Uncategorized

Austin SCBWI- Lila Guzman, author

There’s a reason why Austin SCBWI has such a following around the country. This is a community overflowing with talent. Not only do children’s authors flourish here in central Texas, they are also generous with their knowledge and support. Once a month, SCBWI members gather to hear one of our own share wisdom, experience, and… Read more »

Ah, so this is how Punctuation can be HILARIOUS!

Victor Borge was a remarkable pianist and comedian. His Phonetic Punctuation might be the lost holy grail to interest children in punctuation. I dare you not to laugh out loud. Quote for the Day: We are all here for a spell, get all the good laughs you can.—Will Rogers

Reviews: Lawn Boy, Bud, Not Buddy, Indian Shoes, Freckle Face

Okay, better late than never. Listed below are some of the books I’ve read in the last week or so. Watch for nonfiction reviews in separate posts. Recent fiction reads worth picking up:Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis (Scholastic, 1999) Fiction (ages 9-12)Definitely worthy of its Newbery medal. This is a book full of… Read more »

Do Digital Learners want E-Books? Is it time?

To follow my previous post about the effects of kids’ texting on education, I’m expanding the topic and would love to hear your responses. Do you think E-books will replace physical page turners? I happen to love the feel of a book in my hand. I love the smell of books, the sound of turning… Read more »

Is Texting Actually Helpful to our Kids?

Recently, the subject of kids’ obsession with texting came up during a casual lunch with friends. Specifically, the new theory that these kids of the digital age might eventually benefit from similar technologies in the classroom. One worry has nagged teachers and parents ever since cell phones landed in every adolescent’s pocket; That the unique… Read more »

Author/Illustrator Jarrett Krosoczka on the Making of a Book- hilarious

Okay, I just stumbled upon this hilarious 17 minute video clip by Jarrett Krosoczka, author/illustrator of numerous books including Lunch Lady, Good Night, Monkey Boy, Baghead,Punk Farm, and Max for President. Sit back and giggle at this funny skit starring Tomie dePaola, Jane Yolen, Jon Scieszka, Tony DiTerlizzi, Grace Lyn, Mo Willems, Jeanne Birdsall, and… Read more »

Oh no! Another pet bites the dust

Just when my son’s tears have subsided after the death of Thumper the Psycho cat, I have another bombshell to drop on him. Kermity the Hermit crab is dead. Yep, we have Hermit crabs. I don’t know why we have Hermit crabs. Oh, yes I do. For my son’s seventh birthday in 2007, a neighbor… Read more »

Thomas Jefferson’s take on our banking crisis

Okay, I promised not to post about political issues, but I just couldn’t pass up sharing this relevant quote from none other than Thomas Jefferson. “I believe that banking institutions are more dangerous to our liberties than standing armies. If the American people ever allow private banks to control the issue of their currency, first… Read more »

Congratulations 2009 Sibert winners

Congratulations to this year’s Sibert Award winners. We are the Ship is outstanding. I am amazed at the crisp details of the portrait quality illustrations. Truly one of the most stunningly illustrated books I have ever seen. I look forward to picking up the Honor Award books next. (The following descriptions are from the American… Read more »