Happenings in Children's Literature

I decided to dedicate one day a week to getting up to date on fun, interesting and informative happenings within the children's literature world.  So let's press on, if anyone missed it Agent Mary Kole from kidlit.com did a tweeter chat this past Thursday night. 

Go here for the transcripts kidlit.com tweet chat.

Mary fielded questions about writing/publishing and her Kidlit Novel Beginnings Contest. 

SCBWI and CBI are chalk full of excellence resources for children's writers and cover everything from picture books to YA.   Registration is still open for the SCBWI Winter Conference in New York City held on Jan 29th-Jan 31st, which is supposed to rock.  This would be a fantastic conference for those that can squeeze it in and swing the air fare.

If you are on the look out for another great place to connect with other children's writers- the blue boards aka Children's Writers and Illustrators Message Boards are always a good time. 

Big Thanks to Cat Woods

My humble thanks to Cat Woods for having the wisdom and funny bone to choose me as one of the winners of her Word War Contest.

Cat's blog is always informative, delightful and funny.  She does a fantastic job of taking bits of humor from her everyday life and mixing in everything from tips for writer's to what's hot in publishing.

Her blog Words from the Woods is most definitely worthy of an email subscription! 

Oh, the Places You'll Go!

Oh, the Places You'll Go!

"Oh and on you will hike.

And I know you'll hike far

and face up to your problems

whatever they are.

You'll get mixed up, of course,

as you already know.

You'll get mixed up

with many strange birds as you go.

So be sure when you step.

Step with care and great tact

and remember that Life's

a Great Balancing Act.

Just never forget to be dexterous and deft.

And never mix up your right foot with your left."
-Dr. Suess

Book Review:

Oh, the Places You'll Go! is Dr. Suess at his best.  Its charming and humorous verse encourages all to dig deep through life's ups and downs and find the courage to climb your own personal mountain to success that is reachable for all if you simply..."get on you way!"

This wise book is for anyone to read from the young to the slightly older, or just plain old.  It will make you giggle while encouraging you forward when you find your days twisting in ways you never imagined or you're simply venturing into a new chapter in life from the first day of school to starting a new job or finishing a manuscript...this delightful tale will surely inspire you to "Great Places!"

Enjoy!

-Kids Book Junky

Question of the Day:

What children's book inspires you to "Great Places?"

FANCY NANCY: TEA PARTIES

 

Fancy Nancy: Tea Parties

Written By Jane O'Connor

Illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser

Harper Collins Childrens 

"Whenever you feel like celebrating, that's the perfect time for a tea party!"

-Fancy Nancy

Book Review:

Bonjour that's fancy for hello...
Fancy Nancy has an affection for French, purple boas and everything fabulous! She hosts a magnificent tea party that your little ones will love and even has cute cards to save all the delicious recipes. 

It includes everything from the putting together the perfect tea party ensemble to serving delectable desserts and ideas for your post tea party fun. 

Fancy Nancy is delightful and charming from her bejeweled crown to her over-sized pink high heels. The colorful, vivid illustrations capture Fancy Nancy beautifully. This book is the prefect accessory to any tea party.  I heart Fancy Nancy!

Enjoy!

-Kids Book Junky

Mrs. Piggle Wiggle Today

If you remember reading the wonderfully charming Mrs. Piggle Wiggle while growing up, than you must check out author Laurel Synder's blog post on The Last Days of Mrs. Piggle Wiggle. It is hilarious and rings so true in this day and age. Enjoy!

-Kids Book Junky

On The Night You Were Born

On the Night You Were Born

"On the night you were born,

the moon smiled with such wonder

that the stars peeked in to see you

and the night wind whispered,

"Life will never be the same."

Because there had never been anyone like you...ever in the world."-Nancy Tillman

Book Review

These words reflect the grace and gentleness of a parents love for a child better than any other book I've read recently.  I love this story so much that I began reading it to my daughter while she was still in my belly and continue to read it almost every night since.

I have it memorized and recite this wonderful story to her on a regular basis and each time she flashes a magnificent smile.  This book is a must have for all families and should be passed on from one generation to the next.

-Kids Book Junky

The Princess and The White Bear King

The Princess and White Bear King

Ride along with the beautiful princess and the majestic white bear on a voyage in the snowy north. When the young princess inadvertently betrays the mysterious white bear, she must prove her loyalty and strength through a series of trying tasks, in order to regain her lost chance at happiness. Book with CD editions include story read by actress Miranda Richardson. Barefoot Books

Ages 5 to 11 years

Retold By: Tanya Robyn Batt

Illustrated By: Nicoletta Ceccoli

Narrated By: Miranda Richardson

Book Review:
 

This enchanting, whimsical story will not disappoint. This book captures a fresh take on the classic Princess falls for the charming Prince. The young Princess' loyalty and dedication takes her on a fantastic journey and leads her to a brilliant castle atop a mountain of glass with magic and obstacles at every turn. 

This is a wonderful book to curl up with on a cold, blustery night with a hot mug of cocoa in hand and your little one tucked in beside you. The illustrations are absolutely stunning and add even more wonder to this magical love story.


Enjoy!


-Kids Book Junky