Screen-Free Week 2016

Celebrate Screen-Free Week
May 2-8, 2016

Elephants never forget
 It's Children's Book Week




What will you do with your free time?

Here are some bookish crafts to get you started.

Frog and Toad paper bag puppet, from Bright Hub Education

Courtesy
  First Grade and Fabulous

 

Animal Corner Bookmarks, from Living and Learning at Home

Courtesy
Living and Learning at Home

Fabric Sketchbook Cover, From Sew DIY

Courtesy Sew DIY

Independent Bookstores

The most famous bookstore in Maine is up for sale.  Purchase The Owl & Turtle Bookshop and keep its bookish tradition going.  Indie booksellers are disappearing all over the country.  Don't let this treasure trove disappear too.

The Children's Room at The Owl & Turtle Bookshop

Incidentally, we've always wanted a bookstore of our very own.   If anyone is interested in donating the Owl & Turtle to us here at Bookish Ambition, we'd consider relocating. ;-)

Ballet Shoes

I just finished Ballet Shoes, by Noel Streatfeild.  It was absolutely charming.  To the modern reader, it may seem typical of other children's books written in the 1930s, but the theme of strong female charcters who take active roles to resolve their predicament was largely unknown in children's publishing of the time.  The style is old-fashioned, but authentic.  The characterizations, believable.  Look here for strong family relationships and satisfying happy endings, perhaps with a slight twist.  I highly recommend a reading of this, the first of  Ms. Streatfeild's many works for children.

   

50 books in 2012

In the spring of 2001, I took over as librarian at a very small private school. I wanted to know which books to recommend and to whom.  The trouble was, this particular library was stuffed with books I'd never read.  In addition, I realized I probably had twice as many children's books at home of which I'd read maybe one third.  So began the cure for my bookish ambition.  Every year since,  I have set the same goal:  I plan to read 50 new children's books each year plus of course, picture books, adult books, and rereads of my favorites.  Why not make a list of your top 50 "Next Reads" just for fun?

Tuesdays, George, and Hohn

Tuesdays at the Castle combines the talents of two really charming people:  Jessica Day George, and David Hohn.  I have heard some criticism of George's middle grade fantasies, but don't agree.  Her characters are spunky and her point of view is unique.  I'm so pleased to see her latest book, released in October 2011, with fabulous cover art by David Hohn.  His illustration style is a fresh take on old favorites.  He seems willing to experiment with technique to create the right mood.  With such a winning combination, and the promise of a fun new series, this book shoots to the top of my "must buy" list.  Happy Reading!

Snow White & Rose Red
by David Hohn

Treasure Island
by David Hohn

John Flanagan's Brotherband Chronicles

I'm a little behind the times.   John Flanagan released the first in a new series last November.  Send your comments if you like it as much as the Ranger's Apprentice series.  I, for one, cannot wait to sink my teeth into The Outcasts.

A sneak peek of Jack

Here is a peek at the picture book I've been working on this week.  Jack was being so mischievous, I had to take a little break.

I hope you'll be seeing more of him soon.

An Illustrator's First Step

If you are interested in the world of children's publishing and you have not heard of the Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators, then you are missing out on the most valuable resource available to you.  The  SCBWI  is a network of people in the industry.  The website, newsletters, and local chapters all provide information you need. Most of the questions I receive from would-be-writers and illustrators can be answered by a simple trip to the Society's website.  Think of it as your own personal trainer, and go from newbie to knowledgeable.  The SCBWI also provides access to up-to-date information professionals need to stay current on market changes and trends.  If you do one thing for your dream/career, join the Society.  You won't regret it.

Minerva Louise and the perfect marriage

If you haven't discovered Minerva Louise, the chicken, run to your local bookseller (after you finish reading this!)

Janet Morgan Stoeke is the author and illustrator of dozens of charming books. In my opinion, her book A Hat for Minerva Louise is  the perfect marriage of spare text and clever illustration.  This is truly the textbook for new authors/illustrators who want to know what it means to "show, don't tell."

Remembering Trina

Trina Schart Hyman was the guiding star of my youth.  Her art inspired my dreams and my reality.  I can think of no better tribute than to honor her career with the first post here at Bookish Ambition.