Book Bag Blog for Tots through Teens

The American Girls Cookbook - a Charming Look at Cooking of Yesteryear

2010-08-18T09:27:00.000-07:00

The American Girls Cookbook - I discovered this cookbook when a friend cleaned her closet and book shelves and passed along some of hers. I find this one fascinating because I often write about colonial and pioneer cooking in my Country Cooking column, as well as children's stories with settings in the past.

It's also a really nice book for kids to use when preparing recipes. They learn about cooking and kitchens of yesteryear, too. Some of the recipes are from the more distant past, during the 1940s.

If they read the American Girls series, they'll find Kirsten, Samantha and Molly with recipes of their eras in this cookbook.

Why not discover The American Girls Cookbooks yourself?

Book Review: Soccer World South Africa

2010-08-18T07:41:00.000-07:00

Soccer World South Africa (Explore the World Through Soccer) opens up this country for kids and their parents. It's also recommended at Travel for Kids as a good resource if you plan to travel there. Explore the World Through Soccer is the subtitle and gives you Ethan's view as he travels through South Africa playing soccer.

You'll gain insight into the country and into the role soccer plays there. Co-author Ethan Zohn (with David Rosenberg) is a soccer player and guides you through this country.

There also are activities you can do that are related to the country and soccer.

Have fun exploring!

Book Review - Explore Rocks and Minerals

2010-08-05T07:29:00.000-07:00

My daughter was fascinated with collecting rocks and minerals. Her children have been, too. When my husband and I travel, we try to find rocks of the area and unusual natural items as souvenirs for the children.

A new book came to my attention recently - Explore Rocks and Minerals! by Cynthia Light Brown & Nick Brown, published by Nomad Press. It contains a great deal of information with projects, activities and experiments that youngsters can undertake. This would make a great resource book for teachers and home schooling parents, too.

In addition to projects and experiments, you learn about the various types of rocks found inside and outside the earth. You'll also discover where to locate them.

Did you know you can make your own basalt columns?

Did you realize that some islands are made up completely of volcanic rocks? Which ones?

Fossils are so fascinating. Learn about them and how to make your own.

Become a "rock hound," discover facts about rocks and minerals as you collect your own.

An easy-to-read book, Explore Rocks and Minerals! offers information that children and adults will find fascinating.

Check Out My "Green" Family Post at BlissTree

2009-03-15T19:14:00.000-07:00

I'm now writing at BlissTree about Parenting and Crafting. There are many opportunities to be "green" in those areas.

Check out my post, Parenting for the "Green" Family, and let me know how you're going green in your home.

Creating Children's Container Gardens

2009-03-11T19:11:00.001-07:00

Spring is the time of year when children plant container gardens at school. From kindergarten through about third grade, youngsters learn about green and growing things by planting seeds in paper cups or other containers at school.

Often these are planned so they can bring a growing bean plant, or perhaps marigold home to mom for Mother's Day. My daughter did this in elementary school, as did both grandchildren. Then we waited until we were sure the frost was gone before we planted them in the garden outside.

When I substitute teach in these grades, the children always are ready to show me the "gardens" they have growing in the classroom and want to water them so much the plants nearly drown. However, it's delightful to see youngsters so excited about gardening.

Also, check out these Gardening Resources for Families.

Writers Publish Related Books for Youngsters & Adults

2009-03-10T08:47:00.001-07:00

Writers are taught to "get the most mileage" from the material we research and write. When we write a book, can we write others in the same vein or related to it? You'll even find this in the children's book writing field.

When I discovered the children's story book, The Quiltmaker's Gift, I didn't realize there were related books with quilt patterns and suggestions. In researching an answer for a reader's question about this book, I discovered more and wrote about them in Follow-up Books for the Quiltmaker's Gift. You may want to check out these books:

The Quiltmaker's Gift
Quilts From the Quiltmaker's Gift
More Quilts From the Quiltmaker's Gift

Books About Daylight Saving Time & Spring

2009-03-08T13:44:00.000-07:00

Discover facts and figures (the curious and the ordinary) about Spring and Daylight Saving Time

Seize the Daylight: The Curious and Contentious Story of Daylight Saving Time by David Prerau
Spring Forward: The Annual Madness of Daylight Saving Time by Michael Downing
Crafting Springtime Gifts: 25 Adorable Projects Featuring Bunnies, Chicks, Lambs & Other Springtime Favorites by Tone Finnanger
Time for Change: Setting Clocks Forward by One Hour Thorughout the Year by Mayer Hillman
The Divine Hours: Prayers for Springtime by Phyllis Tickle

Writing Ideas from Photos

2009-03-01T13:35:00.000-08:00

Check out Mary Emma's Writing Tips at One Book Two Book for suggestions on developing writing prompts from photos. One photo can yield ideas for many types of writing. In this post, I've used a photo from my childhood of Nubble Lighthouse, Cape Neddick, Maine.

I'm also incorporating this idea into a workshop I'm teaching this week for a group of homeschoolers.

(If you'd like to learn more about my workshops for young writers, e-mail me at me.allen@juno.com .)

Mary Emma Allen Published in Anthology

2009-02-24T12:05:00.001-08:00

Book Bag blogger, Mary Emma Allen has stories featured in the new release, Eternally Yours, an anthology of poetry, light essays, devotions and meditations, edited by Mary Ellen Grisham and published by Xulon Press.

Featuring some of the best Christian writers on the Internet, this book represents work that has appeared in the Eternal Ink E-zine since it’s inception in 1999.

In addition, Mary gives presentations and teaches workshops at schools, libraries, writers’ conferences, and for other groups. Some of her talks include topics such as Alzheimer's and caregiving, quilt history and quiltmaking, New Hampshire history, and writing.

I was pleased when Ms. Grisham selected some of my stories for inclusion in this anthology. It's exciting to encourage and inspire others with my writing.

Happy Valentine's Day from Book Bag Blog

2009-02-14T10:45:00.001-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day!

May this be a special day for you.

We have been enjoying Valentine's Day flowers, cards and candy. This was a fun day at school yesterday with the Valentine parties.

Today the children in our household are enjoying it, too.

What have you been doing for Valentine's Day?

Gardening Books & Resources for Families

2009-02-13T19:39:00.000-08:00

When I wrote the post at my blog, One Book Two Book, Thoughts of Gardening for Young and Older, I planned a companion one with information about books on gardening that might appeal to families. There are some books and gardening resources that may be of interest:

Gardening with Kids by Catherine Woran and Martyn Cox
Roots, Shoots, Buckets & Boots: Gardening Together with Children by Sharon Lovejoy
Gardening with Children (Brooklyn Botanic Garden All-Region Guide)
In the Garden with Van Gogh by Julie Merberg and Suzanne Bober
Seedfolks, a novel about planting and gardening and neighbors together by Paul Fleischmangh

ToySmith Garden Tote with Tools
The Rumford Gardener Watering Can with 3 Tools
Children's Folding Gardening Seat with Tool Storage

A Valentine's Journey Writing Prompt

2009-02-08T17:33:00.000-08:00

Check out the writing prompt for youngsters, A Valentine's Journey, at my b5 media blog, One Book Two Book.

This is a fun activity youngsters...and adults...may enjoy. I know a variation of it was fun for students I worked with the other day.

Valentine's Day & Family Fun

2009-02-06T19:30:00.000-08:00

Do you and your family participate in Valentine's Day festivities?

This was a fun family day when I was a youngster because Mother made it so. She had been a school teacher and held parties for her students. Thus, she incorporated some of these ideas into festivities for my sister, two brothers and me, even though she was a busy farm wife.

Mother often decorated a cake with white frosting and red hearts. When we were old enough, sister and I did this for her.
She helped us with making and addressing valentines for family members. When we were in school we had exchanges there, too.
Mother planned a special night meal for Valentine's Day, with the cake and fruit for dessert. There was only our family...four children, Mother, Father and the hired man...but we had a joyous time.
We made decorations to hang around the kitchen (the warmest room in our farmhouse during winter), and name cards for each place setting.

Suggestions for books and other items:

The Night Before Valentine's Day (picture book)
Where Is Baby's Valentine (lift-a-flap book)
My Fuzzy Valentine (Sesame Street Board Book)
Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown (DVD)
Disney Valentine Assortment

What do you and your family do for Valentine's Day at your house?

Rainbow Fish - Is It Controversial?

2009-02-04T16:10:00.000-08:00

Periodically, comments crop up on posts concerning the picture book, The Rainbow Fish over at my One Book Two Book blog. Some readers seem to feel it's a controversial one and spouts socialist propaganda. Other readers see it as a lovely story with a light moral and unique, colorful illustrations.

Perhaps you'd like to check out these posts and let me know what you think.

Interpreting an Author's Meaning - Particularly in The Rainbow Fish

What Does The Rainbow Fish Mean? Is There An Underlying Meaning?

Rainbow Fish Makes a Comeback at Our House

(The Rainbow Fish available at Amazon - link above)

Check Out This Week's Obama Writing Tip at One Book Two Book

2009-01-25T17:46:00.000-08:00

Mary Emma's Writing Tip of the Week

Each Sunday, I try to post a writing tip at my One Book Two Book blog. This week, since we've just experienced the Inauguration of the 44th President of the United States, I gave some suggestions for writing about this occasion.

For some ideas, check out Mary Emma's Writing Tip - What Did You Think of the Inauguration?

The World of Abraham Lincoln & His Connection to Obama's Inauguration

2009-01-24T07:16:00.000-08:00

With so many references to Abraham Lincoln, during Barack Obama's Inauguration festivities, it might be helpful to have some resources so youngsters can learn more about our 16th President. He was criticized during his term in office and was blamed for mistakes in the Civil War fought at that time.

Yet he was important to the black people because he issued the Emancipation Proclamation giving the slaves their freedom. Also, his leadership ensured that our country stayed together.

Abraham Lincoln for Kids: His Life & Times with 21 Activities (For Kids series) by Janis Herbert
A Picture Book of Abraham Lincoln (Picture Book Biography) by David A. Adler
A. Lincoln and Me by Louise Borden
Abraham Lincoln and His Family Paper Dolls by Tom Tierney
You Are There: Abraham Lincoln's Greatest Moments: The Emancipation Proclamation/The Gettysburg Address (DVD) starring Walte Cronkite and Paul Birch
Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation: The End of Slavery in America by Allen C. Guelzo
Lincoln at Gettysburg: The Words That Remade America by Garry Wills
Just a Few Words, Mr. Lincoln (The Story of the Gettysburg Address) by Jean Fritz
Lincoln on Leadership by Donald T. Phillips (One of my favorite books about Lincoln)
Emancipation Proclamation Silk Necktie (produced for the NY Historical Society from Lincoln's handwritten original)

Obama & Presidency Books to Inform Young Readers

2009-01-22T14:34:00.000-08:00

Whether you voted for Obama or not, he has become the President of the United States. As such, he'll affect our lives, our country and the world. So that the you and your youngsters can keep abreast of current happenings regarding the Presidency and the 44th President, I've compiled a few books and resources here.

Barack Obama, President for a New Era (Gateway Biographies) by Marlene Targ Brill
Barack Obama: Our 44th President by Beatrice Gormley
Barack Obama: Out of Many, One (Step Into Reading) by Shana Corey
Michelle Obama: Meet the First Lady by David Bergen Brophy
The U. S. Presidency (Our Government) by Muriel L. Dubois
The American Journey of Barack Obama by the Editors of Life Magazine
The Story of Abraham Lincoln by Patricia A. Pingry
Time Line Presidents Presidents Learning Placemat
Presidents of the USA Floor Puzzle

Do you have any favorite books about Obama, the Presidency or other Presidents?

Carolyn Howard-Johnson's " Take" on Literary Fiction for Children & Adults

2009-01-18T08:55:00.000-08:00

Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of This is the Place, The Frugal Book Promoter, and The Frugal Editor, ponders why so much sci-fi, fantasy and romance is published, but less and less literary fiction? I think you'll enjoy her ideas. Even though Book Bag Blog deals mainly with books for youngsters and teens, Carolyn's guest post may set you thinking.

For me the real topic is this: Why is it that literary fiction seems to be losing readers? The only reason my literary novel This Is the Place sold well in 2001 (at least for a first novel) is that I am also a marketer and took lots of time nurturing the sales and thinking of angles that would appeal to large segments of readers (yes, like the romantic aspect, that it is based on a true story, etc)

Here are some reasons I think literary work is not being read, in no particular order:

Literary fiction (including poetry) isn't being published, at least not in the numbers it was published in the past.
Publishers are assigning their marketing dollars to their top authors and stars and very nearly ignoring their midlist people. In fact, they aren't building midlists in any genre as they once did which doesn't bode well for publishing in general as the big names age and retire.
Our education system isn't encouraging critical thinking or reading.
Our education system is failing to teach reading/vocabulary building, etc. at a level required by many literary novels. So must we dumb-down our literary writing?
Evidenced by the way our culture votes for their leaders, it doesn't much value anything intellectual. No matter what your politics I think we writers might agree that Obama's critical thinking, speaking and writing skills might be an encouraging sign for the future.
Parents are busy working to bring two, three and even four incomes. That doesn't leave them enough time to participate in their own children's educations.

Please don't forget to discuss the sorry state of poetry. I read recently that even poets aren't buying books or chapbooks of poetry. Sorry, I can't find the article in my files.

Carolyn's web site: How To Do It Frugally.

Children's Story Books That Develop Spin-off Appeal

2009-01-16T19:57:00.000-08:00

Children's story books sometimes develop wider appeal than simply telling a tale. This is the case of The Quiltmaker's Gift which has evolved into spin-offs that offer quilting patterns.

I'd read The Quiltmaker's Gift to children when I was subsitute teaching and mentioned it on my Quilting and Patchwork blog. A reader inquired where she might find fabric with the Quilter's Gift as a theme.

As I was researching her query (and I haven't found any fabric yet, but asked for other quilters' input), I discovered some books with quilt patterns that accompany the story book, called Quilts from the Quiltmaker's Gift and More Quilts from the Quiltmaker's Gift.

Another quilter read my post at Quilting and Patchwork today and said she checked out these quilt pattern books and discovered they are "must haves." She's going to get one as a gift for a friend, too.

Books to Check Out for Tots through Teens

2009-01-08T11:08:00.000-08:00

From time to time, I compile lists of books for young and YA readers. Here are some in categories I've been researching:

Bird Books: Stories, Information & Fun

World War II Books for Children & YA

Controversial Books

When you check out these lists, you'll also find the information about where they're available. Also, you may be able to find most of them in your local library.

Who Attended the J K Rowling Tea Party?

2009-01-05T17:58:00.000-08:00

A month ago, I wrote about a tea party with Harry Potter author, J K Rowling, some children in England would be attending. This was a highly publicized event celebrating of the release of Rowling's new book, Tales of Beedle the Bard.

I was wondered if anyone attending the tea party reads any of my blogs. It would be fun if you'd leave a comment and let us know how you enjoyed this special tea party. Was Mom as excited as you?

Were there any other tea parties going on to note this occasion...in libraries, bookstores, homes, schools? If so, what were they like?

Happy New Year's from Book Bag Blog

2009-01-01T08:46:00.000-08:00

May 2009 be a wonderful year for you.

It's cold (3 degrees F.) and windy here where I live. (A perfect day for curling up with a good book!)

But we're looking forward to a grand 2009.

Censorship of Books and Internet - Is This the Solution?

2008-12-30T08:32:00.000-08:00

Do you express concern when someone tries to tell you what books you and your children can and can't read? Are you concerned about what's out there on the Internet that your children might discover. So should the Internet have more government control?

Books and Internet provide information for children and adults. Should the government control what we read and see? Or is that the responsibility of the parents?

Aaron Brazell provided an interesting post at Technosailor, UK Plans to Keep Kids Safe on the Web, Ignores History, about this topic, sparked by a proposal by the British Cultural Secretary. The Secretary has more control of the Internet in mind and expresses the desire that the US, when Barack Obama becomes President, will join him.

At Technosailor, you'll find some "food for thought," so that you don't accept this idea blindly.
I've also posted at One Book Two Book, Government Control of Books and Internet - Do You Agree? and at Obama Alert, More Control of Our Children and Our Lives?

What do you think?

Check Out the Giveaway at Quilting and Patchwork

2008-12-21T11:00:00.000-08:00

Giveaway

If you're a quilter or simply like giveaways, why not stop over at Quilting and Patchwork and participate in the Giveaway of a Mini Quilt Book. It's in progress over there.

Perhaps you're not a quilter yourself, but know of someone who would enjoy this book by Patricia Mainardi. Do you have children who like to quilt with you or read/listen to stories about quilts and quilting. There are a number of children's picture books that depict quilting topics.

Also my, Magic of Patchwork, details the story of youngsters in quilting and provides projects for beginners.

My Fav b5 Posts of the Week

2008-12-19T14:04:00.000-08:00

Favorite Posts

Periodically b5 bloggers post their favorite posts of the week. I write three blogs at b5media, Alzheimer's Notes, Quilting and Patchwork, and One Book Two Book. (The latter I co-blog with Marcie Pickelsimer.)

Sometimes it's difficult to choose your very favorite for the week. However, here are the three for this week:

http://www.quiltingandpatchwork.com/...ilt-mysteries/ http://www.onebooktwobook.com/mary-e...storm-of-2008/http://www.alzheimersnotes.com/not-h...-nursing-home/

Children's Books About World War II

2008-12-08T11:57:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, Dec. 7, was Pearl Harbor Day, the anniversary of the attack that caused the United States to enter World War II. I was a child at that time and remember the scary time it was, even though there was no fighting in our country. I often write down my memories for my daughter and grand children and share them with others, too.

I also have found some children's books about young people's experiences and adventures during those times. Here are some children's books about World War II that I've enjoyed and have in my collection:

Lily's Crossing by Patricia Reilly Giff
The Art of Keeping Cool by Janet Taylor Lisle
The Night Flyers by Elizabeth McDavid Jones (An American Girl History Mystery)
Shadows on the Sea by Joan Hiatt Harlow
A Boy at War by Harry Mazer (A novel of Pearl Harbor)
The Spy Who Came in from the Sea by Peggy Nolan

A Cup of Tea with JK Rowling!

2008-12-04T12:00:00.000-08:00

Tea Party

To celebrate the release of her latest book, The Tales of Beedle the Bard, famed author JK Rowling invited approximately 200 school children to enjoy tea with her. What an exciting experience!

Read more about this at my One Book Two Book blog. This book is a spin-off of sorts from the latest Harry Potter book, Deathly Hallows.

I wonder what they had for tea and refreshments. Possibly something with a Scottish influence since this was to take place in Edinburgh.

Giveaways With Gifts for Youngsters

2008-12-04T05:26:00.000-08:00

One Book Two Book Giveaways

You'll find a series of giveaways at a blog I co-author with Marcie Pickelsimer, One Book Two Book, running from Dec. 2-7.

Check out the rules and leave comments at the following links. You can enter any or all of the giveaways. These items will make great Christmas gifts for youngsters, too. Enjoy!

Book Swim Giveaway
Readeez DVD Giveaway
Baby Can Read Giveaway
Wii Pop Star Guitar Giveaway
Fly Me To The Moon Giveaway
Giveaway - Celebrity Arthur Book from Speakaboos
Giveaway - Countdown to Bedtime Soundbooks
Giiveaway - ECO Baby Organic Playdough
Baby Potential Teacher Onesie Giveaway
Natural Pod Giveaway
RideMakerz Giveaway
Happy Green Bee Giveaway
Mead Writing Fundamentals Giveaway

Happy Thanksgiving from Book Bag Blog

2008-11-27T07:21:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving

We've been busy this morning getting the turkey ready. Yes, we're having the traditional turkey. My hubby selected it so has been monitoring the preparations. After I made the stuffing ("like Mother used to make!"), I left the rest to him. The engineer in him cooks to precision.

My daughter has been preparing her special recipes to add to our menu. She made her daughter's request of "glop" for breakfast...a combination of bread cubes, eggs, sausage, cheese, and milk. Some of us like that, while others have something else. (We live in a multi-generational home with six family members, a dog, guinea pig, and rabbit.)

Perhaps you'd like to see my Thankful Poem, a project on my Quilting and Patchwork blog.

How about writing your own Thankful Poem this weekend? Or any time of year?

The Rainbow Fish Story...Is It Controversial?

2008-11-19T10:41:00.000-08:00

The Rainbow Fish

Whenever we've written about The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister at One Book Two Book, we've received a number of comments, some of them mentioning what a controversial book this colorful picture book is. Apparently to many people, it has underlying social and socialistic meanings. Some agree and others are vividly opposed.

You may want to check out:

What Does The Rainbow Fish Mean? Is There an Underlying Meaning?
Rainbow Fish Makes a Comeback at Our House

I also often wonder how readers, reviewers, so-called experts can determine whether the author has an underlying meaning...unless the writer has mentioned this.

Makes me wonder if anyone reads hidden meanings into my books and stories. It might be interesting to find out!

(c)2008 Mary Emma Allen

Children's Books for Thanksgiving Fun and Facts

2008-11-08T14:26:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving Books

If you're looking for Thanksgiving and harvest book ideas for your youngsters and yourself, check out my list and post at One Book Two Book.

Fun & Fact Books for Thanksgiving & Harvest Season

Favorite Thanksgiving Books

Do you have any to suggest?

Learn About Reading to the Womb

2008-11-03T16:38:00.000-08:00

Reading to young children has proven to be a plus, a way to encourage them to read and enjoy listening to stories. We also learn that reading to babies in the womb may help them recognize the mother's voice. Will this also stimulate a love of reading.

Check out my post, Reading Aloud to Children Before and After Birth at One Book Two Book. You'll enjoy learning about one mother's experience.

Do you have an experience you'd like to share with us?

October - Is this Spider Month?

2008-10-13T06:32:00.001-07:00

October seems to be "Spider Month," when people are searching the Internet for information about spiders. Perhaps it has to do with Halloween.

Marcie Pickelsimer, my co-blogger at One Book Two Book, has done a great deal of research on this topic as it applies to children's books and activities. You might enjoy visiting our blog, especially the following posts:

October is Spider Month
Spider Activities for Kids: Young & Old
Spiders!
10 Best Spider Books
Spiders, Spiders Everywhere

Enjoy! Then you might want to leave Marcie a message telling her how much you appreciate all the research she has done on this topic and the books and spider activities she's found.

(c)2008 Mary Emma Allen

Mary Emma's Writing Workshops for Tots through Teens

2008-10-13T06:28:00.001-07:00

I love encouraging young and beginning writers. So I'm often invited to schools and libraries to present writing workshops in various types of this art form....fiction, non-fiction, poetry. Since I've also illustrated some of my books, I'll include art in these presentations, too.

For more information about my writing workshops, check them out at my Children's Author Tales blog. (Contact information is there, too.)

More Writing Tips for Tots & Teens, Moms & Teachers

2008-10-12T21:09:00.001-07:00

Here's another writing tip at One Book Two Book.....Ideas from a Pumpkin.

You will find it interesting to check out for children and adults.

Discover the Weekly Writing Tips at One Book Two Book

2008-10-01T10:37:00.000-07:00

If you or your children entertain thoughts of writing, either for pure fun, to write stories for school lessons, or to record your thoughts in journals, you might enjoy the series I've begun at One Book Two Book, Mary Emma's Writing Tips. Although the weekly tips, prompts and activities are slated for young writers, they will work for anyone.

These will appear at One Book Two Book each Sunday. I also will suggest books and web sites where you can find help and inspiration, too.

In addition to writing, I enjoy teaching writing to youngsters and adults, encouraging them with their dreams. Thus I began this writing series at One Book Two Book.

Related Posts:
Mary Emma's Writing Tips for Young Writers
Mary Emma's Writing Activities for Young Writers
Mary Emma's Weekly Writing Tips -Scary Stories

(c)Mary Emma Allen

Follow the Happenings at One Book Two Book

2008-09-15T19:00:00.000-07:00

Have you been following the happenings at One Book Two Book? Marcie and I also have all sorts of things going on for tots through teens:

Book reviews
Giveaways
Product reviews
Discussions
Writing activities
Special events
Celebrations
Gossip girls
Controversial books & shows
Books made into movies

Just to name a few.

Come visit us!

Check Out the Daily Giveaways at One Book Two Book

2008-08-21T18:41:00.000-07:00

Giveaways at OneBookTwoBook.com

You’ll find them daily for several days (August 24 - Sept. 6) for the Back-to-School Blast. Some days there even two drawings!

Among the prizes are many items to get the youngsters ready for school from snacks, lunch boxes/kits, back packs, books, and other supplies.

Stay tuned and have a blast! Visit One Book Two Book often.

Get One Book, Two Book’s Feed!

Giveaway for Harry Potter Phenomenon Book

2008-08-20T07:56:00.000-07:00

At my Home Biz Notes blog, I'm offering a random drawing giveaway of Susan Gunelius's new book:

"To celebrate the U.S. release of Harry Potter, The Story of a Global Business Phenomenon by Susan Gunelius, we’re conducting a random drawing giveaway of a copy of the book. (See my interview of Susan at Home Biz Notes for more information about the book and why Susan wrote it.)"

Check out the giveaway, especially if you're a Harry Potter fan or are interested in phenomenal marketing strategies.

One Book Two Book - A Book Blog for Kids of All Ages

2008-07-31T11:10:00.000-07:00

I'm having great fun co-blogging with Marcie Pickelsimer at the b5media blog, One Book Two Book which features books and information for kids of all ages. You might want to check it out. Even become a regular reader!

We feature: reviews, interviews, giveaways, theme weeks, book news, word of the week, book quotes, reading related activities, and much, much more.

Come join us!

(c)2008 Mary Emma Allen

Specific Children's Book Writing Goals for 2008

2007-12-23T15:36:00.000-08:00

A friend frequently asks me, "Mary Emma, when are you finishing your Uncle Buffalo Bill book? Have you finished the Sarah Jane picture book?"

I grin sheepishly and say, "I'm working on them."

In 2008, I must stop only working on them and finish these projects!

1. Finish the book about my Uncle Buffalo Bill Mathewson, the original Buffalo Bill in the West.

2. Finish my Sarah Jane's Daring Deed picture book.

3. Finish the rough draft of Papa Goes to War, a Civil War era middle reader book based on my ancestors.

4. Develop the activities for these books and place them on my web sites.

5. Draft some of my other writing projects, but concentrate on them minimally until I have the above finished.

HOLLY FRETWELL's "Different" VIEW ON GLOBAL WARMING

2007-12-20T08:02:00.000-08:00

With all the scary information out there about global warming, it's refreshing to read a book by a natural resources policy expert that presents a different view, one complete with common sense and factual information.

The Sky's NOT Falling (Why It's OK to Chill About Global Warming) is an alternative for young people and adults to the fear-inducing books published today. Author Holly Fretwell, a mother of two and professor of natural resources policy, provides a balanced look at environmental issues and global warming scare tactics. She presents these in an easy to read and understand format for ages 8 and above.

Yes, there are environmental situations to be concerned about, but Ms. Fretwell encourages optimism about the future of our planet and the solutions we can find with human innovation and creativity, along with individual choice, not political agendas.Ms. Fretwell debunks some of the "facts" running rampant about the environment and global warming in today's world.

For instance, you've probably seen the picture of the polar bear and cub, supposedly adrift on a piece of ice because of global warming. Actually the picture was taken as a general interest one a scientific expedition. The photographer called attention to it as a polar bear and her cub on an ice sculpture. Nothing was noted about global warming nor the bears being stranded. Yet the photo was taken out of context and used for propaganda purposes.

You'll certainly want to take a look at the facts in this book about global warming and see what's really going on in a world beset by global warming scare. Check out the truth before deciding "the sky is falling."

(Published by World Ahead Media, Los Angeles, CA.; ISBN #9780976726944. The book includes fun facts and reading for ages 8 and above.)

THE TRADITION OF BEDTIME STORIES

2007-12-01T18:27:00.000-08:00

Bedtime stories have been a tradition for at least three generations in my family. I recall my mom reading to my sister, brothers and me...Heidi, Robert Louis Stevenson's A Child's Garden of Verses poetry, and Robinson Crusoe come to mind.

My husband and I took turns reading to our daughter. He often didn't at bedtime, but while I was preparing supper. "Daddy, you skipped that part!" I'd hear her exclaim when Jim tried to get through a book more quickly.

My daughter and son-in-law, both avid readers, started reading to their children while they were infants. Reading and children go hand in hand in our household...we all still bury ourselves in a book whenever we can in spite of today's electronic world.

Stories in the Kitchen

Although most of the bedtime story reading of my youth occurred in the evening in one of our bedrooms (there were four of us children) as we sprawled on the bed. However, on cold winter evenings, Mother gathered us in front of the wood burning cookstove in the kitchen (a favorite family congregating place) and read stories. While she read, we might munch on cookies and milk or cocoa.

Reading evolves into cooking, as children learn to ponder over recipes and mix up family meals. I recall making my first cake before I fully learned to read. Mother was ill and I decided, with the help of my younger siblings, I would make a cake for supper, along with fried potatoes and eggs.

At six years old, I couldn't decipher everything in the recipe book, so decided to dispense with it and put together the ingredients I'd seen Mother use. I recall my sister and brothers around me as we stirred the batter together, then poured it into layer cake pans.

Since the wood stove oven was the only one we had, it was only natural to bake the cake there. We must have stoked the stove and read the gauge on the front of the oven door adequately. At any rate, the cake turned out fine....except it was fairly flat.

Mother, when she saw it at supper, praised our efforts, as did Father and the hired man. It was only in later years that Mother told me she concluded I'd left out the baking powder.

(c)2007 Mary Emma Allen

(I enjoy researching and writing about holiday and family memories along with teaching classes in Family History Writing. I conduct these classes online and in person.)

One Book Two Book - Great Blog About Children's Books

2007-11-25T19:44:00.001-08:00

I recently discovered One Book Two Book, a delightful blog by Kelly Phillips Erb. Here you'll find information, updates and resources concerning children's books. Kelly is the mom of three children under the age of five and keeps up to date with what's going on in the children's book world.

Her recent post, JK Rowling is "Entertainer of the Year," is a good follow-up for my previous Harry Potter post. Even though I haven't been able to get into those books and movies, Ms. Rowling should be commended for bringing so many youngsters (and adults) to enjoy reading.

Kelly also had another fun post, Our Bedtime Tradition, about story time in the Erb household. This reminded me of the three generations of reading in my family. It even may date back to my mom's childhood.

Mother read to my sister, brothers and me at bedtime. My husband and I read to our daughter. If we tried to skip a part we'd hear, "You aren't reading all of it!" My daughter and son-in-law have always read to their children, who now are avid readers themselves.

What are your bedtime story traditions?

Is Harry Potter for Everyone?

2007-05-05T17:46:00.000-07:00

When the first Harry Potter book came out, my daughter, son-in-law, and 5th grade granddaughter devoured it. I thought, since it was so popular, I should read it, too.
However, I couldn’t get beyond the first couple of pages. I found it boring!

Also, it didn’t seem to fall within the guidelines that we authors are told in writing classes…”Catch the editor and reader’s attention in the first sentence, first paragraph, especially the first page.” The older style of writing, with a couple of pages of description and no lively action, is no longer the type that appeals to editors. If you haven’t caught their attention by the first paragraph or so, your story may not have a chance of making it.

However, this doesn’t seem to be the case with the first Harry Potter book. Whatever captured the first editor’s attention, seems to have been enough…and the rest is history.

(But I still couldn’t become engrossed in the book…perhaps because I’m not a fan of science fiction and fantasy.)

Since my granddaughter loves the books and other fantasy ones, I'll get some input from her.

Capturing Young Readers in the Electronics Age

2007-04-13T06:50:00.000-07:00

Teachers I talk with, as I do substitute teaching and conduct writing workshops in schools, find it challenging to keep many youngsters interested in reading. They mention that it seems fewer of them like to read…or they don’t read so much at home.

“We have to compete with TV, video games, and movies to hold their attention,” one teacher remarked to me. “I feel I have to be an entertainer.”

When assigned something to read at school, many students groan, while a few (like my granddaughter) consider this an enjoyable respite from other school work.

Parents may find the same situation at home and need to make an effort to get their children away from electronic and television games. Here are some suggestions that might help to encourage reading,

*Let children see you reading
*Read to young children
*Set aside a family reading time
*Have children read to one another
*Encourage children to act out stories
*Participate in reading programs at the local library
*See if your school has extra reading programs...like the Saturday mornings (in March) Reading Enrichment for grades K-8. Our grandkids have thoroughly enjoyed this.

The Idea for Sarah Jane's Daring Deed

2007-04-05T17:05:00.000-07:00

Readers often ask, "Where did you get the idea for the story?" This is such a frequent question when I'm giving author visits, doing presentations, teaching workshops, and attending book signings, that I thought blog readers would like to know about the "story behind the story" and have some idea how one children's authors thinks.

Sarah Jane's Daring Deed, which has becme one of my favorites, resulted from research I was doing for a column on local history for a weekly newspaper. As I read about the lives of the early pioneers sho settled the region of New Hampshire where my family and I reside, I wondered, "What was it like for youngsters to live here during that time?"

As I pondered upon this, the story of Sarah Jane evolved. She and her family settled in the latter 1700s or thereabouts far from their city home. Because I live in New Hampshire and my research was focused here, the story, in my mind, took place here.

The story was published in four church school magazines for youngsters. (I retained the rights.) Possibly it appealed to editors all over the country because I didn't name the town or state where Sarah Jane lived and encountered Little Fawn. Therefore, it could have been set in many areas where blackberries grew. (In the opening scene, Sarah Jane is picking them.)

When I was asked to compile an anthology of my children's stories, Tales of Adventure & Discovery, I chose this one as the lead story. It's a story I've always enjoyed and children do when I visit schools and libraries. My daughter even made dolls of Sarah Jane and Little Fawn to accompany me to school.

(c)2006

(If you have questions about Sarah Jane and my programs for schools and writers' groups, e-mail me: me.allen@juno.com. Type "Sarah Jane's blog" in the subject line. )

Teachers Enjoy Using Tales of Adventure & Discovery

2007-03-25T18:04:00.000-07:00

Teachers mention they like to read my stories from Tales of Adventure & Discovery (an anthology for children) to their students. It's gratifying to know teachers and their students find the stories enjoyable, entertaining, and educational. A coloring book, with illustrations and excerpts from the anthology was a logical next step for me.

The first story in the book, Sarah Jane's Daring Deed, has been very popular with youngsters when I read them stories and teach writing workshops. I often use it as a springboard for their own writing. Because this story set in pioneer days, I often tie the story in with history they may be learning at school. I'm currently in the process of developing a picture book version of this story.

One teacher purchased my book when I taught a writing workshop for educators. Other teachers in her school wanted to know where she had obtained it. So the school ordered a dozen books for the teachers to use.

Selecting Picture Books for Children

2007-03-24T19:10:00.000-07:00

“Mary, the children like illustrations that look like something they could draw. Adults select books with lovely art,” a children’s librarian mentioned when she looked at the illustrations in my anthology, Tales of Adventure & Discovery. I’d apologized because they were so simplistic.

Later, a first grade teacher said much the same thing when she saw my illustrations. She explained that her students gravitated to the books in the classroom or library with the simple black and white or cartoon drawings.

“You really mean this?” I asked. Then I explained about the librarian and her discovery about youngsters and book art.

I notice, too, that my grandson, now 11 years old, generally has selected books with cartoon type characters or those drawn with simple lines. He doesn’t attempt to draw pictures to accompany the stories, but these seem to capture his attention and imagination.

A friend said she realized, with her seven children, that at the younger years, up until about 8 years old, they liked to watch movies with animated characters and lost interest in the ones with real actors. Once they were older, they watched both equally.

It would be interesting to hear what you’ve noticed with the youngsters in your life…whether you’re a parent, teacher, librarian, friend, or bookstore owner.

Mary Emma Allen Introduction

2007-03-24T10:43:00.000-07:00

Who am I to write a blog on books for tots through teens? Why would I want to do this?

Reading children’s books and writing stories for young people have interested me since childhood. I still have a story I wrote when I was 11 years old and another from an 8th grade English assignment. (I won’t mention how many years ago this occurred, except to say I now have a teenaged granddaughter who enjoys reading and writing, too.)

I’ve had stories published in more than 200 children’s magazines and anthologies, including Tales of Adventure & Discovery. (This latter contains only my stories.) I also illustrated this book and a coloring book that accompanies it. The picture book, Sarah Jane’s Daring Deed, is under production. This story is one youngsters particularly like when I give presentations in schools and libraries.

Children’s Literature was my favorite class at SUNY, New Paltz, NY (USA), where I received my teaching degree. When I showed the instructor some of the children’s stories, she encouraged me to continue with my writing. So my interest in reading and writing children’s stories continued. Currently, in addition to writing for children and adults and conducting workshops, I do substitute teaching in grades K-12. So I'm involved with readers of all ages.

I live in a multi-generational home in New Hampshire, with husband, daughter, son-in-law, two grandchildren and assorted pets. I also come from a family of readers and writers, since my grandfather was a published writer and my mom and grandmother kept journals. My daughter and granddaughter also has had some of their writing published.

Why "Book Bag" Blog?

2007-03-24T10:12:00.000-07:00

When I was attending school (I won't say how many years ago!), we carried our books and homework to and from school in "book bags." Today they've been replaced by backpacks, roller bags and computer bags. Ours had a handle or occasionally an over the shoulder strap.

A new book bag and pencil case might be among the back-to-school items Mother bought us when school started. We carried home whatever books we were reading and those for homework, along with notebooks and pencils in our book bags. (The new pencil box stayed at school in our desk.)

So.....when I think about reading and books, my memories often go back to those book bags we used during my school days.

What better name for my blog than "book bag," when I want to share information about reading and writing for tots through teens and the adults in their lives?

Welcome to Book Bag Blog

2007-03-24T06:44:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my blog about books for young people. I'm looking forward to providing you with insight into children’s books for pre-schoolers through teens.

In addition to being an avid reader, I writes stories for children. I've been published in the United States and Australia. I also teach writing workshops for youngsters and adults.

Through this blog, I plan to give you insights into the world of reading and writing for younger readers. I'll also interview authors who write for these age groups and host blog tours.

Don't hesitate to let me know what you'd like to hear about and let me know the books you and your children enjoy reading.