Another
Column at MyShelf.Com
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| Babe To Teens, Past |
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NEW BOOKS YOU WON'T WANT TO MISS Spring is everywhere... except here in Alaska, and we still have a lot of snow piles, that frequently get dusted with Mt. Redoubt volcano ash this spring. Aside from that, I'm definitely ready for spring and a new supply of great books. School will be out very soon, and I am sure that your teachers will give you a list of summer reading. When you become a better reader, any goal is easier to achieve. I'm sure that the lists will include lots of classics that you might discount as being old and stuffy, but you might want to reconsider. They are classics because they have withstood the test of time, and their stories are as relevant today as they were yesterday. Dust them off, and give them a try. In the meantime, here are some of the newest offerings by publishers.
The Boxcar Children are going on a trip on a huge cargo ship to a deserted South Seas island. While fishing and exploring the island, the children discover clues that it isn't deserted after all! But who lives there? Join the kids in this exciting story.
Maggie the Beagle with a Broken Tail Gets a
New Home by Evelyn Gilmer.
Identity Revealed: Book Three in the Identity
Mystery Trilogy, (Nancy Drew, Girl Detective)
by Carolyn Keene.
What to Read When: The Books and Stories to
Read With Your Child—and All the Best
Times to Read Them by Pam Allyn.
While Max and her team are exploring the depths of the ocean, their every move is being carefully tracked by Mr. Chu—a criminal mastermind with his own agenda. Can they protect themselves from Mr. Chu's mercenaries and save the ocean from destruction? Here is a poem I thought you might enjoy. This was written by my beloved husband many years ago, when my children were small. One day we heard a mother bobcat calling to her kitten on the hillside across from the ranch. The kids asked what the sound was, and Bill jokingly said that it was a "Ring-tailed Kabeezzo"...and then he made up a poem on the spot to explain what that was... The poem has been a family favorite ever since, and, in his memory, I would like to share it with you.
Writing for Children—Tips for your Success Writing for children is a challenge that is much harder than it looks. You must create a strong story built around exciting characters. If the main character is a child, he must think and feel like a real child of that age. Many new writers tend to "talk down" to children, but kids are very sensitive to that and you won't hold their interest for long unless you are able to create characters that your readers can relate to and sympathize with. Your main character must be well rounded with flaws that land him in trouble, and redeeming traits that allow him to overcome his situation, or at least point him in the right direction. The available subject matter is limitless, but sensitive subjects must be handled carefully. Publishers seem to be buying manuscripts that deal with everything from child abuse to teens dealing with their sexuality. There is a fine line between reality and what is acceptable for reading material as far as parents and librarians are concerned. Explaining the dilemma without going into graphic detail is challenging, but worth the extra effort. Remember that your manuscript must pass muster with the adults in the publishing industry before it will be read by the intended audience. Write the bare bones of your story quickly, and then re-write... and re-write... and re-write until it sparkles. Check out these contests & web sites....
HarperCollins Children's: Enter The Baseball Great Sweepstakes
HarperCollins Children’s: Enter The Composer is Dead Sweepstakes
Kids at Random House - GAMES & COMPETITIONS
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2009 Past Columns |
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