmates at their high school hostage is told through interview-style snippets from the victims and the perpetrators. Footnotes about gun statistics and school violence appear throughout the story, and a list of additional resources is included.

Wilson, Jacqueline. Bad Girls. Illus. by Nick Sharratt. 2001. 176p. Delacorte, $15.95 (0-385-72916-2); Yearling, paper, $4.50 (0-440-41806-2).
Gr. 3-6. Mandy Wilson hates looking 8 years old when she's actually 10. And because of this, she's constantly being teased by the beautiful school bully, Kim. Then Mandy forms a friendship with her new neighbor, a foster girl, and they both learn from each other.

Web Connections

The Association for Conflict Resolution at http://www.acresolution.org is an organization dedicated to enhancing the practice and public understanding of conflict resolution.
Jigsaw Classroom at http://www.jigsaw.org is a cooperative learning technique intended to reduce conflict among children. The Web site contains numerous links to topics on cooperative learning and school violence prevention.
The National Crime Prevention Council's list of "12 Things Teachers Can Do" to stop school violence may be found on its Web site at http://www.ncpc.org/2schvio2.htm. These guidelines provide educators with concrete strategies for preventing and coping with violence.
Professional Resources

Borda, Michelle. Building Moral Intelligence: The Seven Essential Virtues That Teach Kids to Do the Right Thing. 2001. Jossey-Bass, $24.95 (0-7879-5357-1).
This resource provides educators with strategies to assist children in developing strong moral habits, controlling aggression, standing up to peers, and handling emotions. The companion Web site, http://www.moralintelligence.com, provides additional resources, including links to a variety of articles related to preventing school violence.
Crutcher, Chris. "The Outsiders." School Library Journal. August 2001.

Young adult author and former educator Crutcher writes a personal article about students who are teased, dismissed, and humiliated, and their need to be heard and included.

Helen Foster James is a former media specialist and coordinator of library media services for Santee School District. She currently teaches children's literature at San Diego State University.

Birmingham Sunday

2010-02-13T05:53:00.000-08:00

I love excellent nonfiction and BIRMINGHAM SUNDAY was that and more. Larry Dane Brimner uses “FBI files, police surveillance records, and other primary-source documents” to tell the story of September 15, 1963 when a bomb blast killed four young girls.

His words are carefully chosen to capture this serious situation while informing readers. My jaw dropped as I read his riveting account of this tragic historic event.

It’s a visually appealing book—from the opening endpapers to the insightful quotes that accompany the photographs. Larry Dane Brimner captured this fascinating piece of history in one thoughtful book.

It’s a “must read.”

I hope the book receives as much or more attention than his book, WE ARE ONE.

Publisher: Calkins Creek
School & Library Binding: 48 pages
ISBN-10: 1590786130
SBN-13: 978-1590786130

Chicago — Here I come!

2010-01-13T18:45:00.000-08:00

I'll be at the International Reading Association in Chicago in April. Hope to see you there. I'll be having a booksigning in the Sleeping Bear Press booth, time to be determined, but here's my session info.

ID#: 166066
Title: How Research Intensifies Reading: Authors and Illustrators Talk About the Importance of Research in Putting Flesh on the Bare Bones of Fact
Location/Room: McCormick Lakeside Center / E253d
Date/Time: 4/26/2010 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Hope to see you there! Swing on by and say a big "HI!"

Leo and the Lesser Lion

2009-12-24T11:06:00.001-08:00

School Library Journal

Gr 4–7—In this story set in Alabama during the Depression, 12-year-old Bayliss describes her love for her big brother, Leo, and their fun-filled pranks. Wherever Leo was, Bayliss couldn't be far behind. But one tragic day, an accident takes his life while she is spared, and she questions why. A nurse suggests that it's a miracle and that there must be a reason she was saved, and Bayliss decides to find her life's purpose. She researches saints and thinks she might become a nun, a change from her former spunky behavior. She is determined to have a charitable activity and decides to help nuns with the "weary travelers" at the hobo camp. The local orphanage is filled to capacity and her parents bring two sisters into their home until permanent placement can be found. Bayliss resents this intrusion, but wonders if these two girls are her charitable contribution. The entire family questions their Catholic beliefs and the actions of God. Quirky and thought-provoking, This novel takes readers on a personal journey of discovery. Forrester's depth of insight into the memorable characters she has developed and the emotions she mines make for a satisfying read—one that will cause readers to question their purpose and hug their families.—Helen Foster James, University of California at San Diego

Season's Greetings

2009-12-22T15:42:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Santa Barbara County Education Office's Breakfast with Authors

2009-10-27T14:15:00.000-07:00

It was such a treat to be part of the Santa Barbara County Education Office’s Breakfast with Authors. This was the 57th annual breakfast. What a fabulous tradition. My thanks to Rose, Steve, and all the others in Instructional Media Services who work together to make this successful event fun and informational.

The I LOVE YOU Book

2009-09-18T15:23:00.000-07:00

The I LOVE YOU Book, by Todd Parr; Little, Brown, 2009; $9.99; www.hbgusa.com.

If you are a Todd Parr fan (and I sure am!), you won’t want to miss this newest title. Todd Parr’s trademark vibrant illustrations and simple sentences explore the meaning of unconditional love. The cover presents a big heart cutout trimmed in shiny silver exposing the first page with a character’s arms stretched wide for a hug. The title’s “I LOVE YOU” are in tactile silver lettering and all capital letters emphasizing Todd’s message. More about his work can be found at www.toddparr.com. A brief note from Todd reminds readers that all of us need love, that there’s enough to share, and to love yourself. A simple and heartfelt salute to love that young readers are sure to embrace.

The I LOVE YOU Book

2009-09-18T15:19:00.000-07:00

It's All Too Much

2009-09-17T07:45:00.000-07:00

It’s All Too Much, So Get It Together: Less Junk, Cleaner Mind, Better Life, by Peter Walsh, illustrated by John Hendrix; Simon & Schuster, 2009; $12.99 (paper); www.simonandschuster.com.

Professional organizer, Peter Walsh, brings his mental and physical decluttering concepts to a teen audience. Peter is best know as the professional organizer from TLC’s hit series, Clean Sweep. He’s helped thousands of adults organize their lives and now he’s focusing on helping teens, but this book has so many great suggestions parents may want to sneak it out of their teen’s room for their own reading. The entire family will quickly be applying Walsh’s organizational secrets to create a calmer surrounding and increased peace of mind.

Children's Museums

2009-09-16T12:49:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you just get a great surprise e-mail. I just heard the National Children’s Museum will be using the cover and a description of S IS FOR S’MORES in their “Family Literacy Projects on a Budget: Trainer’s Toolkit.”

This is especially exciting news for me. I was a Founding Friend of the Children’s Museum of San Diego over 25 years ago. How fun my book can now be named in a children’s museum publication. Just WOW.

The National Children’s Museum website is: http://www.ncm.museum

Rhyming Dust Bunnies

2009-09-14T14:55:00.000-07:00

Housework getting the best of you? Doesn't make you smile? If so, here's a book for you:

Rhyming Dust Bunnies, by Jan Thomas, Simon & Schuster, 2009; $12.99; www.simonandschuster.com.

Ed, Ned, and Ted, three dust bunnies, demonstrate how much they love to rhyme words. Bob, the fourth dust bunny, tries to warn them of approaching danger. Will Bob be successful? It’s an amazing feat to be able to write and illustrate dust bunnies and make readers (young and old) be charmed. Kids will giggle. Parents will shake their heads, but all will enjoy this clever, brightly colored picture book savoring the joy of rhyme, the urgency of warning, and the power of the lowly dust bunny.

Cozy as Spring

2009-09-06T16:03:00.001-07:00

I found this lovely entry on a "Cozy as Spring" blog in the "New Picture Books" entry. Doesn't "Cozy as Spring" sound inviting?

"I recently ordered S Is for S'mores: A Camping Alphabet (Sleeping Bear Alphabets) for my children. I love the layout of these books - the main text is suitable for all ages and older children can peruse the side sections for additional details. There really is a lot of good camping advice included. I immediately liked this take on the alphabet book because it so fit with all our camping experiences. It's beautifully illustrated as well. A hit all around."

—from Cozy as Spring blog

Thank you for the kind words "Cozy"!

As for me, I've just finished reading hundreds of books. (More about that later!) And, now I'm headed for some camping time.

Happy Trails to You!

S’more toasty campfire reading

2009-08-22T18:52:00.000-07:00

A big "HI!" to those of you I met at Barnes & Noble in Grossmont Center, La Mesa today! Thank you Russell and Stephanie!

I also found this lovely article celebrating s'mores today and thought I'd share it with you. It's from Shari Transue at the "Allentown Children’s Books Examiner." (Thank you Shari!) Here goes . . .

If you are going on that last family vacation, September is a good month to take the family camping. Also Labor Day week is a nice time to take advantage of a camping trip. As the weather cools off and as the crisp air of ‘Indian Summer’ wisps in, pack your tent and your camp chair. Don’t forget your cozy, toasty campfire reads.

Also, check out these titles for s’more campfire reading as you hear the crackle of your Jiffy Pop and savor the crunch of your toasted, warm and melted marshmallows. For some of your little ones, your old favorite Maisy and friends, try their hand at camping in "Maisy Goes Camping" (2004) by Lucy Cousins. See if they make fun of their time camping or if they all fit into the tent. For some of your younger children or beginning readers Usborne Farmyard Tales has a collection of books, including, "Camping Out" (2004) by Heather Amery. This cute little story about Poppy, Sam and their dog Rusty, tells about their cozy farm yard camping adventure. In this and all Usborne books there is a Notes for Parents section. So, guide your children through this read and see if you can find the little duck hiding on each page.

Sleeping Bear Press has a great collection of Alphabet books, from states to history and even camping in their "S is for S’mores; A Camping Alphabet" (2007) by Helen Foster James. For the poet, A – Z walks you through camping, nature and rustic literature. For the logical, the sidebars are informational on many topics. The back of the book has recipes, camping ideas, supplies and smart, clean camping for keeping parks and sites pollution free. If you’re a singer pick up the guitar and put some music to the words in "Toasting Marshmallows; Camping Poems" (2001) by Kristine O’Connell George, another poets camping read.

Before it’s too late, make that trek to the great outdoors and breathe in that fresh natural air, start that campfire crackling, light that lantern, toast those ‘mallows, perk that coffee and relax by that fire. Savor those memories . . .

Campfire
Warm front, cold back…
I lean against Mom,
My head on her shoulder.
Warm all over.
River Messages
River words run
in scallops and scribbles,
scrolls of eddies
and watery ripples…
Pulling Up the Stakes
The fire is doused,
the coals are cold,
the tent collapsed…

I find two rocks –
one to keep,
one to hide,
in my secret place,
to say: I was here.
to say: I’ll be back next year.

Excerpts from Toasting Marshmallows by Kristine O’Connell George

Finding Lincoln

2009-08-21T09:58:00.000-07:00

FINDING LINCOLN by Ann Malaspina is my new favorite if-you-love-libraries-you’ll-love-this-book picture book.

Louis has been given the assignment of writing an essay about Abraham Lincoln, but it’s 1851 in Alabama and African Americans can’t use the “whites only” public library. Louis tries to visit the library, but is turned away. One librarian tells him to “come back tomorrow after five.” When Louis returns, the librarian has just the right book for his assignment.

A journey of bravery, the book celebrates the joy of libraries and the passion of librarians.

It is illustrated by Colin Bootman, a former Coretta Scott King Honor artist. Published by Albert Whitman, 2009. Author’s notes provide more information about similar events and Lincoln.

As teachers and librarians, we are always looking for another Abraham Lincoln book and books that celebrates literacy—this book does both and will soon to be a new favorite.

Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Albert Whitman & Company (September 1, 2009)
ISBN-10: 0807524352
ISBN-13: 978-0807524350

All In a Day

2009-07-28T15:08:00.000-07:00

ALL IN A DAY by Cynthia Ryland; illustrated by Nikki McClure takes a moment to savor and celebrate a day. McClure’s cut-paper art captures a vintage feel of 1950s and 1960s favorite children’s books.

Book Details:

Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Abrams Books for Young Readers; March 1, 2009
ISBN-10: 0810983214
ISBN-13: 978-0810983212

How did you spend your day?

Me? I spent it at Great News Cooking School with Phillis Carey, fabulous teacher and cookbook author, as she shepherded us through some appetizer recipes. Yum.

National S'mores Day

2009-07-27T18:04:00.000-07:00

August 10 is National S'mores Day . . . Yes, there really is a day to celebrate S'mores!

Are you ready for the big day?

Mineral King

2009-07-26T14:41:00.000-07:00

We just got home from our annual camping trip in Mineral King. It’s located in Sequoia National Park and campers must make a 90-minute drive with almost 700 curves to arrive at a beauty of a campground.

Nearby is Silver City Resort and I’m pleased to say that they carry S IS FOR S’MORES: A CAMPING ALPHABET. A BIG thank you to Forrest, the manager of the resort.

Happy Trails to you!

Summer Fun Reading

2009-07-15T12:10:00.000-07:00

I found this article at www.education.com. Always fun to find some great summer reading books, including S'MORES. A big thank you to the author, Skila Brown.

Under the Sun: Best Books for Outdoor Summer Reading

by Skila Brown

There’s nothing better than a book on a leisurely summer day, and that's why summer is prime time for reading. With warm weather fun on the horizon, however, it’s sometimes hard to convince kids of the joys of summer reading.

One strategy to renew summer reading is to take books outside! Reading doesn’t have to always occur inside closed doors: in fact, reading in the summer is best enjoyed in the grass, under the sun, or beside the pool or ocean.

If you and your child need some inspiration for sunny summer reading, here’s a list of 18 books that are perfect for reading outside.

Preschool

Little Cloud by Eric Carle – Prop this one up on the blanket on a cloudy day and see what shapes you and your little one can find in the sky.

Pop! A Book About Bubbles by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley – Simple sentences and lively photographs will inspire your preschooler to enjoy some bubble play outside. It even includes a recipe for making your own bubble solution, leaving no excuse not to join in the fun!

Kindergarten

Mud Puddle by Robert Munsch – Every time Jule Ann tries to play in her backyard, a giant mud puddle appears to attack her and soil her plans. A perfect backyard read-aloud for muddy, dusty kids.

Planting a Rainbow by Lois Ehlert – How colorful is nature around you? Take this book outside and get inspired to see the rainbow you may have growing in your own backyard.

1st grade

S if for S’mores: A Camping Alphabet by Helen Foster James – Is there a better book to read aloud around a campfire? This could be a perfect choice to bring out to the tent and pitch it in your own backyard. After all, s’mores can be made in the microwave too!

Looking Closely Through the Forest by Frank Serafini – Each page of this book brings a new puzzle for the eye. Look closely to see which forest item is featured up close on each page.

2nd grade

See the Ocean by Estelle Condra – How would you describe the ocean to someone who was blind? The amazing illustrations and powerful text will inspire your family to think about ways to ‘see’ other parts of nature with your eyes closed tight.

If you Find a Rock by Peggy Christian – Beautiful photographs and lyrical words describe the simplistic beauty of rocks of all shapes and sizes. A perfect inspiration to treasure hunt for special rocks as a family.

3rd grade

A Mirror to Nature: Poems About Reflection by Jane Yolen – This new collection of poems by a truly gifted writer is paired with breathtaking photographs of scenes from naure. Take it outside to read and then get inspired to write nature poems of your own.

Sky Tree by Thomas Locker – There is absolutely no better set of illustrations and descriptions of trees in various seasons.

4th grade

Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder – Summer is the perfect time to introduce your child to this classic series. Outside is the perfect setting to read this first book aloud together, as you look out and imagine Laura’s life in the wilderness.

Maroo of the Winter Caves by Ann Turnbull – Beat the summer heat by reading about Maroo and her brother Otak who brave the winter blizzard in search of food for their family.

5th grade

A Week in the Woods by Andrew Clements – What starts out as a class camping trip turns into a dangerous tale that's full of suspense! Mark is new to school and not finding his niche, when he suddenly finds himself lost in the woods for a week’s time. Send your child out in the woods (but within sight) to read this one in solitude.

The Complete Book of the Flower Fairies by Cicely Mary Barker – This is the end-all book about fairies. Full of poems, rhymes, stories and more, your fairy-loving reader will be entranced with the illustrations and engrossed in the magical world that surrounds her.

Visit http://www.education.com/magazine/article/summer-reading-books-read for the middle school and high school list.

And, a big thank you for remembering S'mores!

Today's Lesson

2009-07-14T18:46:00.000-07:00

I was standing in line at a local store . . . ready to make my purchases. The adorable little five-year-old girl in front of me began asking me questions—my favorite color, insect, number, letter, etc. She then asked, “How old are you?”

I smiled and giggle and said I couldn’t tell her that.

So, she asked, “Are you 100?”

Guess I should have told her my age.

Sneak Peek: THE BOY WHO INVENTED TV: THE STORY OF PHILO FARNSWORTH

2009-07-01T16:36:00.000-07:00

I love getting a sneak peek at an upcoming book and yesterday I got to see the F & Gs for Kathleen Krull’s upcoming book: THE BOY WHO INVENTED TV: THE STORY OF PHILO FARNSWORTH. (Illustrated by Greg Couch.) I hadn’t heard of Farnsworth until a couple of years ago when I saw a play about him at the La Jolla Playhouse. I’m glad this persistent genius is getting some attention. (And you are going to love the endpapers!)

Keep a sharp eye out for this picture book biography. You’ll want to make room for it on your library shelves.

Here’s the product info:

Product Description
An inspiring true story of a boy genius.

Plowing a potato field in 1920, a 14-year-old farm boy from Idaho saw in the parallel rows of overturned earth a way to “make pictures fly through the air.” This boy was not a magician; he was a scientific genius and just eight years later he made his brainstorm in the potato field a reality by transmitting the world’s first television image. This fascinating picture-book biography of Philo Farnsworth covers his early interest in machines and electricity, leading up to how he put it all together in one of the greatest inventions of the 20th century. The author’s afterword discusses the lawsuit Farnsworth waged and won against RCA when his high school science teacher testified that Philo’s invention of television was years before RCA’s.

Reading level: Ages 9-12
Hardcover: 40 pages
Publisher: Knopf (September 8, 2009)
ISBN-10: 0375845615
ISBN-13: 978-0375845611

Fun in the Summer Sun

2009-06-29T07:25:00.000-07:00

I just noticed this article from the North Bay Nugget, North Bay, Ontario, Canada and thought I'd share it with you.

"Hooray! Summer is finally here! This week's Getting the Word Out features books about the joys of sunny days, warm weather, and outdoor fun, all of which can be found in the Children's Department of North Bay Public Library.

Summer Beat by Betsy Franco(Margaret K. McElderry Books, ages three to six) is a bouncing, swinging tribute to the best sounds of every child's favourite season.

Clackity-clack, clackity-clack. A skateboard flies over sidewalk squares." So begins a catalog of summer activities and their sounds, as shared by happy children. A girl and a boy enjoy playing with the sprinkler, blowing bubbles and sitting in a hammock before having a cookout, compete with three-legged race, balloon toss, and sparkler. After watching Fourth of July fireworks, the children sleep in a tree house. The artwork combines fine crayon-textured line work with digitally produced patterns. Each page resonates with sound words and rhymes in this symphony of summertime.

Loudmouth George Earns His Allowance by Nancy Carlson(Carolrhoda Books, ages four to eight) is a tale of shirking chores on summer vacation. A mother rabbit gives each of her five sons a daily chore. Young readers will understand when George decides to swim, watch television and build a fort instead. Now the house is a mess and his mom won't let him go to the movies. So George comes up with a brilliant plan. He promises to bring his brothers to the movies too--if they do his tasks for him. Surely they will be too tired to go after all that work, won't they? But somehow, George's no-fail plan backfires, and one begins to wonder just who will have the last laugh. Colourful, busy scenes show all the action and underscore the clean up your act" message.

Toy Boat by Randall de Seve(Philomel Books, ages three to seven) is a glowing picture book parable of a first solo venture into the big wide world. A young boy has made a toy boat from a can, a cork, a yellow pencil and some white cloth. The boy loves the boat and takes it everywhere, keeping it close on a string near open water. But one day he drops the string and the toy ventures far out on the lake. The boat had often wondered what it would feel like to sail free but now, far from home, it faces the perils of high waves, stormy skies and large, mean-spirited sailing vessels. Finally a humble little fishing boat takes pity on the toy and guides it to shore, where it is reunited with the boy. The story ends with the boy occasionally letting the string go when they are at the lake since the toy boat now knows to come back home again. Radiant acrylic artwork shows the homely toy and its young owner, resplendent against the sunlit lake.

Ella Sets Sail by Carmela and Steven D'Amico(Arthur A. Levine, ages four to eight) follows everyone's favourite little elephant as she discovers the real meaning of luck. Ella loves the annual Elephant Island Carnival for its rides, its cotton candy and the fun she has with her friends. As always she wears the lucky red hat her grandmother gave her. But this year things aren't going well for her at the fair. Belinda is being a pest, Ella's allowance is all gone, and one of her friends loses the hat just when Ella needs it most. And when Ella chases it out to sea--braving a fierce storm and an unfamiliar island--she wonders if her luck has finally run out. As in previous Ella books, the charm comes from both the spunky heroine and the glorious illustrations with a Mediterranean background that is her playground.

We Love the Seashore by Kate Tym (QEB Publishing, ages three to eight) introduces young children to a popular summer holiday destination. Busy watercolours images capture the joy and chaos of a seaside outing with four children. We wake up in the morning / and it's a sunny day. / Mommy grabs the cooler, / and we know just what she'll say: / 'Get your things together kids, / swimsuits, towels, and inflatable rings; / buckets, shovels, and sunhats, / all your seashore things.' The bouncing rhyming text takes readers along on a family's excursion, through getting ready to go, squabbling with siblings on the car ride, exploring the beach, making sand-castles, visiting the amusement park and a quiet ride home with sleeping children. A concluding page suggests activities on a seaside theme for parents and children to try together.

Sizzle! A Book About Heat Waves by Rick Thomas(Picture Window Books, ages four to eight) gives a first look at a summer weather phenomenon. Bright computer-generated images and a brief text introduce young readers to the topics of water shortages, city and country heat, fire hazards, drought and how to survive in a heat wave. Complete with a glossary, index, and some suggested titles for learning more, this book is part of the Amazing Science series.

S is For S'mores by Helen Foster James (Sleeping Bear Press, ages four to nine) is a camping alphabet book. Next to picnics and fireworks, nothing else says summertime fun as mush as the family camping trip. Tackling such topics as unique camping environments, equipment necessities, famous conservationists and national parks, this abecedarium explores this popular outdoor pastime. With the alphabet as a backdrop, beginning readers can enjoy the simple rhymes that accompany each watercolour painting of common camping scenes. Older children can discover facts about each letter topic in the accompanying sidebar expository. Informative and fun, this is a perfect book for parents to share with their children, whether they are backyard tenters or experienced campers.

Welcome to summer!"

THE SMALL ADVENTURE OF POPEYE AND ELVIS

2009-06-09T16:43:00.000-07:00

I just finished reading THE SMALL ADVENTURE OF POPEYE AND ELVIS by Barbara O'Connor. I'm reviewing if for "School Library Journal" so I won't review it here, but I'm hoping you'll read my review in a future SLJ issue.

Here's the deal: I love, love, love the book. It's one of my new favorites. Don't you just love finding a new favorite book?

The details:

Reading level: Ages 9-12
Hardcover: 160 pages
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux September 15, 2009
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0374370559
ISBN-13: 978-0374370558

Something to look forward to!

SAHWIRA: AN AFRICAN FRIENDSHIP

2009-06-04T07:55:00.000-07:00

Books transport us to far away places and back in time, and this book took me to Rhodesia, 1964. It’s the story of the friendship of Blessing, a Shona boy whose father is the church’s pastor, and Evan, a white American living at a Methodist mission who attends an all white boy’s school. When a white farmer is murdered by African independence fighters, Evan struggles between the pull of peace and friendship he has with Blessing and others at the Mission and his school’s insistence that he be a part of the afterschool cadet program and earn a hero’s medal.

The boys are inspired by both the action and adventure of James Bond movies and the words and deeds of Martin Luther King.

The community is struggling with freedom fighters vrs peace makers, but it’s Evan’s inner struggle that is most compelling. How does Evan balance friendships with peer pressure and the pressure of the adults at his school? How can he deal with the bullying from his classmates?

Carolyn Marsden (www.carolynmarsden.com) is well known for her multicultural novels, and in this one she teamed up with her cousin, Philip Matzigkeit. Philip’s parents were missionaries in Rhodesia and Carolyn was always interested in hearing his stories.

An author’s note and glossary are provided. An informative and thought-provoking read and a book I hope teachers and librarians will find and place in the hands of curious readers.

Planet Esme and Camping

2009-05-29T09:51:00.000-07:00

Summer is coming and that means it’s time for camping. I just got back from a backpack on Santa Rosa Island, Channel Islands National Park. It’s a very brief walk from the water landing to the camping area, and a great way to spend Memorial Day weekend.

Author and “Certified Readiologist” Esmé Raji Codell is thinking about camping these days. Her latest post on her blog at www.planetesme.com lists some of her favorite camping books including S IS FOR S’MORES: A CAMPING ALPHABET. I appreciate the mention and want to make sure everyone knows about this fabulous website and blog.

Happy Trails to You.

Greater San Diego Reading Association's Recognition Dinner

2009-05-27T13:01:00.000-07:00

The Greater San Diego Reading Association celebrated its literacy stars recently and I had the pleasure of presenting the International Reading Association’s Celebrate Literacy awards to Judith Josephson, Edith Hope Fine, and David Lynch.

Señor David in the story ARMANDO AND THE BLUE TARP SCHOOL by Edith and Judith is based in fact on David Lynch. David first went to Mexico in the summer of 1980 to teach children living in the colonia of the Tijuana city dump. After returning two more summers, he made the decision to stay.

In 1986, an anonymous reader of an article written by Edith and Judith, who were freelancing for the “Los Angeles Times,” donated money to build a school for residents of the colonia. The money paid for the materials and the work was done by the people of the colonia.

The photo from left to right: Judith Josephson, Edith Hope Fine, David Lynch, Melanie Miller (the chair of the event), and me.

Keep On: The Story of Matthew Henson Co-Discoverer of the North Pole

2009-05-21T12:23:00.000-07:00

I’m pleased to give a big HOORAY! for Deborah Hopkinson’s picture book biography KEEP ON! THE STORY OF MATTHEW HENSON CO-DISCOVERER OF THE NORTH POLE. It’s an inspiring story and Stephen Alcorn’s artwork is stunning. I appreciate outstanding picture book biographies and this one lands in my favorites of the year. I read it several months ago, but it has lingered on my mind and begs to be celebrated. I read a lot of children’s books each year and don’t take the time to recognize each of my favorites, but I wanted to make sure I noted this one.

Matthew Henson was an African-American explorer with Robert E. Peary. Henson’s skills, including fluency in the Inuit language, were essential in Peary’s Arctic expeditions. The Inuit gave him the nickname Mahri-Pahlik, Matthew the Kind One. On April 6, 1909 Peary and Henson stood at the top of the top of the world. One hundred years later this biography celebrates Henson’s accomplishments.

Large-font quotations complement the informational text. Backmatter includes an author’s note and time line. A fascinating read and an important picture book biography.

Publisher: Peachtree Publishers
ISBN-10: 1561454737
ISBN-13: 978-1561454730

Georgia Rises: A Day in the Life of Georgia O'Keeffe

2009-05-20T14:00:00.000-07:00

Have you ever imagined how Georgia O’Keeffe might have spent a day? Kathryn Lasky did and painted a descriptive image of O’Keeffe in her historical fiction picture book, GEORGIA RISES: A DAY IN THE LIFE OF GEORGIA O’KEEFFE (illustrated by Ora Eitan). She shares her impressions of one single day with gentleness and keen observation. Backmatter provides a biographical note, author’s note, bibliography, and source notes for quotes. A charming book that captures the essence of this talented artist and a great “Picture Books for Older Readers.”

Book Info:
GEORGIA RISES: A DAY IN THE LIFE OF GEORGIA O’KEEFFE
by Kathryn Lasky
illustrated by Ora Eitan
Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2009
ISBN-10: 0374325294
ISBN-13: 978-0374325299

I have always admired Georgia O’Keeffe’s work and was pleased to have the opportunity to include her in my book, E IS FOR ENCHANTMENT: A NEW MEXICO ALPHABET. In my book, I mention my favorite Georgia O’Keefe quote: “If you ever go to New Mexico, it will itch you for the rest of your life.”

The Bookman

2009-05-17T06:06:00.000-07:00

On Friday, the Greater San Diego Reading Association (www.gsdra.org) had their annual Recognition Dinner. GSDRA honors teachers and literacy leaders from throughout San Diego City and County at the event. I was honored to present four of the Celebrate Literacy Awards.

The Celebrate Literacy Award recognizes organizations, institutions, and individuals making significant literacy contributions at the local or state level.

I met the Bookman!

Irwin Herman retired in 1988, but he found a new vision and gave us “The Bookman,” a wordwide charitable organization based in San Diego. It started one day when Irwin went with a friend who does outreach visits in local jails. He learned the inmates needed books. He gave some books and noticed how grateful they were.

An idea sprouted. Now Bookman organization provides books for free to anyone who asks. Can you imagine having such a vision? The bookman warehouse contains over 50,000 books with a daily turnover of 2000-3000 books. He enlists the help of Lenny the Elf (aka Leonard Pearlman) and other faithful elves including Tony Ross, a retired publishing executive, and Don Schultz, a retired bookstore owner.

The bookman’s motto is ”Providing books to anyone who wants to read and learn.” Please visit their website at www.thebookman.org to learn more about this fabulous project.

The bookman has given away an estimated 8 million free books to people in San Diego, every state, and seventy countries.

International Reading Association

2009-05-16T18:52:00.000-07:00

I was at the International Reading Association conference in Phoenix in February, and I just received this photo from Michael Shoulders of the Sleeping Bear Press dinner with authors and illustrator. From left to right: Michael Shoulders, Eve Bunting, Barbara Gowan, Rick Anderson, Helen Foster James, and Tony Johnston. What a fun event.

Four Kids in 5B and 1 Crazy Year

2009-05-15T14:19:00.000-07:00

I participated in San Pasqual School’s Teachers As Readers (TAR) group on Thursday. We read FOUR KIDS IN 5B & 1 CRAZY YEAR by Virginia Frances Schwartz. It's about students and their writing quest. Here are some of my favorite quotes from the book:

“I wish I could sit in my own grandmother's kitchen like the author Cynthia Rylant. No wonder these authors can write. Their grandmothers’ stories fill them up like fresh baked bread.”

“I love how you tell your story You use specific words that make pictures in a reader's head. you write what you know That’s what all good writers do.”

“September is a fresh start. You are like poems still unwritten.”

“I wonder again—how did those words come to me? Will they come again another time?”

“She worked in a hurry as if her pencil was leaking memories about to evaporate.”

“Writing makes you drift and dream and say things you don’t even plan on.”

“I just have to show up with my pencil.”

“Ms hill says writers write about what’s in front of them.”

Book Info:
Holiday House Publisher Hardcover 0-8234-1946-3
Scholastic Canada Ltd. (available only in Canada) -
Paperback 0-439-93568-5
Also available Scholastic Book Clubs US

Temecula Public Library

2009-05-15T12:49:00.000-07:00

I had a great time Wednesday evening at Temecula Public Library's "S is for S'mores: Indoor Author Camp-Out." Miss Ginger coordinated a lovely event complete with tent, lantern, bear, and, of course, some yummy s'mores. What a fun time. Ginger organized the event to celebrate Children's Book Week. It was my first visit to this library and it's an amazing beauty of a library with fabulous resources.

Temecula Public Library
30600 Pauba Rd.
Temecula, CA 92592
(951) 693-8900

Thank you Ginger!

Lilac Time

2009-05-13T08:51:00.000-07:00

Time in the mountains is always time well spent. Here is a photo of lilacs outside our cabin.

Temecula Visits

2009-05-12T12:55:00.001-07:00

I'll be visiting Temecula Public Library tomorrow and the visit reminded me of visiting Pauba Valley Elementary in Temecula earlier this year. I thought you'd enjoy this adorable photo. The Library Queen set up a lovely camping environment for my visit and the kids thought it would be great fun if this camping bear read my book.

www.childrenandnature.org

2009-05-11T13:04:00.000-07:00

A big Thank You! to Toni Klym McLellan for mentioning S IS FOR S'MORES: A CAMPING ALPHABET in the article "Parents Magazine Offers Ideas for Outdoor Time" at www.childrenandnature.org. The article has a wealth of information about getting kids to explore the great outdoors. You can read the entire article at:

http://www.childrenandnature.org/news/detail/parents_magazine_offers_ideas_for_outdoor_time/

Thanks Toni!

New Hampshire School Visits

2009-05-10T16:38:00.000-07:00

I'll be visiting New Hampshire during late September and early October. If you are interested in me visiting your school, library, Girl Scout troup, etc., please email me at hfjames@san.rr.com. I'd love to hear from you. And, be sure to visit my website at www.helenfosterjames.com to learn more about me and my books.

Yosemite Visit

2009-05-09T16:39:00.000-07:00

On Saturday I had the pleasure of signing my book, S IS FOR S'MORES: A CAMPING ALPHABET, at the Ansel Adams Gallery in Yosemite National Park. What a treasure! I met lots of fun people. A big thank you to the Gallery for providing me with the opportunity.

Yosemite's waterfalls were wild with water and the dogwood was in bloom. Yosemite is one of my very favorite places.

Author Visits

2009-04-29T07:19:00.000-07:00

I found a treasure of a blog about children's book authors who visit schools at http://authorbystate.blogspot.com. It's children's book author Kim Norman's blog. The authors are listed by state with a link to their website. How helpful is that! I appreciate her listing me. There's a long, long list of Californians, but I'm happy to be among them.

Thanks Kim! Here's Kim's website:

http://www.kimnormanbooks.com/

And, be sure to visit her blog at:

http://authorbystate.blogspot.com

School Visits

2009-04-28T15:15:00.000-07:00

I was just thinking that I haven’t given a big shout out on my blog for “School Visits!” And, yes . . . I love to visit schools and talk with students about writing.

I’ve been been a teacher, media specialist, and a coordinator of library media services. I have a doctorate from Northern Arizona University. Now I am a writer and traveler. I’d love to visit your school or library. E-mail me at hfjames@san.rr.com and let’s talk.

My nonfiction books are bi-level with four line rhymes for younger students and expository text that explores the concept for older students. This format makes my books accessible and interesting to a wide range of readers and they spark creativity in students to explore their own writing using the ABC format.

Alphabet books provide students with a model for writing their own books individually or as a class. The format can be adapted for every grade level or subject area. A first grade class visited me recently at the San Diego County Office of Education/Greater San Diego Reading Association’s Authors’ Fair. They wrote “G is for Games: A Playful Alphabet” featuring all the ways they enjoy playing. It was adorable and the students loved the topic and were thrilled with their final writing project. Other popular topics include writing an ABC book of their classroom, school, or town.

Teacher Activity Guides for each of my books are available for a free download at www.sleepingbearpress.com. (I didn’t create the activity guides, but there are some fine activities.)

So, if you are thinking about a children’s book author visiting your school this year or for the 2009-2010 school year, think of me. I’d love to participate.

Book Signing at Grand Canyon

2009-04-27T13:02:00.000-07:00

Thanks to the wonderful Grand Canyon Association, I was able to participate in a book signing of S IS FOR S'MORES: A CAMPING ALPHABET at the Yavapai Observation Station. I signed a book for three-month-old Sabrina. Her mother and grandmother confirmed that it was her first autographed book. How cool is that? I also met a teacher who bought S'MORES and happily announced "Instant Lesson!" I met lots of great people including three families from San Diego. Can you say "Small World?"

I had a lovely time visiting the Grand Canyon, signing my books, and I had a super visit with first graders at the Grand Canyon Community Library. Thanks Mindy!

I'm already planning next year's visit!

S'more Reviews

2009-01-04T20:53:00.000-08:00

S IS FOR S'MORES: A CAMPING ALPHABET is part of a series with Sleeping Bear Press. Here are some reviews I wanted to share with you.

“Working her way through the alphabet, James uses each letter to highlight a different aspect of the camping experience, including animal tracks, fire safety, navigation and snow shelters. The enthusiastic approach and diverse information will excite children about camping and help them feel comfortable whether they find themselves sleeping in the backyard or the backcountry.”
—Blake Anderson, ALASKA AIRLINES in-flight magazine

Wilderness Camping from A to Z

“Did you know that the first female park rangers were hired in 1918, and were called “Rangerettes”? Or that a camping shelter built of snow is called a “quinzhee”?

You can find these fun facts and other camping trivia in the new book S IS FOR S’MORES: A CAMPING ALPHABET by Helen Foster James, illustrated by Lita Judge (Sleeping Bear Press, 2007; $17.95). James, an avid camper, WILLA Literary Award Finalist, and National Parenting Publications Awards judge, weaves a tapestry of camping fun that will get kids excited about hitting the trails.

Emphasizing respect for the environment and the beauty of nature, S IS FOR S’MORES breaks down camping topics alphabetically and accompanies each topic with an explanation or instructions—for example, a short essay on national parks or a list of essential camping gear. There are even a couple of essential recipes for s’mores and trail mix included at the end of the book. While this is an alphabet book, the language and facts will engage children as old as 10.”
—Dana Morgenstein, BAY AREA PARENT

“For some people, nothing says summer like a camping trip. This nicely illustrated book covers everything about camping, from A is for adventure, to Z is for zipper—as in the zipper on a tent or sleeping bag. In between is a wealth of information—snippets about the attractions at various national parks and recreational areas, a discussion about the different gear needed for camping and what to carry in case of emergency, food that’s fun to cook and eat outdoors, and of course, a reminder on how to prepare that quintessential camp food, s’mores. The oil paintings, mostly of children enjoying the outdoors, might even inspire you to break out the old backpack and stir up some trail mix.”
—ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

Winter Wish

2008-12-29T15:38:00.000-08:00

Whoa! Where did the last two months go?

The winter issue of "The California Reader" has arrived and it's beautiful. It features a glorious poem by Joan Bransfield Graham, "Wish for Peace." It's from the book AMERICA AT WAR with poems selected by Lee Bennett Hopkins. Lee just received the NCTE Excellence in Poetry Award.

Best wishes to you.

National Parenting Publications Awards

2008-10-31T07:18:00.000-07:00

Each year I’m a judge for the National Parenting Publications Award. I’m a judge for the book category, but you’ll find award-winning DVDs, parenting resources, storytelling, toys, and more listed on their website: www.parenthood.com/nappa.

SAY DADDY! by Michael Shoulders (www.michaelshoulders.com) was one of my favorites this year. It's the perfect baby shower gift. It was published by Sleeping Bear Press (www.sleepingbearpress.com).

Please Vote

2008-10-30T07:07:00.000-07:00

Last night we watched the movie REWIND with Kevin Spacey and Laura Dern (as Katherine Harris). It presents the events surrounding the 2000 presidential election and the counting of votes in Florida. It’s an important reminder to each of us that every vote is important.

Please vote.

And, if you haven’t watched the DVD, I think you’ll find it interesting.

Crusing in Mexico

2008-10-29T18:56:00.000-07:00

We've been in Mexico on a 7-day cruise on Holland's Oosterdam. We visited Cabo, Mazatlan, and Puerto Vallarta. Magician Illusionist James Cielen (www.dovemagic.com) and Joel Mason with his salute to Elton John (www.eltonjoel.com) were two of the terrific headliners. I also loved the culinary demonstrations.

It was a terrific cruise, but I'm making this "short and sweet!"

A Thousand Never Evers

2008-10-18T09:57:00.001-07:00

Yesterday I posted the National Book Awards, but today I want to tell you about one of my favorites of 2008: A THOUSAND NEVER EVERS a novel by Shana Burg. It received a Gold National Parenting Publications Award (NAPPA).

Here’s a summary: “In Kuckachoo, Mississippi, 1963, Addie Ann Pickett worships her brother Elias and follows in his footsteps by attending the black junior high school. But when her careless act leads to her brother's disappearance and possible murder, Addie Ann, Mama, and Uncle Bump struggle with not knowing if he's dead or alive. Then a good deed meant to unite Kuckachoo sets off a chain of explosive events.”

Here are some reviews:

"Told in the first person through the eyes of a perceptive African-American girl living in the deep south during a period of racial tension and social upheaval, this first novel is a gripping page-turner. Without being didactic, the author teaches what it was like to be poor and live under the injustices of segregation."
— Parent’s Choice

"References to significant historical events (Medgar Evers’s assassination, the March on Washington) add authenticity and depth, while Addie’s frank, expertly modulated voice delivers an emotional wallop."
—Publisher's Weekly, Starred Review

If you teach or work as a librarian with sixth, seventh, or eighth grade students, you are not going to want to miss this book!

National Book Award

2008-10-17T08:21:00.001-07:00

The Young People’s Literature finalists for the National Book Award have been announced and you can learn more about the award and each book at www.nationalbook.org.

Laurie Halse Anderson, Chains (Simon & Schuster)
Kathi Appelt, The Underneath (Atheneum)
Judy Blundell, What I Saw and How I Lied (Scholastic)
E. Lockhart, The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks (Hyperion)
Tim Tharp, The Spectacular Now (Alfred A. Knopf)

Helen Foster James

Paper Son and Angel Island

Book of the Year Award

California Reading Association's Eureka! Nonfiction Book Award

Midwest Book Review

The Easy Reader Shelf

Showering a Baby with Books

Juliette Gordon Lowe's 100th annivesary

National S'mores Day!

S'mores Cookies

Eureka! Nonfiction Children's Book Award

Dancing Home by Alma Flor Ada

Wynola Summer Antiques Festival

National Parenting Press Book Awards

A Handful of Helpful Websites

Teachingbooks.net

Yellow Book Road Children's Bookstore and LITTLE CALIFORNIA

Bakersfield Young Authors' Fair

Teachingbooks.net

California Young Reader Medal 2011-2012

California Reading Association's—A Keynote Speaker

César Chávez Day

Spencer Valley

ALA — I was there!

Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow

Books, Books, Books!

Happy Holidays!

Authors' Fair 2011

National Parenting Publications Awards

Holiday House Eureka Awards

Eureka! Nonfiction Children's Book Awards

Eureka! Nonfiction Children's Book Awards

LITTLE CALIFORNIA

A list of 365 Best Children's Books Ever

The Dreamer Wins Gold!

My Name Is Not Isabella

National S'mores Day!

Graphic Novels

National S'mores Day!

Join Me at the Yellow Book Road

WONDERDADS: San Diego's Urban Trees

S'mores Recipe

WONDERDADS: A Cup of Coffee

WONDERDADS: Things to Do for Free In San Diego

WONDERDADS San Diego: Queen Califia

WONDERDADS: Avoid the Gray Day

WONDERDADS San Diego

WONDERDADS

Arizona Road Trip

Nonfiction Children's Book Award

New Children's Museum Resource

REI and International Reading Association Visits in Chicago

California Young Reader Medal Nominees 2010-2011

Eureka! Nonfiction Children’s Book Award

Little California

100 Days of School

Bullies and Bulling

Birmingham Sunday

Chicago — Here I come!

Leo and the Lesser Lion

Season's Greetings

Santa Barbara County Education Office's Breakfast with Authors

The I LOVE YOU Book

The I LOVE YOU Book

It's All Too Much

Children's Museums

Rhyming Dust Bunnies

Cozy as Spring

S’more toasty campfire reading

Finding Lincoln

All In a Day

National S'mores Day

Mineral King

More Summer Reading

Summer Fun Reading

Today's Lesson

Sneak Peek: THE BOY WHO INVENTED TV: THE STORY OF PHILO FARNSWORTH

Fun in the Summer Sun

THE SMALL ADVENTURE OF POPEYE AND ELVIS

SAHWIRA: AN AFRICAN FRIENDSHIP