June 2012

June 2012

LiterAry roUnd UP, miNNeSota StYLe

Birthday bags for charity {page 32}

{page 15}

JOB JUMPING? READ THIS FIRST

ARE YOU A LOVE PESSIMIST, OR OPTIMIST?

{page 12}

{page 14}

r a t S k c u r st hild When your c otlight craves the sp {page 28}

June features

15 Writers, illustrators—Minnesota is filled to the brim with these talented types

by Claire Walling

28 star struCk When your little darling craves the spotlight

By Julie Kendrick

4 June 2012

Departments

8 Chatter 10 Tween scene Book clubs 12 Grows on trees Job jumping 14 Fight less, love more Are you a love optimist?

32 It’s my party Cheerful givers

35 hot stuff Dads and grads 35 book shelf Utterly Casanova 38 Real life Real mom Leslie Schultz

Calendar 20 Out & about

June 2012 5

from the editor

Of books and spotlights I still can’t believe she did it. When Minnesota illustrator Jennifer Bell (the genius behind the beauty of the Stella Batts books, among others) was being interviewed for her section in our feature article, Made in Minnesota, she offered to draw something special, just for us. I recall I was fretting internally about our budget and how we might be able to pay her for her obvious talent…and she said, “gratis.” Really? Wow. And then when it showed up—double wow! She captured the casual sweetness of a midsummer morning, the kind I recall from my youth, perfectly.

I most certainly spent much of each summer break lazing around with a book and a sandwich, though I was never fortunate enough to have bunnies, bears, and birds for friends. You can enjoy her illustration when you turn to page 15.

It was tough for our writer, Claire Walling, to hone in on whom to showcase in this feature—there are so many talented literary types here in our great state! Of course there are far too many to train a spotlight on them all. What a terrific problem to have.

Speaking of spotlights, recall the very moment I became star struck. That is, enamored of the spotlight upon me, as it were. I was cast in the pivotal role of “playground lady” in my first grade year at Concord Elementary in Edina…and it lead to a lifelong love of the stage. My parents couldn’t have been more encouraging of my fledgling thespian attempts, up to their applause at my college graduation with my degree in theater. If you have a child with similar thoughts of greatness, be it modeling, theater, television, or movies, we’ve spoken with a number of experts throughout the Twin Cities about the best way to get your little darling in front of an audience. Turn to page 28 to read up.

And so the school year has given way to the lazy days of summer.

Make sure you load up your child’s bike basket full of great Minnesota reads, or reads of any kind if you can, and encourage them to sink into the great luxury of a good book. It is those long and story-filled summers of my youth that I still yearn for each June. My hope is your children have the same memory-building opportunity.

Kathleen Stoehr Editor

6 June 2012

Vol. 27, Issue 6 Co-Publishers Janis Hall jhall@mnpubs.com Terry Gahan tgahan@mnpubs.com General Manager Chris Damlo 612-436-4376 • cdamlo@mnpubs.com Editor Kathleen Stoehr kstoehr@mnpubs.com Contributing Writers/Photographers Julie Kendrick Kara McGuire Laurie Puhn Joy Riggs Production Manager Dana Croatt dcroatt@mnpubs.com Senior Graphic Designer Valerie Moe Graphic Designer Amanda Wadeson Sales Manager Melissa Ungerman Levy 612-436-4382 • mungermanlevy@mnpubs.com Sales Administrator Kate Manson 612-436-5085 • kmanson@mnpubs.com Circulation Marlo Johnson 612-436-4388 • distribution@mnpubs.com Intern Claire Walling Classified Advertising 612-825-9205 • sales@mnpubs.com Printing Brown Printing

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June 2012 7

In brief Minnesota Private College Week hits

June 25 to 29 this year, helping families and prospective students get better introduced to private colleges and universities. Sessions will run twice daily on 17 campuses statewide. Read more about it here at: mnprivatecolleges.org/ mpcw; Auditions for Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphonies, also known as GTCYS, begins June 1 and runs through the 9th, depending upon the instrument. Any student from elementary to highly advanced ability from grades 2 to 12 may audition with any orchestral instrument.

Register online at gtcys.org; Minnesota Birth Center, the first free-standing birth center in Minneapolis, has opened at 2606 Chicago Avenue. Visit birthcentermn.com for more information; Minnesota mom Vickie Weber invented IceHuggy, an insulated sleeve for frozen treats. The IceHuggy sleeve is adjustable for a number of treats to keep goodies cold, and hands warm and clean. About $7 for two at icehuggy.com; Creative Kidstuff is partnering with St. David’s Center for Child & Family Development by launching Kidstuff Toys for Children with

Kid Tested

Fohawx Inspired by a seven-year-old who refused to wear his bike helmet because it just wasn’t cool, fohawx is a product rad enough to wear, while the helmet is doing the important business of protecting a child’s head. From long flowing strips fashioned like dreadlocks, to wacky and colorful punk shapes and high-top Mohawks, fohawx are an embellishment that kids can add to any safety helmet. fohawx.com; about $20

8 June 2012

Minnesota Parent Likes

ChildMinder Smart Clip System As the summer heats up, this safety product is a must for parents on the go, with too much on the mind. The ChildMinder is a proactive system that should greatly reduce cases of children inadvertently left alone in vehicles while fastened in a car seat. It reminds drivers with an alarm that sounds eight seconds after the parent or caregiver has moved more than 15 feet from the child in the safety seat. babyalert.info; about $70 Win the ChildMinder!

Like us on Facebook/MNParentMag by June 15 for our random drawing.

Special Needs on the creativekidstuff.com website. At The Ordway in St. Paul, a few of the 2012–2013 offerings have kid

appeal. They include Billy Elliot The Musical (October); Elf The Musical (December) based on the movie, Elf, a heartwarming tale of Buddy, an orphan who mistakenly believes he’s one of Santa’s elves; and Sing-A-Long Sound of Music (May 2013), a screening of the classic film with interactive fun included.

New book: Easy To Love but Hard to Raise Hopkins mother Marsha Partington and 31 other parent writers shared their efforts parenting children with a variety of brain-based disorders in Easy to Love but Hard to Raise: Real Parents, Challenging Kids, True Stories, a new book available from DRT Press.

Partington writes of her struggle to

parent a daughter with anxiety, attentiondeficit disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and an eating disorder, in her essay, Meeting Ed. When her daughter first began developing symptoms Partington sought help from teachers, therapists, and family, but she could not get anyone to listen until her daughter exhibited physical symptoms. “No one could see what I did,” she writes. “I felt like I was going crazy.”

The book assures parents of children with mental illnesses, developmental disabilities, and behavioral challenges that they are not crazy, nor are they alone in their predicament.

Adrienne Bashista, co-editor of Easy to Love but Hard to Raise, is the mother of a son who is developmentally and intellectually delayed as a result of his birth mother’s alcohol consumption.

Bashista says, “Parents look around—at school, at soccer, at family parties—and they see no one else struggling with behavior challenges the way that they do.

It’s isolating. But we want these parents to know that there is a huge community of moms and dads out there who are experiencing the same stresses and emotions [and] who face the unrelenting pressure of trying to help a child who may have intense mood swings, tantrums, sleep problems, or a complete lack of impulse control.

Because these disabilities are invisible, the assumption is that the child’s problematic behavior is because of poor parenting. … In reality, children with these issues often function as well as they do because of intensive, constant behavioral intervention.”

You can find the book at drtpress.com for about $13.

June 2012 9

Enhancing the experience How can parents enhance their child’s book club experience? Kreuser offers these tips:

Join the club!

W

By Joy Riggs

hen I was a kid, summers were my chance to ride my bike to the public library, load my basket with books, and spend my days immersed in faraway settings, all from the comfort of my own couch or lawn chair. It was a nearly perfect existence. The only thing that would have enhanced it—besides an unlimited supply of ice-cold lemonade and freshly baked chocolate chip cookies—would have been the chance to discuss the books afterward with other kids who’d enjoyed them, too.

I was clearly born too early, before the invention of youth book clubs. If I were a kid today, I’d plan those library visits around my participation in a summer book club like those offered through the Hennepin County Library, a 41-library system that serves 1.1 million Minnesotans.

Youth in Hennepin County can choose from a variety of offerings tailored to the needs of different kinds of readers. There are clubs just for boys, clubs just for girls, mother-daughter and father-son clubs, clubs for Spanish-speaking youth, and clubs focused on a particular literary genre, like graphic novels or fantasy.

Joni Kreuser, youth services librarian

Resou

rces

Hennepin County Library hclib.org/pub/bookspace/ bookclubskid.cfm Scholastic Books scholastic.com Guys Read guysread.com

10 June 2012

at the St. Louis Park Library, says the main reason to organize a summer book club is because it’s fun for kids.

“That’s got to be number one,” she says. “All the rest of the reasons are for the parents. What’s in it for the kids?”

In support of book clubs Of course, there are plenty of reasons for parents to support a kid’s participation in a book club. It’s a way of keeping kids excited about reading during the summer, when academic achievement often backslides; it develops their discussion skills and promotes respect for other people’s opinions; it gives them an opportunity to establish a relationship with a caring adult who’s not their parent or guardian; it gives them a chance to meet people and make new friends; it provides a group experience for kids who aren’t involved in organized sports; and it exposes them to books they might not otherwise read.

Kreuser says book clubs already were going strong when she started working at

• Make sure your child has unscheduled time to read. If you go on vacation or spend a lot of time in the car, get an audio version of a book and listen to it as a family.

• Audio books also are helpful for children who find the reading challenging; they can listen as they read along, and they can still participate in the discussions.

• Ask your children open-ended questions about the books they’re reading, instead of asking how many pages they’ve read.

• Get your children to meetings five to 10 minutes early, so they’re not embarrassed to rush in late.

• Encourage them to complete their reading assignments, but don’t push it—remember, it’s supposed to be fun, and it’s their book club.

the St. Louis Park library in 1996, but their popularity exploded in 2003 when the library system began using Guys Read, a national program started by author Jon Scieskza. Facilitators are trained to lead the groups—they must be males, according to the rules—and they focus on books that appeal specifically to boys, often incorporating hands-on activities into the discussion.

Same-gender book clubs are popular with tweens because it’s much easier to select books, Kreuser says.

“Guys do not want to read stories with girls as the main character,” she says. “If they’re equal, it’s okay, but they really are not interested in a girl as a main character, whereas girls will read a book with a boy as the main character.”

Kreuser says it’s rewarding to read the evaluations at the end of a book club session because the kids say things like, “I’ve never read anything like this, and I’m glad I did,” or “Thanks for introducing me to these different stories.”

June 2012 11

Job jump Considering the financial transition

“A

By Kara McGuire

t least I have a job.” Bet you’ve heard that refrain plenty since the economy took a tumble. But as the employment picture improves, it’s a less convincing reason to drag yourself to work. Help wanted ads and networking happy hours will start calling your name. And with a lot of skill and a little bit of luck, you’ll be offered a new job.

But your work’s not through.

If you are thinking about landing a new job, here are five must-dos as you consider the transition from one position to another.

1 Remember: It’s not just about money.

For a job with benefits, wages make up approximately 70 percent of an employee’s total compensation. Don’t overlook that valuable benefits package when making a job decision. A small raise can be quickly eaten by out-of-pocket benefits costs. Make sure you’re getting the time off you think you are. Many companies are transitioning from sick and vacation time to a pool of paid time off. Other companies require you to use vacation days for nationally celebrated holidays.

Finally, find out if the company in question offers a tax-deferred retirement plan such as a 401(k) plan, if it pays out matching money, and whether there’s a vesting period for those funds.

12 June 2012

2 What’s the juggle?

It’s important to be able to pay the bills.

But it’s also important to find a job that fits your life. Some jobs require set shifts and long commutes while others may offer flexible options such as working from home or finishing projects at odd hours.

Be sure you’re considering positions that won’t ask you to compromise your values around this subject, which is a sensitive one for parents of both sexes.

3 Consider your career future.

When making a career move, it’s natural to think about the future path you’re entering.

To get an idea of whether a particular field has a good chance of existing 10 years from now, glance at the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ job projections (bls.gov/emp).

The bureau’s Occupational Handbook has

detailed info on salary and job prospects for a whopping 536 occupations.

Also, think about your future plans for family. Does your prospective employer offer any paid parental leave or adoption benefits? Does it even meet the criteria for having to comply with the Family Medical Leave Act? And how much will having a baby cost under your medical plan?

4 Don’t leave money on the table.

If you decide it’s time to make the move, thoroughly examine your soon-to-beformer employer’s policies. If you wait to give notice until the next quarter begins, you might receive a greater vacation payout or a bonus. If you’ve already hit your health care deductible, maybe it’s finally time to schedule that voluntary medical procedure. And the most overlooked perk? The total value of your flexible spending account for medical expenses is available to you at the beginning of the year, even though you fund it gradually with each paycheck. Time to get those prescription sunglasses on your employer’s dime. And if you’ve been paying for a legal plan but never got around to writing that will, now is the time.

5 Plan for your life after work.

It took me six years to finally roll my 401(k) plan from a previous job into a Rollover IRA. It’s not uncommon for companies to allow former employers to keep their existing accounts. If the investment choices are strong and the fees low, then it’s okay not to rush the rollover. But keep in mind that it’s one of those items on the to-do list that can take years to come back to.

What can’t wait is for you to sign up for your new employer’s retirement plan, especially if the company offers matching money that will help you meet your retirement needs. More and more companies are automatically enrolling workers in 401(k) plans, but usually at a level so low that you’ll never retire without bulking up your contribution.

Studies also show that workers all too often keep their money in the pre-selected default investment, which may be all wrong for your risk tolerance and time horizon. Yes, investment decisions are tedious for most workers and few companies do a good job making it fast or easy. But your future is on the line, so make the time.

June 2012 13

fight Less, Love more the toxic couple

Are you a love optimist?

R

By Laurie Puhn

esearch shows that couples who blissfully stay together for a lifetime have an uncanny ability to downplay the negative and highlight the positive in their mate and their relationship. When you are with your friends, do you talk up your mate’s overall helpfulness or do you prefer to tell a juicy story about the one incredibly thoughtless thing he or she did? It’s all in the eyes of the beholder. Take this joke, for instance:

A woman’s husband has been slipping in and out of a coma for several months, yet she stayed by his bedside every single day. When he came to, he motioned for her to come near her.

As she sat by him, he said, “You know what? You have been with me all through the bad times. When I got fired, you were there to support me. When my business failed, you were there. When I got shot, you were by my side. When we lost the house, you gave me support. When my health started failing, you were still by my side. You know what?”

“What dear?” she asked gently.

“I think you bring me bad luck.”

When you started your relationship, you talked like an optimist, expressing joy and happiness about building a future together. As the years progressed, you and your mate probably shifted into a pessimistic auto-mode, in which you talk more about what is wrong and less about what is right.

14 June 2012

How can you renew the optimistic feeling you once enjoyed? For one thing, find a single positive in your relationship every day and say it out loud. Yes, you think your spouse knows that you are happy when he/she arrives home, but if you don’t smile and greet your mate with a warm hello or a hug, then you are leaving your honey in the dark.

Even if things aren’t perfect at home, every day you should find one upbeat moment to focus on. For instance, if you and your partner bicker a lot, but were more civil on a certain day, point that out: “Hey did you notice that we didn’t argue at all today? I am proud of us.” Or, if your mate made a generous offer, recognize it and say, “That was kind of you to offer to go to the doctor with me.

Your support means a lot.” Just because your mate did something to tick you off earlier in the day, don’t ignore something positive done later in the day.

Next, choose your friends wisely. On the TV show Saturday Night Live there is a recurring hilarious skit about the Needlers, “a bickering couple who should be divorced.” The couple is always complaining, fighting, or rudely putting each other down in front of others. They are a toxic couple, sapping other people’s optimism and draining their energy. If you have the misfortune of spending time with a couple like them, I suggest you exit as soon as possible because pessimism and optimism are contagious. It is rewarding to spend time with people who are upbeat and show appreciation and respect for each other.

Finally, practicing optimism means finding and sharing a variety of activities with people who inspire love, peace, joy in your life. Don’t make your love relationship the one meaningful thing you have. Widen your lens. Get involved with people and interests to complement your relationship with your mate. Do you like to go for walks in the park? Do you enjoy exercise, yoga, sports or cooking? Do you have a close friend who likes to do those things? Call him or her more often. Do you like to write, paint, or knit? Then introduce your child to those activities.

If becoming a love optimist seems like work to you, just consider the time and energy you will waste as a pessimist who instills anxiety, worry, anger, and fear into your relationship. Practice these uplifting strategies and in days you will discover that you like yourself, your mate, and your life, much more.

rEsourCEs Laurie Puhn is a lawyer, couples mediator, relationship expert, and bestselling author of Fight Less, Love More: 5-Minute Conversations to Change Your Relationship without Blowing Up or Giving In. You can find her online at fightlesslovemore.com.

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Talented literary types abound in Minnesota. Let’s take a look!

By Claire Walling

Minnesota seems to have it all, including a wide and talented array of children’s book authors and illustrators.

Mary Casanova, Jennifer Bell, Carey McKeon Pearson and Patti Nero Kivestu don’t appear to have a lot in common; Casanova is a veteran in the publishing world with 19 titles, Bell has recently broken into the children’s illustrating scene, and Pearson and Kivestu set out to tell a mostly-true story of hope and friendship.

But they do have one thing in common: they are Minnesotan. And while that means something different to each, they all credit their surroundings for influencing their work.

June 2012 15

Mary Casanova difficulty with reading, she falls on a balance beam dismount and hears a crack.

In the series’ second book, McKenna, Ready to Fly, McKenna uses the same skills that helped her to overcome her reading issues to come back from her broken leg and make the Level 4 competitive gymnastics team, learning some beneficial lessons about friendship along the way.

The McKenna series isn’t Casanova’s first project for American Girl; she also wrote Jess, the companion book for the 2006 Girl of the Year, about a girl who explores the jungles of Belize with her researcherparents, and Chrissa and Chrissa Stands Strong, about a 10-year-old girl who moves from Iowa to Minnesota and faces bullying at school.

“It always starts with a photo bY CLaiRe WaLLiNg phone call and somebody says ‘are you interested in writing this next project?’ and my answer is always yes. I’m really excited that first day because I’m going to be able to do a couple of books and it’s going to come with a doll and all sorts of [accompanying] products,” Casanova says.

The process of writing an American Girl “Doll of the Year” book is very different from her normal process. Instead of two years or more from the initial idea to the a blonde, fair-skinned gymnast whose book being in readers’ hands, she had appearance is remarkably similar to that only six months to research and write of Casanova’s fictional character, both books for the McKenna series.

McKenna Brooks, also known as the Casanova says it’s “not a task for a novice” 2012 American Girl Doll of the Year. She but enjoys the challenge of working under tells Casanova about her elbow fracture a tight deadline. “For one day I’m super last fall and her subsequent fight to get excited, and the next day it sinks in that back in the gym. … I have to do it in a pretty short amount This is a storyline Casanova is familiar of time. I usually go into a little bit of a with. Just as McKenna conquers her panic, like ‘Oh my gosh, why did I think I

Mary Casanova takes a pause from signing a copy of her two latest books, McKenna and McKenna, Ready to Fly, to chat with a young fan,

16 June 2012

wanted to do this?’”

Not all of Casanova’s stories are written under a tight deadline. “I was in New York City visiting with editors and the night before my meeting I woke up at midnight with these words in my head: ‘The day Dirk Yeller came to town the wind curled its lip, cattle quit lowing and tumbleweeds stopped tumbling along.’ I thought ‘I don’t usually get up to write things down in the middle of the night because I work really hard at sleeping.’

[But] I [decided] to get up and write that down, and I’m so glad I did. I went into the bathroom so I wouldn’t wake up my husband and wrote it down on toilet paper.”

The opening lines of The Day Dirk Yeller Came to Town seemed to come to her out of the blue, yet not a word has changed from her toilet paper-scribbling. “I thought ‘okay just go back to sleep; it will probably sound really silly in the morning.’ [But] in the morning I looked at the words and went ‘wow, I actually kind of like that, and I think I know the whole story.’” Most of Casanova’s stories come through research, which is why this experience was so unusual.

on the road Casanova credits her relaxed, northern Minnesota lifestyle for influencing her writing, but there’s more to her days than just writing. Research for her books has taken her to faraway places such as Norway and Belize, and most recently, for researching the setting of the McKenna series, to Seattle.

“I go to that location and try to soak in

win a DvD Universal Studios Home Entertainment is releasing An American Girl: McKenna Shoots for the Stars on Blu-ray combo pack and DVD July 3 in honor of McKenna being American Girl’s incredibly popular 2012 Girl of the Year. Just “Like” MNParentMag on Facebook by June 29 for your chance to win.

everything that I can, because I know I’m going to need all of that information for story material.” Casanova even used her own misfortune of walking into a path of fire ants for Jess. “I have to go there and experience it so that you would believe it when you’re reading [the story].”

When a new book is released, most of her days are spent traveling the country (which Casanova says she never saw coming), speaking to young fans about the stories behind her books’ characters, and more importantly, the story behind her own writing.

Speaking to a group of young readers gathered at the Roseville Barnes & Noble, Casanova makes a confession: “I didn’t like reading when I was younger.” A true Minnesota girl, Casanova says reading competed with her outdoor time. Her love of writing came during high school as a way of being heard in a camp-like home as one of 10 children.

McKenna’s story resonated with Casanova because she also struggled with reading in school before becoming a bookworm later in life. “I was a pretty good student in elementary school and it was baffling to me that I could go to the library, check out books, but not be able to finish every book that I checked out like some of my friends could.”

Today, Casanova writes for the reader she was. “I’m the kind of reader where the author has to work extra hard to keep my attention and keep my turning those pages.

When I finish a book it’s because I loved it.”

With 19 published children’s books and nearly a dozen more in the pipeline, Casanova is still terrified and delighted by writing. “I have to tell myself to take a risk, jump in, and do the work. It’s kind of a magical, mysterious process.”

Jennifer bell

Jennifer Bell is grateful she took the plunge. Two years ago, she left her job as a holiday giftware product designer to pursue her dream of being a children’s book illustrator.

“I left my job and I wasn’t sure. It’s scary to jump into working on your own and not having a consistent income. Right after I left my job I started illustrating my first book, and that sealed the deal for me that I had made the right decision.”

While Bell’s environment—she’s only a short walk away from Lake Harriet in Minneapolis—is on the opposite side of the spectrum from Mary Casanova’s back woods, she’s nevertheless influenced by her Minnesota surroundings. “I take a lot of walks. It’s a nice excuse to put some daytime clothes on and get some fresh air.” She jokes that Minnesota winters force her to be more productive. “The cold keeps me inside more.” Elements of Minnesota are also evident in her illustrations; most of her portfolio to date is of “cute animal characters.”

Despite her initial nerves, Bell is enjoying every minute of her work. She reaches into her canvas bag and eagerly pulls out the proofs of her latest project, When a Dad says “I Love You” by Douglass Wood, due to be released next spring.

Bell says nothing is as exciting as “getting to hold the book with the glitter all over the cover.”

Her excitement is justified. Before she began illustrating children’s books Submitted photo such as the popular Stella Batts series— and discovered firsthand the long hours that go into research and preliminary sketches—Bell did freelance work as a greeting card designer. “I used to do a lot of greeting card work and those are just short and fast, and pretty immediate.”

Bell says.

She credits her previous career as a product designer for her rise to success in the competitive children’s book market.

“That job helped me shape my style and taught me what was marketable,” Bell says. The experience appears to have paid off, too. “There’s usually one illustration that they can pinpoint, for whatever reason, that they just want the whole book to have that feel, so that’s usually where it all starts for me.”

Bell sketches each illustration by hand, then scans in the sketches and uses

June 2012 17

Photoshop to color each one digitally. She enjoys the flexibility that her hybrid traditional/digital method affords. “It makes it much easier to change colors without having to scrap the whole illustration.”

Although Bell usually works independently in her Minneapolis home, she gets

plenty of advice from her 11-year-old son.

“He has a lot of interesting suggestions, especially when I’m working on books with actual children. He has a lot of good insight on what characters should be wearing.” But even though Bell finds every day of her work exciting, it’s still not “cool” enough for her tween. “He’s not so

interested in what I’m working on these days. I think I’d have to be a helicopter pilot for him to think what I did was cool.”

Bell doesn’t write her own stories—not yet at least. “I think I could also be working on my own stories, but I haven’t had the time to even think about taking that on.”

Carey McKeon pearson & Patti nero Kivestu Carey McKeon Pearson holds Rags, flanked

by Patti Nero Kivestu.

Submitted photo

When Carey McKeon Pearson visited her daughter, Colleen, at Texas Christian University, she was expecting a show dog to come bounding out the door from the description Colleen had given her.

18 June 2012

Instead, she was greeted by a rescued one-year-old Boston Terrier who Pearson described as “homely.”

Rags, now seven (that’s her estimated age—Colleen would prefer to stop the clock at age three forever), perches on the couch, peering at the door every few minutes, knowing this is the time of day when Colleen will come through the door and release her from “doggy daycare” at Pearson’s home.

“She’s so athletic,” Pearson recalls her daughter telling her over the phone but it took her getting to know Rags to realize that all the traits Colleen had attributed to this unassuming dog—athletic, intelligent, and loyal, to name a few—were because of her inner beauty, not her superior heritage.

Pearson and her long-time friend Patti Nero Kivestu realized they had a great story on their hands and one that kids who feel lost and alone—just like Rags did in the west Texas desert—can relate to.

Rags to Riches: A Dog’s Tale of Hope and Friendship is a true story, with a little

“creative conjecture” about the Rags’ adventures as a stray. They would sit down together most afternoons, with a cup of coffee for Kivestu and hot chocolate for Pearson, and build on their own friendship while writing about the same.

The pair had a strong vision for what their completed book would look like, and clung to that vision throughout the editing and publishing process, even having a debate with their editor over the word “caterwauling.”

They wanted to create a children’s book like the classics they read to their own children. “We wanted a classic look, like Make Way for Ducklings. So many of the kids’ books today look almost gimmicky,” Kivestu says. Pearson added that the feel of the language was as important to them as the story they were writing.

It’s fitting that they wrote a story about finding a best friend, because Pearson and Kivestu have the same in one another. • Claire Walling is currently a student at Hamline University, studying communications.

Out About

Ongoing

Mr. Toad’s Wild Adventure ÎÎThe eccentric Mr. Toad sets the pace for adventure in this high-spirited comedy when he discovers an untamable passion for fast cars. His reckless escapades behind the wheel soon land him in jail and it’s up to his loyal friends, Mole, Ratty, and Badger to clear his good name. Adapted from Kenneth Grahame’s classic children’s book, The Wind in the Willows, this heartwarming musical adaptation is great fun for all ages.

SpotLight Showcase ÎÎThis professionally produced Hennepin Theatre Trust gala honors Minnesota’s best young musical theater talent by featuring dynamic student performances mixed with award presentations from among 600 honored students and 47 participating schools. Collectively, these high school musicals are made possible by the collaboration of almost 4,000 students and are annually seen by an estimated 100,000 audience members. The names of two students selected to represent Minnesota at the National High School Musical Theatre Awards in New York will also be announced this evening.

When: Opens June 19 with various daytime show starts Where: Old Log Theater, Greenwood Cost: $16 with discounts for groups 10 or more Info: oldlog.com or 952-474-5951

When: June 11 at 7:00 p.m.

Where: Orpheum Theatre, downtown Minneapolis Cost: $15 Info: hennepintheatretrust.org or 800-982-2787

Flint International Children’s Festival ÎÎThis family weekend festival offers more than 10 international music and dance performances each day on two outdoor stages; interact with dozens of magicians, balloon artists, henna, and face painters; more than two dozen art making activities; take a stroll through the storytelling garden; witness dancers leaping and moving on toy blocks in a performance from Ireland; watch an exciting parade of dance—all for free! Plus, international performing groups coming from as far away as Scotland and Italy are just $5 a ticket; international cuisine options available.

When: June 2nd and 3rd from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Where: Parks around Ordway Center, 4th and Washington streets, St. Paul Cost: FREE; other performances $5 Info: 651-282-3000 or ordway.org/ festival/

22 June 2012

DINOSAURS! ÎÎFifteen larger-than-life animatronic dinosaurs, including the popular Tyrannosaurus Rex, Giganotosaurus, and Brachiosaurus, will take up residence along the Minnesota Zoo’s Northern Trail this summer. Pre-historic adventure awaits!

When: Now through September 3 Where: Minnesota Zoo, Apple Valley Cost: Zoo admission + $4.00 ($3.50 for members) Info: mnzoo.com or 952-431-9200

Dirt-O-Rama ÎÎGet dirty and discover the world beneath your feet through the Arboretum’s summer exhibit. Weekends will feature a “MudPie Kitchen” for kids at the new Green Play Yard.

When: June 2 through October 14

Where: Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, Chanhassen, Cost: Under 12, FREE; over 12: $12 Info: arboretum.umn.edu or 952-443-1400

Baseball: America’s Game Exhibit ÎÎThis exhibit comprises works from the contributions of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, Major League baseball Productions, the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and more.

When: Through June 15, during regular library hours Where: Hennepin County Library, Minneapolis Central, Cargill Hall Cost: FREE Info: hclib.org or 612-543-8000

Pippi Longstocking ÎÎPippi Longstocking lives a kid’s dream life, answering to no one and doing as she pleases as mistress of Villa Villekulla.

Bending iron bars as easily as she bends rules, Pippi rallies friends Tommy and Annika into tormenting civilized adults and teaching less-civilized ones a lesson or two. Uproarious and glorious, it’s a musical production is filled with joy, rabblerousing, and adventure.

When: Through June 10 Where: Children’s Theatre Company, Minneapolis Cost: Varies depending upon seat and performance Info: childrenstheatre.org or 612-874-0400

Real Pirates ÎÎAhoy, landlubbers! Hollywood’s glamorous and adventure-packed portrayal of pirates has captured our imaginations for generations. But what was life on the high seas really like during the Golden Age of Piracy? You’ll find out in Real Pirates: The Untold Story of the Whydah from Slave Ship to Pirate Ship.

When: Through September 3 Where: Science Museum of Minnesota, St. Paul Cost: Tickets are timed and dated, cost varies from $12 to $25 Info: smm.org or 651-221-9444

Friday, June 1 Family Night at the Global Market ÎÎFree live music, a children’s play area, and free balloons for the first 50 children.

Businesses will validate your parking (for up to three hours) with purchase if you park in the 10th Avenue parking ramp.

When: Every Friday from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Where: Midtown Global Market, Minneapolis Cost: FREE Info: midtownglobalmarket.org or 612-872-4041

Edina Art Fair ÎÎThe first official art fair of the year will feature 320 fine artists and crafters from around Minnesota, the U.S., and Canada.

Plus, puppet show by Anne Sawyer-Aitch called “Nalah and the Pink Tiger”; the Teddy Bear Band; and Chicks on Sticks. Other highlights will include a Kids Art Zone, a Community Art Project, pottery wheel demos, and original artwork from the “Foot in the Fair” program for students in grades 1 to 12. FREE shuttle service from Southdale Shopping Center by Firestone, too.

When: 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Where: 50th & France neighborhood, Edina Cost: FREE Info: edinaartfair.com or 952-922-1524

June 2012 23

Out About Saturday, June 2

Cost: FREE Info: theatresmoa.com

Flint International Children’s Festival

Edina Art Fair

ÎÎSee description, Parent Picks, page 22.

ÎÎSee description, Friday, June 1

When: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Where: Parks around Ordway Center, 4th and Washington streets, St. Paul Cost: FREE; other performances $5 Info: 651-282-3000 or ordway.org/ festival/

When: 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

TPT Family Fun Day ÎÎJoin Twin Cities Public Television (TPT) for a full day of activities, including music from the Snapdragon Seeds, character appearances, VIP character breakfast, performances, skits and more.

When: 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., depending upon event Where: Como Town and Como Park Zoo Cost: $15 (purchase prior to June 1); $20 day of event Info: tpt.org/?a=familyFun#home or 651-229-1330

Free 1st Saturdays at the Walker Art Center: Open Laboratory ÎÎFamilies join artist David Hamlow, specialists from the Science Museum of Minnesota, and other partners to learn about bugs, plants, and art through hands-on activities and creative play. Close Encounters workshop in the adjacent Minneapolis Sculpture Garden.

When: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (family activities until 3:00) Where: Walker Art Center, Minneapolis Cost: FREE Info: walkerart.org or 612-375-7600

Free Family Flicks: Puss in Boots ÎÎEnjoy a free movie at the Mall of America. First-come, first-served to theater capacity.

When: 10:00 a.m.

Where: Theatres at Mall of America, Bloomington

24 June 2012

Discover Aviation Days ÎÎEnjoy flying demonstrations, numerous aviation exhibits, aircraft and helicopter rides, food booths and more! General aviation, corporate aircraft, experimental, WWII fighters, trainers and bombers, and modern military aircraft will all be on display. A pancake breakfast and lunch on both days. This year’s special feature is an 80 percent scale of the Vietnam wall in Washington D.C. When: 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Where: Anoka County Airport, Janes Field, Blaine Cost: FREE admission, food and dance require a fee, parking donation Info: 763-568-6072 or discoveraviationdays.org

Grand Old Day ÎÎWhether you’re looking for the best summer parades in Minnesota (complete with candy, of course!), music festivals to jam out to, some of the best fair foods

Minnesota has to offer, or just some good old fun activities in the sun, St. Paul’s Grand Old Day is the place to be! The festival features 4 “districts,” along Grand Avenue, stretching from Fairview Avenue to Dale Street including Family Fun Activities, Art, Sports, and Entertainment.

When: 7:45 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Where: Grand Avenue in St. Paul Cost: FREE Info: grandave.com/grand-old-day

Understanding and Addressing Challenging Behaviors ÎÎParents of young children with developmental delays and/or disabilities will learn about brain development and behavior, different temperament types, stages of development, and strategies to provide children with acceptable ways to get their needs met.

When: 9:00 to 11:00 a.m.

Where: Pacer Center, Bloomington Cost: FREE Info: pacer.org or 952-838-9000

Sunday, June 3 Edina Art Fair ÎÎSee Friday, June 1 When: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

About the Calendar Minnesota Parent welcomes information about events for families throughout the state of Minnesota.

Calendar listings are FREE and can be submitted online at mnpubs.com; click on Events > Submit an event.

You can submit a listing at any time, but the deadline for possible inclusion in the print publication is six weeks prior to the month of publication.

(For example, June 15 for the August issue.)

All events are subject to change.

Be certain to check with the event sponsor either by visiting the website or calling, to ensure the featured event is still viable.

Events taking place for more than one weekend in length will be listed in our “Ongoing” area, space permitting.

Flint International Children’s Festival ÎÎSee description, Parent Picks, page 22 When: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Discover Aviation Days ÎÎSee description, Saturday, June 2 When: 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Tuesday, June 5 Preschool Playdate ÎÎPreschool appropriate activities that will keep little hands busy and little minds

buzzing. Ticket includes admission to the exhibit galleries, take-home science experiment, preschool perfect Science Live performances and science demonstrations, and various discounts. when: 10:00 a.m. to noon where: Science Museum of Minnesota, St. Paul Cost: Under five, FREE; $13 for adults info: smm.org/playdates or 651-2219444

WedneSdAy, JUne 6 Wee Wednesdays Î Wee Wednesdays have plenty to see and do for toddlers and their families. Free, educational programming geared toward children five and under; also features hands-on activities and more. when: Beginning at 10:30 a.m. where: Midtown Global Market, Minneapolis Cost: FREE info: midtownglobalmarket.org or 612-872-4041

fridAy, JUne 8 family night at the Global market Î See description, Friday, June 1 when: 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

SAtUrdAy, JUne 9 northern Spark Î Northern Spark is an active celebration of the creativity of artists and the creative programming of cultural organizations.

Last year, there were 50,000 visits to 100 projects by more than 200 artists in collaboration with 60 cultural organizations and sponsors at 34 venues in Minneapolis and St. Paul. when: Sunset on June 9 to sunrise on June 10 where: Minneapolis & St. Paul areas, maps online Cost: FREE info: northernspark.org

June 2012 25

Out About inventions of the human mind.

Saturday Live!

Bug-a-wocky ÎÎBug-a-wocky ventures into the fascinating world of bugs. Children will be thrilled by a tale about a very tricky spider and a magical rock.

When: 11:15 a.m. to noon Where: St. Paul Public Central Library Cost: FREE Info: sppl.org/kids/parents/saturday-live or 651-266-7034

Rhythm & Words Music and Book Festival ÎÎA free day of fun for kids ages 10 and under (and their grownups!) with activities, live music (Okee Dokee Brothers, Clementown, etc.), author appearances, performances (juggling, puppets, theater), and a musical instrument “petting zoo.”

When: 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Where: Burnsville Performing Arts Center, Burnsville Cost: FREE Info: dakotacounty.us/library or 651450-2942

Free Family Flicks: Mouse Hunt ÎÎEnjoy a free movie at the Mall of America. First-come, first-served to theater capacity.

When: 10:00 a.m.

Where: Theatres at Mall of America, Bloomington Cost: FREE Info: theatresmoa.com

Sunday, June 10 Conquering Infinity: Adventures of Alice in Mathland ÎÎFollowing the beloved characters from Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures In Wonderland the play tells a story of Mathematics as one of the greatest

26 June 2012

When: 4:00 p.m.

Where: The Sabes JCC Theatre, St. Louis Park Cost: $10 adults; $8.00 children Info: harmonytheatre.org or 763-442-1628

Family Day at the MIA: Shape by Shape ÎÎPlay around with patterns and shapes in a fun-filled event designed with families in mind. Discover the bold colors and geometric patterns of Diné (Navajo) textiles and silverwork. Seek out hexagons, triangles, diamonds, and more in a gallery exploration.

When: 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Where: Minneapolis Institute of Arts Cost: FREE Info: 612-870-3000 or artsmia.org

Monday, June 11 Spotlight Showcase ÎÎSee description, Parent Picks, page 22 When: 7:00 p.m.

Tuesday, June 12 Arty Pants ÎÎFeaturing activities for adults and youngsters ages three to five. Art projects, films, gallery activities, and story time.

When: 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Where: Walker Art Center, Minneapolis Cost: FREE with gallery admission; Walker members and kids ages 12 and under are always free.

Info: walkerart.org or 612-375-7600

Friday, June 15 Stone Arch Bridge Festival ÎÎThree days of art, music on three performance stages and activities right on the beautiful Minneapolis riverfront. Family arts area, Father’s Day car show.

When: 6:00 p.m.

Where: Minneapolis Riverfront near Stone Arch Bridge Cost: FREE Info: stonearchbridgefestival.com

Three Bears Lodge Waterpark Discovery Day ÎÎMeet teachers, staff, parents and students from the tuition-free online public schools Minnesota Virtual Academy, Insight School of Minnesota and iQ Academy Minnesota and learn more about each program.

When: 11 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Where: Three Bears Lodge Waterpark, Brainerd Cost: FREE Info: 866-360-0159 or k12.com

Saturday, June 16 Stone Arch Bridge Festival ÎÎSee description, Friday, June 15 When: 10:00 a.m. until dusk

KidStock 2012 ÎÎA day of free activities presented by the maple Grove Arts Council including Teddy Bear Parade; dance party; The Teddy Bear Band; and many other activities.

When: 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Where: The central courtyard area in The Shoppes at Arbor Lakes Cost: FREE Info: maplegroveartscouncil.org or 763-488-9965

Baby Fair ÎÎGet the latest information on pregnancy, birth and parenting from doctors, midwives and experts. Over 100 tables of product and service vendors; free lunch, door prizes, face painting for kids, fire truck and ambulance exploration. Minnesota Zoomobile, too!

When: 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Where: Shakopee Sr. High School Cost: FREE Info: stfrancis-shakopee.com or 952-428-2000

Saturday Live! Swedish Folk Tales ÎÎWhat happens when three billy goats gruff encounter an ugly troll on their way to dinner? How did varg (wolf) trick björn (bear) into losing his tail? Students love hearing Swedish language integrated into classic tales through animated and engaging storytelling techniques.

When: 11:15 a.m. to noon Where: St. Paul Public Central Library Cost: FREE Info: sppl.org/kids/parents/saturday-live or 651-266-7034

Sunday, June 17 Stone Arch Bridge Festival ÎÎSee description, Friday, June 15 When: 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Friday, June 22 Minnesota Street Rod Back to the ’50s Weekend ÎÎShiny automobiles, music, and more including 11,000 street rods, customs, classics, and restored cars all dating 1964 and earlier. Outdoor music, swap meet, games and MSRA Kid’s World with balloon artists, face painting, climbing walls.

When: 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Where: Minnesota State Fairgrounds Cost: $10 adults, $2 children Info: 651-641-1992 or msra.com •

Saturday, June 23 Free Family Flicks: Space Jam ÎÎEnjoy a free movie at the Mall of America. First-come, first-served to theater capacity.

When: 10:00 a.m.

Where: Theatres at Mall of America, Bloomington Cost: FREE Info: theatresmoa.com

June 2012 27

From agents to headshots to continued reje ctio here are some n, ti on how to kee ps p sanity when p your arenting a wanna-be a ctor

By Julie Kend rick

Be A StAr d

evin Kelley is a working actor (her latest movie, the horrorthriller Chernobyl Diaries, was released on Memorial Day).

But she still recalls the sting of not getting a role she wanted, in a community theater production, when she was in fourth grade. “I remember crawling under my bed, crying. My mom let me go for a while, then assured me there would be more acting opportunities ahead. Then we did something fun together to take my mind off it,” she says. Kelley, who grew up in Eagan and now lives in Los Angeles, says the routine hasn’t changed much. “I still don’t get some roles I want, and while I don’t crawl under the bed anymore, my mom has her ‘it’s not the end of the world’ speech down pat.”

In Kelley’s estimation, her parents achieved a good balance between supporting their daughter’s dream and not pushing too hard. “They opened up the doors and let me choose which ones to walk through. My mom always said it’s the parents’ job to be behind the child, not in front, and they managed that very well.”

Achieving a perfect parental balance is the goal, of course, but things can get complicated when the glamour of show business enters a family’s life.

“Everybody thinks their baby is beautiful,” says one of the Twin Cities’ top show business agents, who asked not to be named in this article. (Her

28 June 2012

clients can be seen in Target and General Mills commercials, print ads, and even some feature films.) She is often contacted by parents who are convinced that their darling should be the one modeling new clothes in the next Target print ad; or that their tween could be a breakout star on Disney Channel. Her biggest advice to parents is to keep things professional to avoid jinxing a child’s career. “If I have 10 great candidates who have easy-to-workwith parents, and one child whose parent is difficult, who do you think will get recommended to the casting agent?”

“Hoping that your child might get to have fun on stage or in a commercial is a terrific goal,” says Beth Chaplin¸ actor and author of The Acting Biz: A Career Guide to the Twin Cities, “but deciding that your child is going to earn enough to pay off your mortgage is a terrible idea.” She adds, “In the Twin Cities, acting work is sporadic even for adults, and for kids it’s even more so. If your child is lucky and lands some jobs, perhaps there will be enough to start a college fund, but that’s probably about it.”

one word: theater Parents often wonder about the best way to prepare a child for a show business career, and the experts agree on a single word: theater. “School plays, church shows, synagogue revues, whatever lets your child gain experience in front of an audience—that’s good,” Chaplin says.

Kelley focused her youthful acting efforts with Minneapolis-based Youth Performance Company (YPC) and was part of

“if someone tells your kid they don’t have what it takes, let it go in one ear and out the other. Just show an interest in your child’s interests, and be gentle in seeing where it leads.”

Brian Goranson

June 2012 29

their Young Artists’ Council. There are also a plethora of kid-focused theaters in the Twin Cities, however (see our “Kidfocused” sidebar for a list).

Jacie Knight, YPC’s founder and artistic director, remembers that Devin Kelley’s parents did a great job of vetting her organization, introducing themselves to her, and then letting their daughter make her own way with the group. She says that parents should, “First, make sure your child is in a safe, nurturing environment, and then get out of there. If you want to help, ask about volunteering or serving on the board, but don’t sit in on classes or rehearsals.”

But even kids who are thrilled at the idea of being in front of an audience can find the audition process daunting.

Children’s Theatre Company has taken steps to change that experience from frightening to fun. “We are committed to making the audition experience here an absolutely joyous one,” says Peter Brosius, artistic director. He credits associate producer Nancy Galatowitsch, who

your child is cast in a production, it may mean hours in the car, an outlay of capital or arranging your schedule endlessly,” Brosius says, “but try to keep the larger perspective that arts experiences are so positive to a child’s overall development, no matter what career they pursue as an adult.”

Performing arts education

Submitted image

Minnesota-born and raised actress Devin Kelley.

handles youth casting. “She calls back every single child who auditions with us, even if we have 500 kids show up. She lets them know if they didn’t get a part, but mentions what they did well and encourages them to keep trying,” he says.

Once a child is a working actor, the parent also takes on another job, too. “If

If your teenaged child has decided on acting as a career, it might be time to investigate a dedicated high school, such as Perpich Arts High School in Golden Valley or Saint Paul Conservatory for Performing Arts (SPCPA).

Brian Goranson is the artistic director for SPCPA, a charter school serving grades 9 through 12. His students enter at all levels of ability, from those who have appeared in shows at the Guthrie, to those who are just beginning to think about acting. “We tell our students that if you have a passion for acting, and can’t imagine not doing it, then stay committed and persevere and ultimately your life’s calling will find you.”

Still, there will always be more rejections

Parent, beware According to Beth Chaplin, author of The Acting Biz: A Career Guide to the Twin Cities, it’s important to do some research before contracting services for your child’s show business career: Don’t give money to anyone who promises that your child will find work or “be discovered.”

Don’t pay an agency to represent you, because agents get paid when your child gets work.

Don’t pay anyone to put your child’s photo in a book or on a website unless you know they have lots of clients who hire actors.

If any person or organization wants money from you upfront, they are probably more interested in your checkbook than your child’s career.

Additionally, Susie Mains, a talent representative with 25 years of experience in New York and Los Angeles, and who discovered and nurtured the careers of celebrities such as Tobey McGuire, Seth Green, and Tia and Tamera

30 June 2012

Mowry, offers a few more nuggets: Make sure your child is interested in being in the spotlight and being an actor. The desire must come from them, not you. Kids as young as four can know what they are passionate about.

Find a good local acting school and enroll your child. Check for summer acting programs and youth theaters.

Acting classes will teach your child their craft. Acting schools can also be a place to make professional contacts with talent agents or managers. You may want to work with an acting coach.

Find out about local opportunities for getting your child involved in theater, commercials, print, or films. Sometimes local universities have film departments and students are looking for kids to appear in their film projects.

Have a high quality headshot (head and shoulders) taken of your child.

Create a resume for your child including your child’s height, eye color, hair color, weight, school plays, acting or musical training, modeling, and

special skills such as dancing, singing, bike riding, sports, skate boarding, juggling.

Check with the Screen Actors Guild (sag.org) for recommendations on reputable agencies in your area.

Your child will need an agent to get auditions for commercials, television, and film. A talent agent will take 10 percent commission of anything the child makes. Agents do not charge upfront fees.

If you are willing to travel to Los Angeles or NYC and possibly relocate, email your child’s picture and resume to agents and managers with the dates you will be in town. Those interested will contact you to schedule a meeting.

When your child does get an audition make sure he is on time, polite, and prepared.

Be sure you are both ready for disappointments. The parent must be the child’s biggest cheerleader. Not all auditions turn into bookings.

At the Chan DT Musical Theatre Camp this summer, kids will be given the rare opportunity to audition for eight youth roles in CDT’s upcoming production of Bye Bye Birdie opening in September.

Kid-focused theaters Want to see a play? Sign your child up for an audition? Here are a few theaters in the Twin Cities area that have great programs and plays for your wanna-be actor.

Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, Chanhassen, chanhassendt.com Children’s Theatre Company, Minneapolis, childrenstheatre.org Harmony Theatre Company & School, St. Louis Park, harmonytheatre.org Hennepintheatretrust, Minneapolis, Hennepintheatretrust.org StageCoach Theatre Arts, St. Louis Park & St. Paul, stagecoachschools.com Stages Theatre Company, Hopkins, stagestheatre.org Steppingstone Theatre, St. Paul, steppingstonetheatre.org Youth Performance Company, Minneapolis, youthperformanceco.com

than “you got the part!” phone calls. “Our rule of thumb,” Goranson says, “is that for every 10 theater auditions, you’ll get one role, and for every 20 commercial or print auditions, you should be getting about one job. The message is that most of the time, if you’re not getting cast, a director or casting agent is looking for something very specific, and that ‘something’ isn’t you.”

Goranson reminds parents that talent is a highly subjective commodity, and says that, as long as your child is having fun, keep at it. “If someone tells your kid they don’t have what it takes, let it go in one ear and out the other,” he counsels. “Just show an interest in your child’s interests, and be gentle in seeing where it leads.”

I still want to be an actor Still, the one certainty in show business is that there will be disappointments. Kelley says her worst day as an actor occurred when her uncle, who worked in advertising, offered Kelley and her brother a chance to appear in a Mall of America commercial. “We were going to ride the roller coaster for free and be on TV,” she recalls, “and I thought, I LOVE being an actor.” When they arrived at the shoot, however, five-year-old Devin was too short for the ride, and had to sit it out on a bench, watching her uncle and brother zip around on the coaster. “It was awful,” says Kelley. “I watched them ride by, time after time, and I thought, ‘I don’t care. I still want to be an actor.’”

June 2012 31

Cheerful Givers: From 12 birthday bags—to 500,000 Robin Steele had lived her life like most of us, not realizing the impact she could have in her community. The world’s problems seemed too big for the hands of too few.

But one day, while touring a food shelf, she was told about how parents often frantically looked for a favorite box of cereal or canned good to give their child as a birthday gift.

The thought of a child’s birthday passing without any real recognition lit a fire in her heart and stirred her to action.

That night she purchased 12 gift bags and filled them with toys. Nothing earth shaking. Twelve birthday bags created with love in the basement of a house by someone who wanted to make a difference. Those bags were dropped off at Trinity Mission in St. Paul on a Sunday night.

Early Monday morning the call came. It was from the mission, sharing the story of the first birthday bag given out. A woman had come to the food shelf looking for a food item to celebrate the birthday of one of her children. Her anticipation turned to anguish when she realized there wasn’t anything special she could give her child. However, despair turned to joy when she was presented with a toy-filled birthday bag. Overwhelmed, the woman exclaimed, “The whole way over on the

32 June 2012

A Cheerful Givers recipient.

Submitted image

bus I prayed and prayed that there would be something here for me to give my child, but I never dreamed there would be something so beautiful.” Within hours, all the bags were gone. Prayers had been answered and Robin had found a place to meet some of the needs of the world. So it began and continues to grow.

This past March 31st at a Mall of

How to get involved Families: A Birthday Bag Blitz is a great activity and makes a great birthday party activity for children or adults while instilling the value of concern for one’s neighbor and community. It can also be done in conjunction with any get together.

Report back: It’s important for the charity to track the number of birthday bags being filled and where they are distributed. Cheerful Givers also welcomes photos of your Birthday Bag Blitz for possible use in its e-newsletter and/or website. Send to Karen@cheerfulgivers.org.

Where to donate birthday bags: Groups who assemble more than 100 birthday bags can have them picked up and distributed by Second Harvest Heartland (contact karen@ cheerfulgivers.org). There is also a list of shelters and food shelves in the Twin Cities area where bags can be donated. Go to Cheerfulgivers.org/ get-involved/ for more information.

America celebration event, the goal of filling and gifting a half-million birthday bags was achieved. Minnesota Governor Dayton proclaimed it Cheerful Givers Day throughout the state.

One of the highlights at “The Great Minnesota Birthday Party” was when 10 special guests assembled the 500,000th birthday bag. Included were members of groups who have supported the charity’s efforts such as the Minnesota Vikings, Minnesota Twins, corporate groups, students, and community members.

Karen Kitchel, president of Cheerful Givers, says, “I often hear from parents who feel like their kids get too much on their birthday, and we have some alternatives for them such as asking guests to bring gifts for less fortunate kids instead of for the birthday child, asking relatives to make a donation in honor of the child instead of buying another gift, and/or taking time during the party to assemble birthday bags.” Donations can be made online at cheerfulgivers.org.

June 2012 33

? s d a Gr ? s d a D These cool tools for electronics will please them all

Clean it The Toddy Smart Cloth is a nifty looking pocket-sized product for those who are looking for a fashionable and effective solution to keeping their electronics dirt and smudge free. The microfiber cloth features AEGIS Microbe Shield technology to protect the cloth against micro-organisms that contribute to mold and mildew. Available in over 44 vibrant print and pattern options. toddygear.com and also available locally; about $10 for one; three-pack is $20

By Kathleen Stoehr

Power up

Pelican power

Dust off

The PowerSlice offers a way to keep gadgets charged and all in one location. Universal charger keeps homes and dorm rooms clutter free (well, we can always hope). Rev up four gadgets on one plug-in, using the built-in USB ports for cameras, Smart phones, Bluetooth, handheld gaming consoles and more.

Bring your electronics along on all fun outdoorsy occasions without fear of damage from the elements with the i1010 and i1015 cases from Pelican. The indestructible cases can ensure your mobile electronics’ protection from the rugged outdoors. Both are water-resistant and crushproof with an external headphone jack so you can listen even when the case is closed.

Your tablet is your vital tool for information at work, school, and at play. Keep it clean with the Tablet Screen Cleaner, an effective way to quickly clean all types of mobile device screens. The kit features a screen spray and microfiber cloth. Safe for iPad, Samsung Galaxy, and all other electronic device screens.

Fuseplusyou.com; Universal charger, about $45; additional slices $10 each

34 June 2012

thepelicanstore.com; about $25

dust-off.com; about $12

Utterly Casanova Our featured author, Mary Casanova, has written picture books, “boy adventure stories,” and everything in between. Turn off the TV and take Casanova’s advice to “go on a reading picnic” this summer!

Utterly otterly day

By Mary Casanova, Illustrated by Ard Hoyt

By Claire Walling

Simon & Schuster, $16.99

the Klipfish Code

By Mary Casanova

Utterly otterly night

By Mary Casanova, Illustrated by Ard Hoyt Simon & Schuster, $16.99

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, $16.00

The Klipfish Code begins on April 9, 1940—the day the bombs started falling in Norway. Casanova explores an enduring question: how brave is anyone when the whole world changes? Set in Norway during World War II, this story of a young girl’s heroics will delight boys and girls alike.

In Utterly Otterly Day, and its sequel, Utterly Otterly Night, Little Otter learns the hard way to listen to his mom and dad through text that mimics his playful nature. Cleverly crafted word play and magnificent illustrations combine for two delightful reads.

June 2012 35

36 June 2012

June 2012 37

“I think the climate of the arts in Minnesota is something to be really treasured and celebrated.“

on the library shelf and is able to relate to main character, Alexa, the effort will have been worth it.

So was your daughter the motive to begin writing, then?

She wasn’t just the motive to start writing—but also the inspiration to finish.

For some reason I just thought ‘who is ever going to want to read this?’ and I think I just got stuck. But I had all of those rough drafts, and Julia would color on the backs of the pages. She would turn them over and she would read a chapter or so and go ‘mom, this is really good. You should finish this.’ She really encouraged me throughout the writing process. I wouldn’t have had a thought for the story without knowing her, and I wouldn’t have finished it without her coaching.

So a mother/daughter effort, then.

Leslie and her daughter Julia.

Submitted photo

real Mom

Leslie Schultz A few pages into Leslie Schultz’s novel, The Howling Vowels, and a true Minnesota aficionado will begin to have an inkling that Schultz’s fictional setting for the novel, a town called Sundog, seems a lot like the real-life Northfield, Minn. Like its setting, the story’s plot is rooted in reality.

When Schultz had trouble finding books that her homeschooled daughter, Julia, could relate to, she decided to write her own.

— Claire Walling

38 June 2012

Q&A Why did you decide to write this book?

It’s fun to read about characters who are going through the same things that you are sometimes, just like it’s fun to travel outside of your experiences. [Plus], the quantity of mainstream fiction with home-schooled main characters has increased since I began writing The Howling Vowels, and if only one kid finds it

Julia provided key input for the first book—Alexa is Julia’s favorite name—and helped write the book’s lexicon. She is also following my lead. Not only did she help write the sequel to The Howling Vowels, And Sometimes Y, but is also writing her own picture book, called Alpha, Beta, aimed at getting other kids interested in learning languages.

How do you feel about being a Minnesota writer?

I think the climate of the arts in Minnesota is something to be really treasured and celebrated. I think being in Minnesota feeds that part of me that’s an artist. I’ve lived a lot of different places and Minnesota is where I feel the most at home. I think part of that is the seasons [and] the beauty of the state; part of it is the people—the friendliness and kindness of the people here, you know—the interesting quality of the people here—and part of it is that rich artistic and cultural life that our state treasures and fosters.