Story Monsters Ink July 2018

July 2018

The Literary Resource for Teachers, Librarians, and Parents

Lauren

Child is Right Where She Belongs Danica McKellar Talks Numbers Behind the Pages:

Annabeth Bondor-Stone and Connor White Kate Biberdorf

Adds a Spark to Chemistry Class

Ones to Watch So Hard:

Kristin Hensley and Jen Smedley

One to Read:

Amy Welborn Irene Applebaum Buchine

Pens a Story of Hope for Children with Depression Slide into

Summer!

Teaching Toolbox:

Stories that Stick Q&A with

Sue Fliess

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MEET THE STAFF PUBLISHER

Linda F. Radke Linda@StoryMonsters.com

Editor-in-Chief

Cristy Bertini Cristy@StoryMonsters.com

WRITERS

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Melissa Fales, Nick Spake, Rita Campbell, Olivia Amiri, Julianne Black, Larissa Juliano

DESIGN Jeff Yesh

Science & Nature Editor Conrad J. Storad

PROOFREADER Deb Greenberg

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Cover photo courtesy of Candlewick Press Story Monsters Ink magazine and www.StoryMonsters.com are trademarks of Story Monsters, LLC. Copyright ©2018 Story Monsters Press, ISSN 2374-4413, ISBN: 9781338199932: All rights reserved. Contents may not be published in whole or in part without the express written consent of the bylined author and publisher. The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the individual writers and are not necessarily those of Story Monsters Ink or its advertisers.

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Honor Roll Gold Award Recipient, Mom’s Choice Awards.

Named among the “great magazines for kids and teens” by School Library Journal.

2016 Irwin Award winner for “Best Publisher of a Literary Magazine” and “Best Editorial Director.”

July 2018

In this issue 04 56

Lauren Child is Right Where She Belongs

Q&A with Sue Fliess

08 Danica McKellar Talks Numbers

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12 My L ibrar y Car Stor d yM

Teaching Toolbox: Stories that Stick

onste

r

Behind the Pages: Annabeth Bondor-Stone and Connor White

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Slide into Summer!

Kate Biberdorf Adds a Spark to Chemistry Class

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Irene Applebaum Buchine Pens a Story of Hope for Children with Depression

Ones to Watch So Hard: Kristin Hensley and Jen Smedley

26 One to Read: Amy Welborn

30 Liv on Life 40 How Does Your Garden Grow?

42 Summer Reading List

46 Monsters at the Movies 48 My Favorite Teacher

50 Book Reviews 59 Kids Corner

Tell us what you think of this issue! Email your comments to cristy@storymonsters.com.

StoryMonsters.com | July 2018 | Story Monsters Ink

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Lauren Child is Right Where She Belongs

by Melissa Fales photos courtesy of Candlewick Press

Long before Lauren Child was named the UK Children’s Laureate and before she became an illustrator and author of children’s books, she attempted a number of other occupational endeavors, including starting a lampshade business.

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“It didn’t quite work out,” she says. When Child mentioned to a friend that she wanted to write a film script, the friend suggested she try writing a picture book instead. The result was Clarice Bean, That’s Me, published in 1999, and Child hasn’t stopped since. “I always knew I wanted to do something with drawing,” says Child. “Growing up, it was one of the few things that I felt truly confident about.”

there when she first envisioned Clarice. “It’s the way you go into a deli in New York and people are just talking,” says Child. “You can have a really interesting conversation and then you’ll never see the people again, but you can have lovely exchanges. And that’s what made me think of Clarice. I always thought that either her mum or her dad came from America.”

Child grew up in the countryside of Wiltshire, the middle daughter of three girls. “My parents were both teachers and our home was always full of people, so my sisters and I often played together and made up stories,” she says. She also loved to read, especially The Eighteenth Emergency by Betsy Byars, illustrated

by Quentin Blake. “It taught me about comedy and tragedy and how close they can be, that you might be having the worst day of your life while someone sitting right beside you on the bus can be having the best, completely unaware of your misery,” she says.

“It’s about a boy who’s scared of being beaten up by the school bully and it’s quite dark, but also very funny.”

Child is perhaps best known for her books (and the subsequent TV show) featuring siblings Charlie and Lola. Child has a theory as to why this brother and sister have been so popular. “I think they’re quite nostalgic characters in a way,” she says. “When I came up with them, I was thinking about the very best moments of childhood and the most reassuring times, particularly being with my older sister Rachel, who was one of those very responsible children, rather like Charlie. Also, having a child myself now, I realize what parents meant when they said, ‘It’s so nice to see children getting along rather than bickering.’ There is something very sweet and soothing about seeing them figuring out their problems in a kinder way.”

When Child sat down to write a picture book as her friend had suggested, she realized she didn’t have to start from scratch. She already had a great image of a character. “The idea for Clarice Bean came from a very early sketch that I did of her, long before I even thought of putting her in a story,” says Child. She was in New York and inspired by her surroundings

Child’s most recent Charlie and Lola book is A Dog with Nice Ears (Candlewick Press). “I wrote the story many years ago even before the TV series came out, but didn’t do anything with it,” she says. “I often write ideas or partial stories and don’t get round to illustrating them.” The inspiration for the book came from Child’s daughter, Tuesday, and from her own

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“I’m interested in championing children’s creativity and want to encourage them to spend a little of their time looking, listening, and making things because they’re driven to create.”

girlhood. “When my daughter arrived on the scene, she had exactly the same feeling about wanting a dog as I had and we talked a lot about what kind of dog we would get and would suit us,” says Child. “My sister and I desperately wanted a cat when we were young, but my father was allergic. So I decided that Lola would have an imaginary dog and she makes it happen in her head.

When she gets a rabbit, she tells everyone it’s a dog and that’s that.”

Recently, Child released the final book in her popular Ruby Redfort series, Blink and You Die. It’s a bittersweet occasion for Child to see the saga of the young 6

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detective come to an end. “I’m sad and pleased at the same time that it’s the last in the series,” she says. “I’m glad that I managed to tie up the loose ends with plot as plotting isn’t something that I find very easy.” Child says she’ll be working on some new picture books and transitioning her picture book character, Hubert Horatio, into a new series of chapter books. According to Child, she doesn’t approach writing picture books any differently than chapter books. “I don’t have a particular reader or age group in mind when I write and illustrate,” she says. “I try not to think about the age group that I’m writing for too much because

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everybody’s taste and reading age is different. I always feel that a book is for anybody.”

In 2017, Child was named the UK Children’s Laureate, a position awarded to a writer or illustrator of children’s books to celebrate outstanding achievement in their field. “It’s a great honor but it’s also a big responsibility,” she says. “It’s slightly strange, too, for me partly because my career began almost 20 years ago—exactly the time Quentin Blake was the first Children’s Laureate.” Child’s platform as Laureate will be to promote the idea of carving time out of today’s children’s overscheduled lives in order for them to have the opportunity to think and imagine. “I’m interested in championing children’s creativity and want to encourage them to spend a little of their time looking, listening, and making things because they’re driven to create,” Child says. “I’m about to launch a website called Staring into Space, which I hope will

be a bit of a starting point for people.” Also, this fall, Child will release two new books; her illustrated version of Mary Poppins and the first installment in her new Hubert Horatio chapter books.

Looking back on her life and career to this point, Child concedes that it’s a good thing the lampshade business didn’t pan out. “Writing and illustrating is a bit like working something out in your system,” she says. “It’s the best and the hardest thing at the same time. You are sort of in charge of your own working life so you can work when you like, but you also have to motivate yourself and generate ideas. The hardest thing can be fitting it all into the time schedule you’ve got. That can feel like pressure. But coming up with ideas can be a really lovely job as well.”

For more information about Lauren Child or her books, visit milkmonitor.com.

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Danica McKellar Talks Numbers

by Melissa Fales photos by Cathryn Farnsworth

Parents can count on Danica McKellar’s new book, Do Not Open This Math Book (Crown Books for Young Readers), to serve as a guide to basic Common Core concepts around addition and subtraction, both for their children and themselves.

McKellar may be best known for her portrayal of Winnie Cooper on The Wonder Years, but she’s also a mathematics superstar who graduated from UCLA summa cum laude with a degree in mathematics and was part of a team that discovered the math theorem that now bears her name. McKellar’s New York Times bestselling books help children establish basic math skills—from board books that teach basic addition to chapter books that show teen girls how cool it is to be smart. Do Not Open This Math Book is aimed at first and second grade students, but it will also be useful for parents who are left scratching their heads when it comes to “new math” practices. “Today, math gets confusing earlier,” says McKellar. “A lot of parents of first and second grade students don’t understand their kids’ math homework. All of those prickly back-of-theneck fears of incompetence are coming back, but at a grade level where it shouldn’t be happening. I love that I can do something about that.”

McKellar has three books coming out this year, including Ten Magic Butterflies, which released in February. A vibrant tale of 10 flowers that turn into butterflies with the help of a magical fairy, the book teaches children different ways to make groups of 10, without even realizing that they’re learning. “First there are 10 flowers, then nine flowers and one butterfly,” says McKellar.

“Then there are eight flowers and two butterflies.

But there are always 10 of them in a group.” As the story progresses, the fluttering butterflies decide they StoryMonsters.com | July 2018 | Story Monsters Ink

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“I want kids and parents to have a guide that is fun and friendly so when they have that homework assignment they don’t quite understand, they have a place they’re comfortable to go and learn more about it.” want to go back to being flowers. So, the magical fairy changes them back, one at a time, providing readers another opportunity to make groups of 10. “Once the flowers become butterflies, they miss getting kisses

from the birds and the bees and getting blown around by the wind,” says McKellar. “So it’s a math book, but it’s really math snuck into a story that’s about embracing yourself and who you are.”

In McKellar’s new book, Bathtime Mathtime, she demonstrates how the daily ritual of bathing can be used as an opportunity to teach even the youngest children basic math skills. “It’s a board book about how adding one is counting on to the next number,” says McKellar. “It’s an introduction to addition.” McKellar even includes a tip about hair washing, which can become an ordeal for some families. “I know it was a challenge for my son every single time I washed his hair,” says McKellar. “When he held a wash cloth over his face as I rinsed, it made it so much easier for everyone. I think it gives a child more control over the situation. It worked for me, so I hope it works for other parents.”

Do Not Open This Math Book addresses the basic concepts of addition and subtraction using the tenframe method utilized by Common Core. It starts off

McKellar with her son, Draco.

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by reinforcing that there are many different ways of making 10 with two numbers. By the end of the book, readers are working with more complex, three-digit numbers that require carrying and borrowing.

“But now, those terms are called grouping and ungrouping,” says McKellar. “I make sure to present the material the same way Common Core does. I want kids and parents to have a guide that is fun and friendly so when they have that homework assignment they don’t quite understand, they have a place they’re comfortable to go and learn more about it.”

The book also introduces the cartoon characters of Mr. Mouse and a comic strip version of McKellar herself.

Interspersed throughout the lessons, these amusing characters help to make math more approachable. “Mr. Mouse is totally afraid of math,” says McKellar. “He wants nothing to do with it, but the Danica character walks him through each step. It’s funny. You can tell just by the title that it’s going to be a fun book.”

The book even contains a “new math” translation guide for grown-ups. “The Common Core standards use new words,” says McKellar. “Things have different names. I know that it’s frustrating for so many adults when they can’t understand their child’s elementary school math homework. This should help.”

If parents find the book reminiscent of the 1971 classic, The Monster at the End of This Book by Jon Stone, it’s no accident. “It’s my little homage to Grover,” says McKellar, referencing the book that features the loveable, blue muppet from Sesame Street imploring readers not to turn the pages, as each turn will bring them one step closer to a monster. McKellar says it’s an extremely effective tactic to keep kids reading. “I’ve got a 7-year-old,” she says. “If you tell him not to do something, it becomes irresistible.”

Fans can receive free McKellar Math swag by preordering Do Not Order This Math Book by June 25, including an autographed nameplate, a Do Not Open This Math Book notebook, and a McKellar Math pencil you can’t get anywhere else. Those who preorder three or more copies of the book will receive a signed 8" x 10" photo of McKellar. For those who want the

autographed photo but don’t need three copies of the book, McKellar suggests donating one to the local public or school library.

Other books by McKellar include Math Doesn’t Suck, Kiss My Math, Hot X: Algebra Exposed, and Girls Get Curves: Geometry Takes Shape. When McKellar isn’t writing math books, she is often filming movies for the Hallmark Channel. She recently spent time in Canada shooting her latest. “People should be looking for it in August,” she says.

McKellar says many parents have reached out to thank her for helping to get their children interested in, and even more importantly, confident about math. “I’m providing a rather unique service, which is entertaining math books,” says McKellar. “I know from first-hand experience how foreign and scary math can feel, but it doesn’t have to be that way. I’m so glad I have the opportunity to take my love of math and help others understand it.”

For more information about Danica McKellar and her books, visit mckellarmath.com. The website features a handy slider tool to help determine which of McKellar’s math books is right for a child’s age level.

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Behind the Pages:

Annabeth Bondor-Stone and Connor White

by Melissa Fales

Annabeth Bondor-Stone and Connor White probably wouldn’t be children’s authors today if they hadn’t received that one life-changing email several years ago. The email from Bondor-Stone’s then 9-year-old cousin, Harrison, lamented the fact that he’d already read all of the funny books available for kids his age. He asked Bondor-Stone and White 12

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to write one for him, going so far as to suggest they write about a pirate named Shivers, who’s afraid of everything. “We thought we’d write it as a short story for him,” says White. “We ended up having so much fun with it, we decided to write a whole book.” Shivers!

The Pirate Who’s Afraid of Everything, was published by HarperCollins in 2015.

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Bondor-Stone and White met when they were both enrolled in the theater program at Northwestern University. After graduation, they moved to Los Angeles where she worked in television and he taught creative writing to kids. Their debut book was followed by Shivers! The Pirate Who’s Back in Bunny Slippers.

“There will be four books total in that series,” says Bondor-Stone.

“The third book, Shivers! The Pirate Book You’ve Been Looking For will be coming out this winter.”

The pair’s latest release, Time Tracers: The Stolen Summers is a departure from the Shivers! series.

It follows the adventures of a boy named Taj who falls asleep on the first day of his summer vacation and wakes up to find that his entire summer break is over and it’s time to go back to school. “The inspiration came from a universal question,” says Bondor-Stone.

“When time flies while you’re having fun, where does it go? We started thinking about that and came up with an idea that time isn’t just flying when you’re having fun, it’s being stolen by time thieves. They want to steal all of people’s fun times. And what if there was an organization created to try to protect people from that kind of theft?”

White says he’s enjoyed the different reactions people have to the idea of a whole summer being taken away. “The most valuable time on earth to a child, we think, is summer vacation,” he says.

“What would a kid do if an entire summer vacation went missing?

The funny thing is, when we visit schools and I tell them about the plot, the kids are generally sort of

appalled, but it’s the teachers who are truly horrified.”

The couple also has a book due out next May called Jaclyn Hyde, a comic take on the Robert Louis Stevenson classic, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. “It’s told from the point of a view of a 13-year-old girl who wanders into a mad scientist’s lab and finds a formula for a potion she believes will make her perfect,” says Bondor-Stone. “Like many young girls her age, she’s feeling a lot of pressure to be perfect at everything. The potion releases an evil alter ego that gets her whatever she wants in all the wrong ways.

Now she has to get rid of the monster inside her.”

Over the years of working on these books, the two have settled into a writing style that works well. “It’s been a learning process for sure,” says Bondor-Stone. “When we don’t agree on something, we have an unspoken rule that, rather than debating the pros and cons of our ideas, we come up with a third idea.

If it’s not making us both happy we go back to the drawing board for something new.”

They work closely, utilizing each partner’s particular strengths.

“We literally write every sentence together,” says White. “She types while I pace around. It’s not the fastest process, but we think it’s the most effective for us.” BondorStone says she tends to think about the big picture. “I think about the structure of the story and Connor thinks more about the details, the little things that make it work, like dialogue.”

Bondor-Stone and White are collaborating with KidLit TV on a web series called “The Truth StoryMonsters.com | July 2018 | Story Monsters Ink

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“What would a kid do if an entire summer vacation went missing? The funny thing is, when we visit schools and I tell them about the plot, the kids are generally sort of appalled, but it’s the teachers who are truly horrified.”

About Libraries!” It pays homage to the unsung heroes in every community: the public librarians.

“We get to meet librarians all the time,” says White. “They are some of the kookiest and most endearing people on the planet. We wanted to do a comedy series highlighting all of the incredible things we forget about the library as we get older.”

In the series, White plays a skeptic who’s heard about public libraries but remains suspicious. “Access to free books, an expert available to help you find the best ones, and air-conditioning?” he says. “It really does sound too good to be true.”

When the pair makes author visits to elementary schools, they put their theater backgrounds and shared love of performing to use with a live comedy show intent on getting students inspired to write.

“It’s an interactive writing lesson,” White explains. “Our philosophy is to use comedy to inspire kids to read and write. We ask them to come up with new characters and story ideas, and then we take those ideas and act them out through improvisation to show them how amazing and funny their ideas really are. The more we can make them laugh, the more likely they are to get excited about going to the library and reading.”

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During their school visits, the couple makes a point to share the story about Harrison and his email that launched their writing

careers. “We talk about Shivers! and tell the kids that we wrote it, but the idea came from a kid just like them,” says Bondor-Stone. “It’s really important for them to know that although they are still young, they already have ideas that are good enough to become published books.”

For more information about Annabeth Bondor-Stone and Connor White and their books, visit annabethandconnor.com.

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To order visit loyolapress.com or call 800-621-1008 StoryMonsters.com | July 2018 | Story Monsters Ink

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Kate Biberdorf Adds a Spark to Chemistry Class

by Melissa Fales photos by Dustin Meyer

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she says. “I’ve just always wanted to learn.” Biberdorf believes that curiosity is the only pre-requisite for becoming a scientist. “I always say, if you have questions about something, that makes you a scientist,” she says. “If you’ve ever wondered how or why, congratulations, you’re a scientist.”

During Biberdorf’s sophomore year in high school, she took a chemistry class taught by Kelli Palsrok. “She was such an energetic and encouraging teacher,” says Biberdorf. “What set her apart was that every single day in her class was different. At the time, I thought she was trying to make it fun. But now I think she was trying to find a different way to teach so that every single student could understand. I was never bored in her class and ever since then, I knew that chemistry was the path I wanted to follow.”

It wasn’t until Biberdorf attended graduate school that she decided she wanted to be a chemistry teacher herself.

“I loved being a teaching assistant, so I knew teaching was the right choice for me,” she says. “Watching a young person experiencing that first moment of certainty that they’re going to absolutely destroy the next exam, that’s what keeps me coming back.”

Students attending Dr. Kate Biberdorf’s chemistry classes at the University of Texas at Austin never know quite what to expect, although her classroom demonstrations typically involve flames, explosions, or a combination of the two. “I’m known for my firebreathing demonstration,” says Biberdorf, who may seem demure in a pencil skirt and high heels but is really a chemistry fanatic who knows her way around a blowtorch and isn’t afraid to play with a little sulfuric acid. “It’s fun to shake people up and challenge their misconceptions,” she says. “I don’t think I fit the image most people have in their mind of a scientist. I love to shatter those stereotypes.”

Growing up in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Biberdorf constantly bombarded her parents with questions.

“I know it drove them crazy, but I couldn’t help it,” 18

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Currently, Biberdorf teaches two classes per semester, totaling over 1,000 students, and has an outreach program called Fun with Chemistry that she brings to elementary, middle, and high schools. Occasionally, she does a Fun with Chemistry show for the public. “The shows appeal to people of all ages,” she says. “There are so many people out there who are intimidated by science, or maybe they had a terrible teacher who turned them off of it. Those are my people. I try to talk to them and get them excited about science. They often tell me that they didn’t realize how cool science can be.”

One of Biberdorf’s goals is to encourage more girls to get excited about science and more young women to pursue careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math). “I just want to be an example by my actions,” she says, acknowledging that it can be hard to be taken seriously or even heard in a maledominated field. “I think my generation of women is actively seeking to create a sisterhood in the field of science,” she says. “We need all the help we can get to make sure that our voices are heard and our accomplishments are validated.”

Actually, says Biberdorf, she’d like to see more of all kinds of people getting involved in science. “We’re in

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a powerful time right now, because there are active efforts underway to get diverse communities to study scientific programs,” she says. “For far too long, it’s been the same type of people trying to approach the same problems. I believe having men and women from diverse backgrounds will bring in different perspectives and we’ll be able to make leaps and bounds due to new ways of thinking. If we as current scientists do our part to inspire a variety of people to enter science, I think things will take off in 10 to 15 years. I can feel it.”

Biberdorf is clearly doing her part to spark interest in science. She recently appeared in front of a crowd

of nearly 4,000 at the USA Science and Engineering Festival in Washington, D.C. to perform an experiment she calls “the Thundercloud,” which she says never fails to impress. “I have a bucket of liquid nitrogen on the ground and a beaker of hot water in my hand,” she says. “I throw the hot water into the liquid nitrogen.

The more force I use, the bigger the explosion.” Then, Biberdorf disappears from view, completely obstructed by a monster cloud of white nitrogen gas billowing upward. “On my best day, it can travel three stories into the air,” she says. The festival crowd screamed and clapped in amazement. “It was such an adrenaline rush,” says Biberdorf. “I felt like a science rock star.”

“I think my generation of women is actively seeking to create a sisterhood in the field of science. We need all the help we can get to make sure that our voices are heard and our accomplishments are validated.”

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Someday, Biberdorf hopes to headline a Las Vegas show. “It would be kind of like the one Britney Spears does, but a chemistry version,” she says. She dreams of having a Vegas-sized budget for her liquid nitrogen demonstration. “Right now I’m just using buckets from the Home Depot, but imagine what I could do if I had bathtubs to work with,” she says. Her motivation to have a show extends beyond the thrill of being onstage or having the funding to conduct her experiments in a more lavish, flashier way. “If I have a successful show in Las Vegas within, say, the next 10 years, that would mean that our culture is embracing science, and also women in science,” she says. “I’d really like to see that shift.”

For more information about Dr. Kate Biberdorf, visit katethechemist.com. Check back regularly for information on an upcoming Fun with Chemistry tour. “I’ll be traveling all across the nation blowing stuff up,” Biberdorf says. “Did I mention how much I love my job?”

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Yesterday’s adventures for today’s kids In the 1950s two brothers and their girl cousin live on an Appalachian Mountain ridge with no electricity or running water. They are poor, but rich with wild adventures. They build a treehouse, discover an old Indian burial mound, go river rafting, find a thieves’ cave, and stumble upon a deranged old woman hiding in their clubhouse. But that’s not all! They encounter rattlesnakes and wild razorbacks, and fall asleep each night hoping to hear the panther scream in the distant hills. ★★★★★ Readersʼ Favorite Review available at Amazon • www.mamaswhitegravy.com

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Ones to Watch So Hard:

Kristin Hensley and Jen Smedley

by Melissa Fales photos by Joanna DeGeneres

Kristin Hensley and Jen Smedley are the stars of the often bawdy, always hilarious web series, #IMOMSOHARD. With their self-deprecating videos on relatable topics such as “I Swimsuit Season So Hard” and “I Pinterest So Hard,” these two best friends have earned over a million Facebook followers.

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Now, these risible moms are writing a book due in 2019, working on a TV pilot, and are in negotiations for a possible feature film. Why have their humorously honest takes on motherhood been so popular?

Smedley says she believes the prevalence of social media can make today’s moms feel unsure and inadequate about their parenting skills. “I don’t think the bulk of parental challenges has changed much since the cavewoman days, but now we see how other people are dealing with it,” she says. “Every time I see a photo of a toddler who doesn’t have a face covered in Sharpie, I’m like, What am I doing wrong? We see inside people’s lives in a way we never used to, and it isn’t an honest look. People post their wins. Kristin and I decided to post our losses, because it’s funnier and more honest.”

fast friends and then realized we had lived a block apart and we drove the same car.”

Both Hensley and Smedley grew up in Nebraska.

Smedley was a military kid and moved often until her father retired when she was 10 years old. “My parents divorced around then, too, laying the groundwork for a dark sense of humor,” she says. “I was very social as a child. Later I developed some social anxiety, but nothing some good meds couldn’t fix.” Hensley was a natural at comedy from a young age. “I loved to

According to Smedley, the topics they banter about in their videos come up naturally between them. “It’s usually everything we normally discuss,” she says.

“We’ll talk about something for a while and then be like, ‘Hey, I bet other women are thinking about this, too.’” One of Hensley’s favorite episodes is “I Body Hair So Hard.” She says it started off as a terrible day.

“I got a cell phone ticket, my laser hair removal lady

The two have a striking rapport. Their personalities are disparate and complementary. “I like to say that I have no hustle and Kristin has no chill,” Smedley says.

“If she’s awake, she’s running at 90 mph. I’m always only half awake and I’m stuck in first gear most of the time.” Hensley says at their core, their Midwestern values are the same. “We have very different comedic sensibilities but we both love how the other views the world, so we constantly crack each other up,” says Hensley. “We both love to laugh and it makes us feel like we’ve won if we can get the other to laugh so hard they pee. We have the same priorities, which is the only way a partnership can work in anything.”

“We are allowing women the grace to not be perfect.

We are showing them that we aren’t perfect parents or women, but that we are still humans who matter.

Laughing about embarrassing things or failures gives you a sort of power over them.” laugh, so I started to tell dirty jokes as early as I can remember,” she says.

Although their circles of friends overlapped in Nebraska, the two didn’t meet until they both moved to Los Angeles. “We often joke that the universe held us apart, because if we would’ve met when we should’ve met, we both would have been arrested a couple of times,” says Hensley. “Then we were finally both at a comedy show and we were drinking beers in a parking lot and quickly figured out we were both from Nebraska,” Hensley says. “We did a quick ‘Do you know so-and-so?’ and the answer was always ‘Yes!’ We were 24

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quit me, I was exhausted, and I got to Jen’s and said, ‘Can we just drink wine? I’ve had an awful day,’” she says. “Then we had a couple and I thought, ‘Oh now would be a perfect time to shoot a video.’ I spilled it on my shirt and it was 120 degrees in Jen’s house.

But we laughed. We laughed hard. It was a total blast.”

Other videos show them posing in unflattering swimsuits and rocking Spanx undergarments.

Smedley says she believes viewers appreciate that kind of vulnerability because it gives them freedom to be themselves. “We are allowing women the grace

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to not be perfect,” says Smedley. “We are showing them that we aren’t perfect parents or women, but that we are still humans who matter. Laughing about embarrassing things or failures gives you a sort of power over them.”

Both women are grateful for the off-camera support of their families. “None of it could’ve happened without our husbands’ help and professional skills,” says Smedley. Their kids, as you might expect, still see Hensley and Smedley just as their moms. “Our kids, they get it but they aren’t impressed,” says Hensley.

“They still have the same demands they always have, which usually includes some sort of complaining about the lunch I packed or how so-and-so’s house has a basketball hoop and ours doesn’t.”

Smedley hopes their videos help other mothers cope.

“I’d love it for any mom sitting up with their kid late at night, feeling depressed or alone, to be able to watch our videos and say, ‘Ok, I’m right on track,’” she says.

“Pediatricians give you growth charts but they should really be giving you Parental Crying and Arguing with Your Spouse charts because we’re all in such similar boats. That’s the spirit the web series was created in.”

Currently, Hensley and Smedley are on tour across the US, performing Mom’s Night Out: Round 2. Smedley loves the opportunity to interact with the fans. “We get to see all the moms,” she says. “It’s magical. You see the video numbers and views but it means nothing compared to seeing an actual face smiling back at you.”

Hensley also revels in the electricity of being on stage “The live show is our lifeline,” she says. “We flippin’ love it. It’s hard to describe how incredible it is to walk out on stage and see a giant room full of women (and five dudes) smiling at you with excitement and enthusiasm. It’s a giant happy hour and we have always felt so grateful to be invited.”

Hensley says she finds it especially rewarding that the live shows bring out such a diverse crowd. “There are so many kinds of women there from every coast, from every religion, from every background, and yet at the end of the day, everyone has a good time because we are all moms and we just want our kids to be happy,” she says. “Motherhood is the great equalizer.”

For more information about Kristin Hensley and Jen Smedley, visit imomsohard.com.

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Advertorial

One to Read:

Amy Welborn

by Melissa Fales photos by Joanna DeGeneres

Before she became a well-known Catholic author with a column in Our Sunday Visitor, articles in many other Catholic publications, and over 20 books to her name, Amy Welborn was the director of religious education for her parish and taught at Catholic high schools.

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Advertorial

She recently completed a quartet of Loyola Press Kids books: Book of Saints, Book of Heroes, Book of Bible Stories, and Book of Catholic Signs and Symbols. Welborn, who earned a master’s degree in Church History from Vanderbilt University, says Catholic children can glean valuable information about their faith by learning about its history. “I believe I can learn to be a better person and learn about God’s ways by studying how people have responded to God in the past,” Welborn says. “That’s the reason I liked teaching history. I’m not in the classroom anymore, but I view most of the writing I do as a form of teaching, and in this case, helping kids learn about God.” A mother of five, Welborn is a natural for the task of relating key Catholic teachings to children. “I’ve discovered I have a knack for taking complex notions and explaining them in a way that’s relevant to the listener without watering it down,” says Welborn. “I think that part of it is the deep conviction I have that this stuff is true. Therefore, at some level, everyone must be able to understand it. If God has graciously revealed himself, he didn’t just reveal himself to the theologians, but to all of us. So there must be a way in which the experience of being Catholic must be accessible to even the smallest believer.”

Welborn considered numerous ways to structure Book of Saints in order to present the material in a new way.

She decided to divide the stories into four sections, each highlighting a different quality of a saint. “I started with the phrase, ‘Saints are people who…’ and added four different endings,” she says. “The sections complete ‘Saints are people who…’ with ‘Are brave, love children, are creative and come from all over the world.’”

Book of Saints is widely used in Catholic school classrooms. “I’ve heard from teachers that what they like best is how every story begins with an anecdote or a question for the reader,” says Welborn. “For example, one story starts with, ‘Have you ever experienced the temptation to not tell the truth?’ I try to tell the stories so children can relate to the saints’ situations.”

Welborn devised a clever way to arrange the stories in the second book in the series, Book of Heroes. She separated them according to which of the Church’s seven heavenly virtues was demonstrated by each hero in the story. “As much as I love history, I understand it can be boring for some children,” she says. “I wanted to make it more engaging.” As heroes, Welborn chose people ranging from the beloved Mother Teresa to the lesser known Sister Blandina, a 19th-century missionary Italian-American who served on the American frontier.

Finding a unique way to present the material for Book of Bible Stories was a challenge for her. “Once again, I put my thinking cap on,” says Welborn. “I thought about how Catholics typically engage with the Bible. Most Catholics don’t do individual devotional reading—they mainly encounter the Bible at Mass. So I thought it made sense to start there and try to deepen that experience. I structured the stories in the book by when they’re generally heard during the course of the liturgical year.”

In Book of Bible Stories, Welborn connects each story to an experience children will have within the Church. “A lot of books of Bible stories by Catholic publishers are basically just the Bible,” she says. “They don’t tie into the bigger Catholic picture. In this book, every story

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Advertorial

“I’m not in the classroom anymore, but I view most of the writing I do as a form of teaching, and in this case, helping kids learn about God.” makes a reference to some aspect of Catholic life or teaching. A Bible story about forgiveness or mercy is tied in with the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The Last Supper ties into the Eucharist. It’s Bible stories retold in the context of Catholic life.”

Welborn says she believes Book of Catholic Signs and Symbols fills a void in terms of books for young Catholics. “When a child goes into most Catholic churches, he or she is going to see all kinds of signs and symbols, for example, crucifixes, candles, and certain colors at certain times of the year,” she says.

“It’s normal to have a lot of questions.” Each entry in the book has three parts: an image, a basic explanation of the symbol in terms a younger child will understand, and a more in-depth explanation for older children and adults. “It covers the gamut from symbols, such as halos, to why Mary is typically portrayed wearing the color blue,” Welborn says.

Aside from her strong religious convictions, Welborn says she appreciates the element of human connection these signs and symbols provide. “When we engage with scripture, the liturgy, the music, and the symbolism that has evolved out of Catholic life, we are engaging with other Catholics through time,” she says. “We’re not alone. We’re in this journey with other human beings, created by God. We all have different experiences, but somehow we’re connected through the same walk of faith, the same symbols, and the same Lord. I’m fascinated by that connection.”

It’s as if, with these four books, Welborn has written the guides she wishes she had as a young Catholic learning about the faith. “I come from a generation when religious education for children was not that great,” says Welborn. “It was after Vatican 2 in the 1960s and 1970s when people had decided that all we need to teach Catholic kids is that God loves them.

They ignored the fact that the reason Catholic tradition 28

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is so rich is because people find it relevant and nourishing and comforting. They treated tradition as an obstacle instead of a path to connect with God.” According to Welborn, the pendulum began to swing back during the papacy of John Paul II. “Catholic children were taught about Eucharistic adoration and the rosary again,” she says. “All those things that were not part of Catholic formation for my generation. I’m happy I can help teach a new generation about them.

I believe these are a part of the richness of the faith.

Not because it’s a cool, identifying trait or badge, but because it’s how human beings encounter God. I want to help young people encounter the mercy and love of God in all the rich ways the Catholic tradition gives them.”

For more information about Amy Welborn and her books, visit amywelborn.com and loyolapress.com.

Story Monster Makes Learning Fun! Whether you are a child—or a child at heart—this Story Monster plush toy makes the perfect reading buddy!

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Liv on Life A Celebration of Freedom and Friendship…

by Olivia Amiri Have you ever noticed a statue or monument when walking in your town or on vacation? I was recently in New York City and for the first time I saw the Statue of Liberty and read about her story. The Statue of Liberty was a gift of friendship from the people of France to the United States and is recognized as a universal symbol of freedom and democracy. The Statue of Liberty was dedicated on October 28, 1886.

If you look at her, you will see that she is holding a torch above her head and carrying a tabula ansata (a tablet with handles) that is inscribed in Roman numerals with “JULY IV MDCCLXXVI” (July 4, 1776), the date of the U.S. Declaration of Independence. I decided to write a letter to the Statue of Liberty: Dear Lady Liberty, To me, you are an important symbol of freedom, which many others and I stand for. I believe you’re welcoming people no matter their religion, race, ethnicity, or status. I am grateful to you for standing for equality, friendship, and lighting the way for many others. To me, you are walking towards people, reminding us to welcome people to our homes and communities. I believe you’re showing that in order to make a change, you have to do something, and you can’t just stand still. You’re holding a torch to illuminate the way for people as you welcome them.

I think your crown with seven peaks symbolizes various perspectives of life, different people from 30

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all over, and various places in the world, standing together as one.

Thank you, Lady Liberty, for guiding the way.

- Olivia If I were a statue, I would be of a person holding hands with their own love and compassion.

This would symbolize having a good and loving relationship with one’s self, and to further extend that good relationship of one’s love and sensitivity toward others. Write a letter to the Statue of Liberty or another favorite monument and tell it what it means to you!

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Olivia Amiri 11-year-old Olivia Amiri is a little girl with big advice! Sharing insights and observations on the world around us, her message is clear: kids are still the best teachers to remind grown-ups of the simple joys in life. livonlife.com

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Feature Story

Irene Applebaum Buchine Pens a Story of Hope for Children with Depression

by Melissa Fales photo by Erika Buckley

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Feature Story

Rendered as simple pencil sketches, the illustrations in Celia and the Little Boy are the first hint that there’s something unconventional about the debut book by author Irene Applebaum Buchine. Buchine says she chose to use her original, un-retouched drawings for her book because they mirror the tone of her words.

“The illustrations are intentionally not refined,” Buchine says. “This is a rough story, so it shouldn’t have beautiful, multi-colored illustrations. They wouldn’t belong in this book. I used the illustrations that came to me as I was sorting through my feelings about the story. They’re raw because the story is raw.”

Buchine calls Celia and the Little Boy a work of “creative non-fiction.” It’s loosely based on her own experiences as a parent of a child living with depression. It introduces two children: Celia, who sees the world as a beautiful place, and the Little Boy, who is literally and figuratively living in darkness, preferring to hide under a porch.

Exchanges between the two characters can only go so far as long as Celia tries to ignore the Little Boy’s feelings and convince him that everything is

okay. According to Buchine, this is a typical parental reaction to a child with depression. “When you think something is wrong, it’s natural to try to fix it,” she says. “Parents will offer a new toy or some candy or an ice cream cone in an effort to get a child to snap out of it and feel better. But you can’t fix this. It doesn’t just go away. It is a mental health condition.”

Only after Celia acknowledges her own times of darkness can she begin to understand what the Little Boy is feeling. Once she is able to sit with him and they experience the darkness together, their relationship can progress. “I know that parents are desperate for ways to communicate with and understand their children with depression,” Buchine says. “Accepting that there is darkness is the first step.

It took me a long time to come to that realization.”

According to Buchine, she had no plans to write Celia and the Little Boy until she had a dream about a girl going up and down a set of stairs. “I hadn’t intended to write a book or even start illustrating again,” she says. “I had been a good illustrator as a kid, but I hadn’t worked on anything anything in years.”

Celia and

the Little Boy

by Irene Applebaum Buchine

i

Surprised, Celia called back, “No, little boy. It sounds like something is wrong.

Come and take my hand. Let me help you out of this cold dark place.

You don’t belong here all alone.”

10

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Feature Story

“Other than therapeutic books or books about adult depression, there were no stories for me to go to. That’s why I wrote this book and dedicated it “for all the children who dwell alone in the darkness and those who can see them.”

The dream came at a time in Buchine’s life when things seemed to be falling into place for the better.

When she woke up, she reached for the pencil and pad she kept bedside and drew everything she remembered. “It was as if my subconscious had this story that it was waiting for me to write,” she says. For the next three years, Buchine worked with the two characters, creating drawing after drawing. “I didn’t know where the story was going, but I knew that there was a story there,” she says. “I had a strong sense in my heart that this was important and something that I needed to share.”

At the time of the dream, Buchine had recently joined a writing group and had started writing a memoir—a notable accomplishment considering that Buchine, a dyslexic, didn’t learn how to read until she was in her 30s. Looking back on her childhood, Buchine came to rediscover some of her own dark times.

“It was frustrating to realize all of the places I had fallen through the cracks,” she says. In particular, she recognized how not being able to read formed a key part of her identity throughout childhood and

beyond. “I was an angry child,” Buchine says. “I was seen as someone without any capacity because I couldn’t read. I always felt less capable than anyone else in the world.” Revisiting this time in her life was helpful to Buchine in that it helped her relate to some of the feelings children with depression can experience, including helplessness and unworthiness.

“I realized that I couldn’t have helped my child under the circumstances he was in without a better understanding of myself,” she says.

Celia and the Little Boy includes insight from Buchine’s lifelong friend, who happens to be a child psychologist. “I wanted the book to be credible,” says Buchine. “It was also key for me to have someone who held me accountable to get through the writing process. It was very hard for me to stay with it at times.”

One thing that kept Buchine going was the idea that her book would help other parents with children suffering from depression. She remembers how the lack of resources for parents compounded her frustrations and added to the isolation she already felt. “Other than therapeutic books or books about adult depression, there were no stories for me to go to,” she says. “That’s why I wrote this book and dedicated it “for all the children who dwell alone in the darkness and those who can see them.” Although Buchine wrote Celia and the Little Boy as a children’s book, Buchine says she sees it as a tale that spans all age groups.

Currently, Buchine is focusing on making sure Celia and the Little Boy is available to the people who would benefit most from its message. The book ends on an optimistic note, which Buchine believes will bring a sense of comfort and hope to children struggling with depression and their families. “I’m someone who’s always believed what Celia believes in the book, that the world is wondrous.”

For more information about Irene Applebaum Buchine and Celia and the Little Boy, visit irenebuchine.com.

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Feature Story

Slide into Summer!

by Alva Sachs

Summertime conjures up images of sunshine, vacation, swimming, adventures, sports, family time, and more freedom to make choices and use of precious time.

Unfortunately, statistics and research site that the loss of academia over the summer for school-aged children drops significantly. Many children are not actively engaged in reading. Mathematics skills are also compromised by not being used over the summer, and all-around daily experiences that a child has in school are diminished.

There is actually a condition affecting school children called the “summer slide,” which the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD) describes as, “a term that suggests a playful amusement park attraction but actually describes a grim reality.”

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Another study conducted by the RAND Corporation says, “Elementary student performance falls by about a month during the summer, but the decline is far worse for lower-income students. Most disturbing, it appears that summer learning loss is cumulative.”

Feature Story

Oxford Learning cites that on average, students lose two months of reading skills over the summer. David M. Quinn, Assistant Professor of Education at the University of Southern California, and Morgan Polikoff, Associate Professor of Education at the University of Southern California Rossier School of Education, concluded that on average, students’ achievement scores declined over summer vacation by one month’s worth of school year learning.

As a former elementary school teacher, the “summer slide,” for me with my students was observed by how much had to be re-taught in the beginning of the semester after initial diagnostic assessments of skills. Reading Is Fundamental National and Reading Is Fundamental of Southern California are aware of statistics that are staggering. Much of this data is whereby both organizations address the alarming literacy crisis in America today through strong leadership, quality content, and an active and engaged community.

Childhood literacy is in crisis: »»25 million children in the U.S. cannot read proficiently »»1 in 4 children in America grow up without learning how to read »»Students who don’t read proficiently by the third grade are four times more likely to drop out of school and are less likely to graduate high school »»More than any other skill, the ability to read allows a child to succeed in school and life »»3 out of 4 children living in poverty read below grade level »»The more types of reading materials there are in the home, the higher the reading proficiency »»33 percent of American fourth graders read below the “basic” level on the national reading test.

(NAEP Report Card) Parents, caregivers, summer schools, child care centers, and camps often find ways to keep the productivity and learning in a positive direction so when children return to school in the fall, they are ready to begin where they left off or even further along.

Here are some ideas to prevent the summer slide: 1. Foster the love of reading at an early age.

2. Try to select age-appropriate books by content, pictures, and length.

3. Visit your local library together.

4. Get a recommended reading list for your child that is age-appropriate, or maybe a tad challenging.

5. Set up a schedule for reading time.

6. Develop a conversation with your child about his/her book.

7. Read quietly together or take turns reading aloud.

8. Encourage your child to also read newspapers, magazines, and comic strips!

9. Planning a trip is a perfect way to use maps, vacation guides, or the Internet to read and gather information.

10. Have your child write a story. Visit a craft store for supplies to write, illustrate, and publish your child’s very own book!

11. Ask your child to help you write grocery lists, notes for shopping adventures, and letters to family and friends.

12. Cook together! Read the recipes together and make some fun creations.

13. Jump into family game night!

14. Have your child write a review of their favorite book!

15. Encourage your child to keep a summer journal and write about all of the fun things they do each day … and all of the great books they read!

Everywhere you look, there is an opportunity for reading and writing. Let’s develop strong skills to realize each child’s full potential. Reading is empowering, exciting, and engaging, and summer reading will keep students’ skills sharp and prepare them for a successful new school year!

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Alva Sachs is an award-winning children’s book author, educator, and president of Reading Is Fundamental of Southern California. alvasachs.com StoryMonsters.com | July 2018 | Story Monsters Ink

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Teaching Toolbox:

Stories that Stick

by Larissa Juliano When I share stories with my children and students, I pay attention to what makes their eyes sparkle. I want to know what makes them feel intrigued and which literature will imprint on their minds as they ride home on the school bus and talk about their day around the dinner table. What initially hooks a child as they step into a library, a bookstore, or a cozy reading nook? Illustrations, of course.

But let’s talk about what goes into the writing once the story is being shared. A book doesn’t have to be a bestseller, but just thoroughly enjoyed in your story time. In my experience, enthralling children’s literature has the following: 38

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Engaging Characters: These are books that make kids smile. Witty dialogue, vulnerable and authentic emotions, relatable family dynamics. My kids and students just love stories that make us root for the characters so they can have their happy ending.

My beloved fairytales and folktales living in 398.2 really target these traits, all the while promoting vulnerable conversation topics to discuss within our own connections to the story. And these feelings and emotions conjured during our story time will then be addressed during car pool hour, bedtime tuck-ins, or the next trip to the bookstore or library.

Feature Story

Heartwarming Theme: This is not meant to be stories with “cheese,” but rather tales that tug at the heartstrings. There are countless mentor texts that exemplify this—books which ignite our compassion for others and inspire us to put ourselves in other’s shoes.

Bravery, kindness, accepting differences. A previous post that I wrote here talks about Corduroy by Don Freeman (my favorite) and how ultimately readers just want to feel connected, heard, and empathized with.

Relatable Dialogue: I struggle with writing dialogue.

Quotation mark encapsulated words that are supposed to give a picture book reader perception into these carefully constructed characters without sounding “gimmicky” is hard! Readers can be forgiving if the vocabulary slips through their cognizance, but if a character is supposed to be in their general age range, talk like them! Act like them! Be like them! I can’t believe how much I’ve learned about children’s lingo, slang, and vernacular simply by volunteering in my son’s Kindergarten classroom. They are smart! And funny! And adorably immature yet developmentally perfect. And they love characters who are just as so.

Clues and Secrets in the Illustrations: My kids go crazy for books that have little elements of surprise in them—especially when it’s sneakily concealed pictures that the author/illustrator includes in all of their stories. Chris Van Allsburg with his dog Fritz, Mo Willems with not only Pigeon playing peek-a-boo, but many of his other characters as well. Kids love to feel like they are in on a secret … and these little hidden gems allow them to experience that.

A Twist at the End: Steven Kellogg, in my opinion, is often under-mentioned in the conversation about famous author and illustrators. His “sneak peek” pictures (as I have nicknamed them), along with the “extra gravy” picture at the end of the book give readers more insight and bonus endings to the story. The darling boa constrictor wrapped in a lovingly knitted scarf by the farmer’s wife surprises our sweet readers, and also comforts us that he is being taken care of. Black Lagoon series by Mike Thaler is a superb example of hilarious surprise endings as well. Another classic favorite is Patricia Polacco’s Emma Kate when we discover who the narrator REALLY is! I love it. The list could go on and on.

Authors are so smart, funny, and magical.

person narration, or another clever method to engage readers to interact with the stories verbally, emotionally, and physically (such as Jan Brett’s Gingerbread stories). This trait always elicits many giggles from our story time stars.

True Stories: Probably my favorite genre of stories to share all year long. True stories combined with the beauty of illustrations. Students just love to know that the story really happened and extra bonus is the inclusion of real photos and the author’s note at the end. I absolutely love bringing up real articles and videos to deepen their experience with the event, whether it ties into brave leaders, inventors, animal heroics, women warriors, current events, biographies, memoirs, famous athletes, and more. Authors Jeanette Winter, Kadir Nelson and Katherine Patterson, and so many more are just capturing these forgotten (or unheard of) stories— bringing them into our hearts and igniting our interest in social studies—the real authentic study of social things.

I love picture books and I love children, and what I find extraordinary is when children embrace words that are anything but ordinary and become inspired readers and writers. After all, isn’t that our ultimate goal as teachers, parents, and authors? To create inspiration, spark imagination, and encourage children to pursue their dreams.

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Larissa Juliano is an award-winning children’s book author, elementary school teacher, and reading specialist. Follow her on Twitter @larissasjuliano or visit larissajuliano.com.

Riddles & Giggles Q: Why do bananas wear sunscreen?

A: Because they peel!

Stories that are Interactive: Characters that chat with us! Whether it’s with speech bubbles, firstStoryMonsters.com | July 2018 | Story Monsters Ink

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How Does Your Garden Grow?

I have a green thumb!

Dinosaurs in the Garden

by Rita Campbell

With summer in full bloom, we are always looking for ways to entertain our children while they are out of school. Let’s take the chaos outside and help keep the house clean. What a great time to set up some play centers in the garden. Of course, those of you who read my column know I am a big advocate of fairy gardening to inspire children to garden with imagination. A little imagination makes anything possible and can help build criticalthinking skills. Gardening can teach a whole range of other skills as well.

in many varieties. Most do well in the shade, so this makes for a play center that will do well under the trees in your yard. Ferns live in woodlands and shady areas and were a big part of a dinosaur diet. Ferns are extremely forgiving and have an incredibly strong survival instinct. They will grow where other plants fail to thrive and most do well in rich, well-drained soil with an abundance of organic matter. Planting a fern garden outdoors requires minimal attention other than regular mulching and watering during very dry periods.

While dinosaurs are extinct and haven’t roamed the earth for at least 65 million years, the plants they ate have not changed much and are still available. So let’s create a dinosaur garden play center. Of course you will have to do your research to see what grows best in your area. Creating a prehistoric environment in your garden can provide hours of creative and imaginative play for your family and little dino enthusiasts.

Juniper plants and horsetail herbs are among the plants that are low growing and excellent choices for a prehistoric garden. Fill in the other areas with mosses and rock paths or mounds. Stay away from flowering plants, though. Most flowering plants did not appear until after the dinosaur era. You might want to even include a large rock that could be painted with some red, yellow, and orange acrylic paint to represent a volcano. Sand, boulders, or petrified wood for sitting are also good additions to a prehistoric garden and allow opportunities for you and your child to sit in

Use primitive plants that existed during the dinosaur era. Such plants consist of palms and ferns. Many ferns date back some 300 million years and come 40

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How Does Your Garden Grow?

the garden and read a book together. Perhaps a book about dinosaurs.

Edible plants are another type to include in your garden. Veggies and herbs such as spinach and red leaf lettuce would add some interest with its colorful leaves. Chard, parsley, basil, and oregano are some other good suggestions. What better way to get your child to eat some vegetables? Vegetables in the dinosaur garden would be more interesting to a child.

Add a Venus Fly Trap plant as well. The children will be amazed watching this plant and spend hours waiting to see if it catches a fly. Succulents and sand will add a desert feel to your garden.

Now that you have an idea of what to put in the prehistoric garden and a design in mind, let’s get started. Supplies you will need are either a small patch in the yard that has been cleared to plant or a large bucket or barrel. Potting soil, some sand, a large rock for your volcano, some smaller rocks, a dish for a watering hole with small palm tree plants to surround it, some sticks and twigs and of course some dinosaurs are among the other supplies needed.

Use some colorful fellas and know that T-Rex is not welcomed with herbivores. He was definitely a meateating dinosaur. I’m sure your children will be more informed than you on which dinosaurs are herbivores.

If they don’t know a lot about dinosaurs, use it as a teaching tool for them to learn some new facts.

Plant of the month: Ferns There are an estimated 12,000 different species of ferns in the world. Ferns are vascular plants that reproduce by spores, not seeds. In size alone, they range from minute filmy plants only a half-inch tall to huge tree ferns that can reach 30 to 80 feet in height.

Some are twining and vinelike; others float on the surface of ponds. The majority of ferns inhabit warm, damp areas of the Earth, growing profusely in tropical areas. While most ferns prefer a shady location, they don’t do well in deep shade. The dabbled shade provided by tree branches makes a better choice.

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Rita Campbell is a master gardener.

The Moonbeam Award-winning author has combined her love of gardening and teaching to create an educational series of books for children ... with a touch of magic. spritealights.com

Creating a dinosaur garden is a great way to talk to kids about these extinct creatures. You might discuss the various species, what they ate, and when they lived. Dinosaurs are part of the food chain but where did they rank and how do we know so much about them today? Here is another great way to share books and stories about dinosaurs or be creative and write some stories while learning about dinosaur habitats.

Remember, using your imagination in gardening makes anything possible. And using the props in the garden to tell imaginative stories about dinosaurs is a perfect teaching moment. What a brilliant way to encourage reading outside and taking turns retelling stories. Let their imaginations grow and their gardening be inspired. Having children weed and care for their gardens is also a great lesson in responsibility and a perfect opportunity to introduce them to new foods growing in the garden. A Jurassic Jungle in your back yard? The kids will love it.

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Summer Reading List

READING

LIST Martina Ballerina

by Imelda Rose Sobiloff

Martina Ballerina is an inspiring new book with a wholesome story and beautiful illustrations for 4- to 8-year-olds. The story celebrates Martina’s love of dance. Young readers relate when her impassioned spirit butts up against the discipline required for ballet. But they really hold their breath when Martina is passed over for a choice spot in The Nutcracker! Can Martina overcome the blow? Will she ever dance again? Kids and parents treasure this book.

The Wish

by Tara McCarton

The Wish is a magical story about two young fairies, Audrey and Vivienne, who live in a colorful village.

Audrey does not speak with words yet, and Vivienne is kind and includes Audrey in all that she does.

They are surprised by a fairy godmother who grants them three wishes, and what they do with these wishes will warm your heart and spread joy and kindness to all who read this book. The Wish will inspire and teach everyone about kindness, inclusion, and the value of focusing on the ability in disability. audreymccarton.com

Bash and Lucy Fetch Team Vera and the Dream Beasts

by Lisa and Michael Cohn

Sensory-sensitive Bash gets upset when his life is too loud, busy or smelly. He relies on his dog, Lucy, to keep him calm. But his girl-power cousin, Paula, says her soccer team has the right to take Lucy away because girls deserve the very best canine coaches under Title IX. And superstar Lucy is the best—for Bash’s boys’ team. Can Bash show he respects the girls’ rights while keeping dear Lucy by his side?

Ace, King of My Heart: An Assateague Pony’s Tale of Strength and Survival

by Lea Herrick

Ace, a tiny, wild colt born on Assateague Island, struggles to survive (with a little help from his animal friends) as he grows into a magnificent stallion. Educational activities included! Recipient of the Mom’s Choice Award, 2017 Green Earth Book Award “Long List” Honoree, 2017 Purple Dragonfly Book Awards first place winner. Teaches children life lessons of perseverance, optimism, and hope, with a larger message for all ages: the need to preserve our beautiful natural habitats and ecosystems.

Available on Amazon.com.

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Summer Reading List

The Heath Cousins and the Moonstone Cave

by Eileen Hobbs

Addie B. and her cousins Jack, Beanie, and Bodie discover Moonstone Cave while visiting their grandfather. The cave leads them to a magical garden where they meet Gemma and her white wolf Jadira. During their adventure, they must learn an important lesson: to work together if they want to escape the dangers ahead of them and find their way back home.

From Riches to Rags

by Jaclyn Howell

Most people anticipate a story that describes a character’s triumph from rags to riches. But what happens to a girl who gets away with countless bullying antics at school since her father knows what strings to pull to get her out of trouble? Meet Serendipity, who needs to be humbled in her world of entitlement. How will she change her selfish ways if she doesn’t have God in her life? Does she need to lose everything and go from riches to rags to find her purpose?

Tip & Lulu: A Tale of Two Friends

by Lauren Isabelle Pierre

When Lulu, a lonely leopard cub, scours her lush Savannah home in search of a playmate, she learns right away that making friends isn’t always easy or fair. Through an unexpected turn of events, she meets Tip, a shy meerkat pup, and the two forge an unlikely friendship. But what happens when the young friends are put to the test? Can their newfound friendship be their greatest strength? Read the book for yourself and see!

Corallai

by Michelle Path

When Andi is engulfed by a wave, she finds herself transported to an underwater world called Corallai.

There she meets Aquanna and the various other inhabitants who live there, and learns about their role in helping to ensure the survival of the ocean’s ecosystem. Corallai is a story filled with magical creatures weaved into a tale of both wonder and fascination sure to delight young readers. Available from rowanvalebooks.com, michellepath.com.au, and bookshops worldwide.

Bacon’s Big Smooching Adventure

by Olivia Johnson

Bacon’s Big Smooching Adventure is a whimsical story about a smooching pig with a huge heart for his animal friends. He smooches all kinds of furry and not-so-furry animal friends to raise money for animals in need. Bacon knows that everyone is unique and special in their own way and that everyone needs to be loved. We hope you will enjoy Bacon’s Big Smooching Adventure.

I See the Sun series

by Satya House

Explore the world! Life in different countries told from a child’s point of view. I See the Sun books are an award-winning series of bilingual picture books, each focused on one country and one day in the life of one child with a story told from the child’s perspective. Every book introduces the culture, family life, and language of one particular country in a way that is sensitive to each culture. Includes ageappropriate (5+) country facts and a glossary for extended learning. Books include I See the Sun in: USA, Turkey, Nepal, Afghanistan, Russia, China, Mexico, and Myanmar (Burma). satyahouse.com

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Summer Reading List

Gracie Lou

by Larissa Juliano

Gracie Lou is bored. And lonely. What is a little girl to do when there’s nowhere to go and no one to play with? Wish upon a star! As Gracie Lou travels through the starry sky to magical lands, she experiences exciting and whimsical adventures that ignite all her five senses. Readers will delight in the vivacity of Gracie Lou’s imagination (or is it?) as they anticipate where the curly-haired cutie will head to next.

Little Katie Explores the Coral Reefs

by Carmela Dutra

Join Little Katie and her puppy Smudge as they journey into the waters and discover all the magic that lies beneath the surface. Learn the secrets of the “rainforests of the sea” as you embark on an oceanic safari of the world’s most vibrant—and endangered—marine ecosystems. This STEM children’s picture book is the perfect addition to any classroom or home library to teach children the importance of our oceans. carmeladutra.com

Willis: Something Was About to Happen

by Tricia Willemsen

“Willis is an independent, big-hearted bear, who finds a purpose in helping Lucas see the joys of living in the moment, as the young boy deals with a serious illness. Their friendship, together with the loving support of friends and family, strengthens them as they grow in wisdom and experience … and enables them to say goodbye to each other and move on to new challenges. A thoroughly engaging tale—to share as a read aloud, or to enjoy on your own.” (Heather Lavigueur, Teacher - Early Literacy, retired) Readers’ Favorite Silver Medalist.

Frankenpumpess

by Aprel Phelps Downey

Frankenpumpess is a beautiful girl who loves playing with her dog, Nezbit, and spending time with her best friend, Hannah Banana. School is quite a different story. Frankenpumpess just wants to fit in with other kids at school. They tease her and call her names instead. When a bully needs her help on the playground, how will she respond? Her story teaches children the importance in always being yourself!

Order today at frankenpumpess.com

Hailey Queen: Pranking Makes Perfect

by Rosie J. Pova

This sci-fi middle-grade novel, full of heart and humor, is about a fun-loving fourth-grader trying to find her place in her family as she feels overshadowed by her big brother. Her way of attracting the attention she craves from her parents? Pranks! Add a mischievous alien to the mix and that’s double trouble. Will Hailey manage to feel less like an alien in her own world? A story about family, friendship, and fitting in. rosiejpova.com

The Engirlneers Save Fish Pond

by Heather DeVivo-Winz and Shannon DeVivo

Join the engirlneers on their adventures using science, technology, engineering, and math to solve problems in their community. In the first book in the series, The Engirlneers Save Fish Pond, Sally and Tatiana are excited to go swimming in their favorite pond, only to discover it is covered with slime. The engirlneers must enlist the help of their friend to determine the cause and find a solution before it is too late!

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Summer Reading List

Bobby Birthday: A Story about Friendship

by Larissa Juliano

Bobby Birthday loves going to birthday parties even when he’s not invited. He samples the food, peeks at presents, bounces on inflatable elephant trunks, all the while escaping his mom’s healthy cooking.

Then one day, Bobby meets a boy named Teddy who only has grown-ups as guests. As Bobby talks to him, he realizes his party crashing can serve a much better purpose—encouraging friendship, no matter what our differences may be.

Greenbeard the Pirate Pig

by Andrea Torrey Balsara

Sail into adventure with Greenbeard the guinea pig pirate as Snug Rumkin, Greenbeard’s ratty first mate, tries to teach him how to be a “proper” swashbuckler! The 32-page full-color picture book includes sheet music for Greenbeard’s pirate shanty! “Wonderful! What a delightful hero ye have in Greenbeard! Oblivious to danger—focused on what can be rather than the nay-saying of a wellintentioned rat ... we’d sail with Greenbeard any day!” - Cap’n Slappy & Chumbucket, founders of Talk Like a Pirate Day

Ginger and Moe and the Incredible Coincidence

by Linda DeFruscio-Robinson

Everything was perfect at first. Linda had wanted cats—two of them—so they would have each other for company. And Ginger and Moe, two beautiful cats born in an animal hospital, wanted a loving home. But soon, Linda begins to feel sick, and when she learns from her doctor that she is allergic to her two cats, she is forced to find a quick solution. A heartwarming true story with lessons about love and sacrifice. lindadefruscio.com

Transgender Profiles: Time for a Change

by Linda DeFruscio-Robinson

A collection of unique and inspirational stories of 20 transgender individuals of various age groups, backgrounds, and experiences. An informative book for people who are considering transitioning or those who want to better understand people who have transitioned. Transgender Profiles is a testament to a person’s ability to adjust the body to fit the mind and soul, a plea not only for tolerance, but also for compassion and inclusion of people of all genders. lindadefruscio.com Click on the book cover to purchase any of the above titles.

To advertise your book in our Reading list, contact Cristy Bertini at cristy@storymonsters.com for rate information.

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Monsters at the Movies

Won’t You Be My Neighbor?

Reviewed by Nick Spake

GRADE: AWe all have a show from our youth that encapsulates childhood nostalgia in a nutshell, but few programs resonate with people quite like Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. A lot of popular children’s shows endure long lifetimes and some have been rebooted multiple times. Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood had the unusual distinction of running from 1968 to 2001, however, entertaining and educating over three decade’s worth of young viewers. While the franchise has continued with programs like Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, there was only one Fred Rogers. When he passed away in 2003, the world suddenly felt like a much bleaker place. If the documentary Won’t You Be My Neighbor? proves anything, though, it’s that we can always follow the example Rogers set by simply spreading a little kindness every day.

In addition to chronicling Rogers’ life through rare interviews and footage, the film delves into why Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood was a success. Even more fascinating, it also observes why the show really shouldn’t have been a success. Being on public television, the show’s budget was virtually nonexistent. The sets were obviously sets, the puppets were obviously puppets, and Fred Rogers obviously wasn’t a trained performer. Rogers was initially set to become a minister, but he decided to put that career on hold in hopes of crafting a smarter television show for kids. Even though he didn’t have much to work with, Rogers brought something unique to the table: sincerity.

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Whenever he addressed his audience, you never got the sense that he was being sarcastic, condescending, or phony. He felt genuinely gentle and never talked down to people. Even if he wasn’t the most charismatic personality, he brought his own brand of passion to every subject he tackled. Speaking of which, we all remember the lessons Rogers taught us about friendship, art, music, and so on. Many people forget just how many risks Rogers took, though, touching base on themes like racism, war, and assassination.

Even today, these topics would be considered taboo for a show primarily aimed at preschoolers, but Rogers managed to address the hardships of life in a way that all viewers could understand. His words could

Monsters at the Movies

even change how older audiences saw the world, as seen during a U.S. Senate hearing where he supported government funding for public television.

While Won’t You Be My Neighbor? is a celebration of Rogers’ life and career, it wisely doesn’t depict him as a flawless individual. The film acknowledges that Rogers was a product of his time and there were some groups that even he wasn’t entirely accepting of. As the years went by, though, Rogers would start to see the errors of his ways and advocated for those he had misunderstood in the past. It’s an example of how even the most earnest and heartfelt people aren’t perfect, but that’s exactly what made Fred Rogers human.

Without necessarily realizing it, he demonstrated how all of us can grow and adapt to create a more understanding society.

In a strange way, Won’t You Be My Neighbor? perfectly complements Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. Going in, you might not expect something especially deep or compelling. Underneath its simplistic nature, however, is a surprisingly honest, meaningful, and thoughtful story that actually inspires us to treat others better. Even 15 years after his death, Rogers is still improving lives.

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Nick Spake Arizona native and a graduate of Arizona State University, Nick Spake has been working as a film critic for ten years reviewing movies on his website: nickpicksflicks.com.

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My Favorite Teacher

Ms. S ch im en z

by Gra ce Kop etsky, grade 12

draws you into a subject and makes you Ms. Schimenz is the type of teacher who nts. vating students to complete their assignme excited to learn. She has a way of moti to fun and g guin intri projects that are She is able to acco mplish this by assigning student’s willingness to learn. each complete. She is also passionate about new ol was intimidating with the new building, Walking into the first day of middle scho get ssful trying to navigate my sche dule and students, and new teachers. It was stre and . But as soon as I got to social studies from one place to another in enough time room class her of enly felt relieved. The setup was intro duce d to Ms. Schimenz, I sudd ks. around the room and different knickknac was comforting. She had lamps scattered ld her booming enthusiasm, I knew she wou The moment she greeted the class with beco me close to my heart. her class increased. Previously, history had As the year progressed, my fondness for from the importance of learning infor mation been a boring subject and I questione d med z changed my perspective. She transfor hundreds of years ago. But, Ms. Schimen it. t abou learn to r eage someone who was me from someone who disliked history to their g durin Most students, at some point She did this thro ugh her creative stories. to sey. It can be difficult to understan d (due middle scho ol years, will read The Odys ver, Ms. Schimenz ensured that ever y one its Greek language and mythology); howe class She did this by stan ding in front of the of her students interpreted it correctly. back ney ble of into describing Odysseus’ jour and pouring all the energy she was capa ion rs perfectly, so each student could envis home. She outlined each of the characte them in his or her head. ide also formed a relationship with her outs Besi des having Ms. Schimenz in class, I up end ld lunch or after scho ol and we wou of social studies. I would stop by during lives. I ersations about frien ds, family, and our talking for nearly an hour. We had conv but a teacher in seventh and eighth grade, never got the opportunity to have her as day bad any turn smile in the hallways could I frequently visite d her. Seeing her soft for that. into a good one and I am forever grateful what middle scho ol was hard. I had beco me, After beco ming so close to her, leaving ed life. On the last day of scho ol, she hand she would refer to as, the “light” of her It . eyes my ed When I opened it, tears flood something to me in a brown paper bag. the keep I t-shaped ornament. To this day, was the most delicate, white and blue, hear I and whenever I feel down or disco uraged, ornament in a special place in my room, and life my cted impa z much Ms. Schimen bring it out. It is a gentle reminder of how made me the person I am today.

Hey Kids! Visit StoryMonsters.com for instructions on how to submit your work!

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Book Reviews

BOOK REVIEWS

Neck & Neck

by Elise Parsley (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers). Reviewer: Darleen Wohlfeil

Competition has its place in life. It can nudge us on to be our best. It can teach us the thrill of winning a prize, and reaching success. But sometimes, it can lose perspective and turn a positive into a threatening negative. Leopold, the zoo’s highlight of the fans, becomes threatened by the presence of a look-a-like balloon, and the battle begins. This comical story is sure to bring laughter, along with some clever insight. The illustrations are fun and lively, making this an all-around good time.

Scaredy Book

by Devon Sillett, Cara King (EK Books). Reviewer: Diana Fisher

Book—who has an endearing personality—loves his nook in the library, which is safe and cozy. But Book’s life is boring, until he summons up just a little courage, and then his adventure begins. Children will root for Book and applaud him in the end. His story will make you smile, and tickle your insides with warmth. The narrative is sweet, clever, inspiring, and amusing. And the whimsical illustrations complement the story wonderfully.

Anne’s Numbers

by Kelly Hill (Tundra Books). Reviewer: Diana Fisher

This charming board book, inspired by Anne of Green Gables, takes us along a walk through nature and teaches the numbers one through ten. The homey and gentle embroidered illustrations invite children to investigate and count the flowers, trees, friends, and other adorable elements of each tableau. Another in a series with Anne’s Colors—both books are captivating worlds to be in.

Roof Octopus

by Lucy Branam, Rogério Coelho (Sleeping Bear Press). Reviewer: Darleen Wohlfeil

This is a lighthearted romp children will surely enjoy. It’s a delight from start to finish. A friendly giant octopus on the roof of an apartment building? Whatever could it want? The story, the colors, and the illustrations by Coelho all work hand in hand, making it truly a feel-good experience!

Animal Planet Chapter Book Series

by Animal Planet. Reviewer: Darleen Wohlfeil

Animal Planet is a popular division of Discovery Communication. This fact-packed series is as enjoyable and entertaining as its TV counterpart. Each book is filled with details, education, and great facts.

Perfect for kids on all levels. Great for school reports. I read Book #5 Horses!, and Book #6 Dolphins! and found them both impressive.

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Book Reviews

Saffron Ice Cream

by Rashin Kheiriyeh (Arthur A. Levine Books). Reviewer: Darleen Wohlfeil

Moving is hard. Whether it’s across town or across the big oceans, adjustments can be most uncomfortable. Excitement surrounds each new place, and each new discovery. Yet, sadness whispers in memory of old things left behind. Rashin lets herself find new joys, while she holds tenderly the old ones.

The One and Only Owen

by Nicole Evans Haumesser (Blurb). Reviewer: Darleen Wohlfeil

Owen has lost sight of himself, and falls to wishing he were like others. Until he can refocus and find his own true value, his world takes on a gloomy outlook. We all have a part to play, a gift to add to the whole.

Something so unique to us that it cannot be done by another. So, when we look and admire others, let it be for their special identity, and don’t let it take away from our own. Along with Owen, we learn life lessons to strengthen the heart.

Don’t Touch My Hair!

by Sharee Miller (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers). Reviewer: Darleen Wohlfeil

This story is a great reminder to regard the personal space of others with respect and that courteous and gracious behavior promotes strong and friendly relationships. Everyone has boundaries. A personal space we find comforting. We all may have encountered a person who stands a bit too close when they speak. As kind and considerate people, we should be aware of these unseen barriers, and do our best to respect them.

Bulldozer Dreams

by Sharon Chriscoe, John Joven (Running Press Kids). Reviewer: Darleen Wohlfeil

The illustrations will surely hold the interest of little ones as they read this story. Gentle reinforcement of nightly routines will tickle their fancy with these amazing machines. Additional titles include Race Car Dreams and Fire Truck Dreams. A great series to offer encouragement for strong and healthy bedtime habits.

Whatshisface

by Gordon Korman (Scholastic). Reviewer: Diana Perry

When 12-year-old Cooper Vega moves for the third time in five years, he receives a state-of-the-art smartphone to help him stay in touch with old friends. He’s had phones before, but this one is buggy and unpredictable. When a boy named Roderick Northrop communicates with him through the phone, Cooper realizes that his phone isn’t buggy at all; the thing is haunted! I loved the ending that transformed both Roddy and Cooper from self-imposed losers to unexpected stars. A great read with a great ending. Kids will love it.

The Kool Kids & the Land Of the Giants

by James Tate. Reviewer: Darleen Wohlfeil

A fresh take on an old tale. Size isn’t always necessary to win a battle, but a strong faith that dares to believe it’s winnable. The Kool Kids have that kind of faith. They have their own giant wreaking havoc in their land. His name is Obesity, and with faith and prayer, they know just how to bring him down.

Tate opens the topic of fitness and health in terms and interests kids can enjoy. Positive stories told, and retold, bring confidence and strength for our children to meet all the giants of life that may cross their path.

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Book Reviews

Dust Flowers (Tales from American HerStory series)

by Lisa Gammon Olson, Kyle Olson (Eifrig Publishing). Reviewer: Darleen Wohlfeil

Everything about this touching story is soft and moving. From the illustrations by Kyle Olson, to the times in history that tore at the heart of its people. The reality of loss and hardship seen through a young child’s eyes, relates to us the dark days of drought that created the historic Dust Bowl Era of the early 1930s. This is a tender tale of love and hope, reminding us of the strength of those before us who endured and overcame, and forged the path we now travel. This is the first in a series to discover our nation’s past. I’m looking forward to the next.

Rock ‘n’ Roll Soul

by Susan Verde, Matthew Cordell (Abrams Books for Young Readers). Reviewer: Sherry L. Hoffman

This is a book that resonates in the heart of its reader as the words by Susan Verde and illustrations by Matthew Cordell blend together in literary harmony. Told through the main character’s point of view as she poetically plans her act for the upcoming talent show at her school, readers are bound to make a connection through her love of music. This story trumpets the important message of being true to yourself and finding your inner voice.

A Lion is a Lion

by Polly Dunbar (Candlewick). Reviewer: Dr. Dawn Menge

This wonderful story answers the age-old question, “Is a Lion still a lion..?” What if he’s dressed himself up and uses his manners? Has his inner self changed because he appears to be kind or is he still dangerous? Should you welcome him into your home and treat him to lunch? This book is an enchanting way to help teach children to stand up for themselves, trust their instincts, and just say “No.”

Frog and Beaver

by Simon James (Candlewick). Reviewer: Dr. Dawn Menge

Frog and his friends the ducks and voles live happily beside the beautiful river. Along comes beaver searching for a place to build his first dam. Frog kindly invites him in to share in their world. But the animal friends soon learn that beaver might not be a good fit for their community when he stops the river from flowing. What happens next is a lesson on learning from your mistakes and how they affect others. This delightful book will help teach young readers about cause and effect and how to correct your mistakes when they have hurt others.

Goodnight, Seahorse

by Carly Allen-Fletcher (Muddy Boots). Reviewer: Denise A. Bloomfield

This is a delightful picture book that is reminiscent of the famous children’s story Goodnight, Moon, but the main characters are an adorable seahorse and other wonderful animals in the ocean. It is a simple book that children will enjoy hearing over and over again. I love the brightly colored illustrations and the pages at the end that include pictures and names of the animals of the coral reef. I even learned about an animal that I had never heard of before! I highly recommend this book for ages 2-5.

Sewing the Magic In at the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus

by Lisa Gammon Olson, Lauren Rutledge (Eifrig Publishing). Reviewer: Denise A. Bloomfield

This is a charming story of a little girl named Nora who is a young seamstress for the circus. Nora is unaware of her part in the grand scheme of it all but she learns that she plays a big part in creating the magic. It’s a great story and it flows well from beginning to end. It also includes interesting facts about the circus and the illustrations are delightful! I would recommend this book for ages 6-11.

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Book Reviews

I Feel Teal

by Lauren Rille, Aimée Sicuro (Beach Lane Books). Reviewer: Julianne Black

There are so many reasons to love I Feel Teal. First, the illustrations are simply adorable, each spread creates such a deep plunge into the corresponding feeling of emotion. Second, it’s totally relatable. Each situation represented is a very solid, very real experience to which we all can connect. But I think the biggest reason is that while the book uses colors to describe emotions, it doesn’t use the same stock colors and situations with which young viewers are already familiar. This book doesn’t regurgitate “red is mad, yellow is happy,” but includes more shades and variations introducing scarlet, mauve, ecru, etc. A wonderful read for anyone, but an especially fun eye-opener for a younger crowd.

I’m Sad (The I’m Books)

by Michael Ian Black, Debbie Ridpath Ohi (Simon & Schuster). Reviewer: Julianne Black

I didn’t know I could feel so much love for a book about a little girl, a flamingo, and their potato friend. Wonderful quick read about not fixing feelings, but experiencing them and letting them be okay. Sometimes we are all just sad. This story is about not being cheered up, and how that is OK, too.

Wonderful characters, easy to absorb dialog for younger readers, and a completely relevant and important subject for a 4 years and up audience.

Know Where You Are series

by Dennis Brown (Ricky Reader, LLC). Reviewer: Larissa Juliano

The Know Where You Are series is a fantastic selection of board books intended to educate, enlighten, and explore the world around us and explains how our brain processes this invaluable knowledge. Each book includes gorgeous pictures, easy-to-understand dialogue, and topics presented in an approachable way.

I just loved how topics like geography, the human brain, and thoughts and emotions are explained so clearly, with fun characters sharing extra tidbits of information in speech bubbles. A great series that is leading the way for readers of all ages to understand and appreciate how truly amazing our mind, body, and world really are.

Hammer and Nails

by Josh Bledsoe, Jessica Warrick (Flashlight Press). Reviewer: Larissa Juliano

This fresh and fun story begins with Darcy’s devastation over her play date cancellation, and the expression on her face when Daddy tries to console her captures every emotion little children experience when they are disappointed. Darcy reluctantly agrees to have a “Darcy Daddy” day instead, but they must follow her play date plan list, of course! Dress-up? Daddy surprises Darcy in his tutu. Lawnmower turned into a carriage? Daddy had pink ribbons to spare. Hair salon time? Fancy hairdo’s coming right up! The illustrations are superbly done, and the relationship between father and daughter is perfectly captured. A must-read for every family.

Megabat

by Anne Humphrey, Kass Reich (Tundra Books). Reviewer: Diana Perry

Daniel Misumi has just moved to a new house. It’s big and old and far away from his friends and his life before. And it’s haunted! Megabat is now living in an old house far from home, feeling sorry for himself, and accidentally scaring the people who live there. Daniel realizes it’s not a ghost in his new house. It’s a bat. And he can talk. And he’s actually kind of cute. Megabat realizes that not every human wants to whack him with a broom. This one shares his smooshfruit. This is the cutest story I’ve ever read. A great book for an early reader.

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Book Reviews

Louisiana’s Way Home

by Kate DiCamillo (Candlewick). Reviewer: Olivia Amiri, age 11

Louisiana’s Way Home is a sweet, heartfelt story. I can tell you I wouldn’t want to be in Louisiana Elefant’s situation, which is to leave her home and everything in the middle of the night because her Granny wants to escape a family “curse.” Louisiana ends up in a small town in Georgia. Will she make her way back home to Florida or find a new home in Georgia? Will she discover the truth of the curse? Sometimes the most difficult situations can be the best life lessons. I’m sure Louisiana can attest to that!

Red’s Planet

by Eddie Pittman (Harry N. Abrams). Reviewer: Olivia Amiri, age 11

Red’s Planet is a quirky, imaginative, and fun graphic novel! This comic-style book is engaging, especially following headstrong, adventurous 10-year-old Red. Red longs to leave her annoying foster family for her perfect world, but before she does a UFO mistakenly kidnaps her. I like this book because it’s funny and you can relate to this type of story. Sometimes things don’t always turn out as you expect, but making the best of what comes is pretty much what Red must do to survive.

The Key to Everything

by Pat Schmatz (Candlewick). Reviewer: Diana Perry

Tash didn’t want to go to camp, didn’t want to spend the summer with a bunch of strangers, didn’t want to be separated from the only two people she has ever been able to count on: her uncle Kevin, who saved her from foster care, and Cap’n Jackie, who lives next door. Camp turns out to be pretty fun, actually, but when Tash returns home, Cap’n Jackie is gone. All she has is the key Cap’n Jackie always insisted had magic in it. Jackie always said all Tash had to do was hold it tight and the magic would come. Was it true?

Could the key bring her back? Young readers will be aware of the foreverness of love, especially when it’s mixed with a little magic.

Be Prepared

by Vera Brosgol (First Second). Reviewer: Diana Perry

All Vera wants to do is fit in—but that’s not easy for a Russian girl in the suburbs. Her friends live in fancy houses and their parents can afford to send them to the best summer camps. Vera’s single mother can’t afford that sort of luxury, but there’s one summer camp in her price range—Russian summer camp.

This is the perfect coming-of-age story for any young girl who is new at school or the most unpopular. It serves as the perfect example that when you change a few things about your character, you can become a new person and that can change how everyone else sees you, too. A most encouraging and inspiring story —I just loved it.

Doodle Journeys: A Fill-In Journal for Everyday Explorers

by Dawn DeVries Sokol (Harry N. Abrams). Reviewer: Diana Perry

This is a fun activity book that gets kids to develop and increase creativity by drawing and writing to create a story. It opens young minds to real and imaginary experiences. This is not one for a young reader to finish in a few hours—I could easily see this entertaining youngsters for a few days. This is the perfect book to take on a long ride; your little creatives will enjoy using their imaginations to complete the many pages. Not only is it fun, it is most educational as well.

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Story Monsters Ink | July 2018 | StoryMonsters.com

Book Reviews

Rock Log Kids (Nature Journals)

by Daniel Brandt, DeAnna Brandt (Adventure Publications). Reviewer: Diana Perry

This is a scientific and exciting read for any youngster. It contains everything you need to know to start your own rock collection. The Brandts also include games and projects and teach evvveryday uses of rocks and minerals. There are pages and pages of log sheets—enough to assist the weekend junior geologist in logging all their many finds. A great way to spend a weekend outside in the fresh air. I highly recommend this book to young, aspiring collectors.

Racing Manhattan

by Terence Blacker (Candlewick). Reviewer: Diana Perry

Jasmine Barton grows up hearing terrible stories about her now-deceased mother. To make things worse, Dad mysteriously disappears. She lives her early teen years with relatives who treat her more like hired help than family. She lives a lonely life until the day she meets another unwanted creature—a horse named Manhattan. Young readers who love horses will get an insider’s view on the sport of equestrian riding and life with these beautiful animals. I particularly love how Jasmine and Manhattan bring out the best in each other and the wonderful surprise ending. A fantastic read!

Unstinky

by Andy Rash (Arthur A. Levine Books). Reviewer: Darleen Wohlfeil

Living up to our name can be tough sometimes. Take Bud, he’s a stinkbug. Only thing is, he doesn’t stink!

While all the others are outstinking each other, he comes up smelling like roses. Desperate to fit in, Bud tries hard to find his own personal foulness, but instead discovers a totally different talent. Sometimes, we just have to bring what we got and find our own special spot.

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Q&A

Q&A with

Sue Fliess

by Julianne Black

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Story Monsters Ink | July 2018 | StoryMonsters.com

It’s Christmas in July! I recently received a copy of Mrs. Claus Takes the Reins—to be released this September—and I was so excited to share it with my co-reviewer, my 5-year-old daughter. The world has so many re-creations where Christmas night is saved, but they are done by everyone other than Mrs. Claus!

What is she so busy doing that she doesn’t have time to fix a holiday for kids? In Mrs. Claus Takes the Reins, it isn’t Rudolph that saves the day. Nor is it the littlest elf, the deserving child, or an adorable critter buddyteam. It’s the Main Mistletoe Mama herself, and it’s about time!

Q: Can you tell us about this holiday story twist and where the idea came from?

A: It started out of a conversation with an editor I’ve worked with for several years. We were discussing another project and she asked me if I would try my hand at a Christmas book, focused around Santa. My first thought was, There are so many Santa books out

Q&A

there ... how can I come up with an original one? So, I brainstormed, and chose to tell the traditional Santa story, but from a different angle—the much beloved, yet underappreciated, Mrs. Claus. You know, the great woman behind the scenes. My publisher liked it, but in the end, didn’t want it. But I suddenly had this great story that I believed in, and my agent and I knew Mrs. Claus’ story needed to be heard, so we submitted it elsewhere and found a home with Two Lions.

it comes to my family. I tried not to overschedule my kids when they were little, but with two boys only 18 months apart, having things planned for them was key to my survival. So I think Mrs. Claus and her posse of elves and reindeer reflects a family in a way—and she was keeping everything tidy and organized before she took on the job, during, and after. She runs a tight sleigh!

Q: Mrs. Claus is awesome! Her character is so practical, daring, and brave! Who is she to you?

Q: It looks like this is your first book with illustrator Mark Chambers. How was it describing your vision to a new artist? Is the character style of Mrs. Claus something that you both came up with together, or did you already see those awesome green glasses in your head beforehand?

A: This is a tough question, and I think it’s hard to answer because to me, Mrs. Claus embodies so many female leaders and role models in my life. She’s a combination of my mom, my aunt, my sister, my friends, my teachers, booksellers, awesome librarians I’ve come to know over the years, and female leaders and risk-takers that I don’t know personally, but have been inspired by. I’ve been so lucky to have had women lifting me up and believing in me from the start. Mrs. Claus is a no-nonsense, go-getter, and just like me and most every mom I know, when faced with a problem (or a little sniffle!), we forge ahead to get the job done.

There is no pulling the covers back over our heads!

A: I love Mark’s art and adore the Mrs. Claus he created! That said, I had very little to do with his vision of her. Typically, the author submits the story text, the editor has a vision of how the story should look/feel, and then they work with the art department or their team to choose the right artist to execute on that. I did see some early sketches of Mrs. Claus, and weighed in, but her final look is all Mark’s genius. Her green glasses and fun hair highlight her bold personality.

Q: The idea to offset magic with intelligence is such a treat. Was it a decision to make her non-magical to showcase her common sense or was the character already non-magical in your mind when you invented her?

A: I never thought of Mrs. Claus as magical. In my mind, it was always Santa who had all the magic, which is likely just another reason Mrs. Claus never played a big role in the books, animated movies, or even in the retelling of the big Christmas Eve night. To pull off the successful delivery of presents all over the world without magic, I knew she had to be intelligent, clever, cool-headed, and confident.

Q: I love how you described on your website that having children was your inspiration to get into kids books. Did family life also show up for you in Mrs. Claus?

A: Oh, yes. My mom was a big list-maker, and so am I. She’s very thorough and organized. I’d like to think that most of the time I am organized—at least when StoryMonsters.com | July 2018 | Story Monsters Ink

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Q&A

Q: Your list of finished book projects is really fantastic, and is represented by so many different publishers. Any advice or insider tips you can share with our aspiring authors out there?

A: Thank you! I’m still pinching myself. This advice may be nothing new, but try to see rejections as just a difference of opinion. If your work gets declined, that editor was most likely just not the right editor for your project. It does not mean your writing or story was bad or uninteresting. It just means you have to keep submitting it until you find the right editor—the one who loves it and says “I have to have this!” And yes, I have many publishers, and some of that is because we found editors who love or are champions of my writing, and they moved to a different publisher, so we submitted to him/her there. If a story deserves to be a book, who am I to prevent a new publisher from making it happen?

Q: From your website bio, you list “not having enough time to do all the things I want to do” as things you don’t like. When you aren’t writing, what are you up to?

A: I love to travel. My husband and I actually just got back from a week in Barcelona (it was amazing), and there is so much of the world we want to see.

We also travel as a family with our teenage boys. We are already planning our next trip. Greece, perhaps!

When I’m not writing, I’m doing school visits, or out promoting my books in person or online, or brainstorming my next song parody. But I’m also the manager of my family, chief schedule-keeper, driver, and dog walker. I feel like there is always more I could be doing for my books, my kids, etc., but I think many people feel this way. I try not to feel too guilty about it and just do what I can.

Q: What other new titles should we expect to see soon and what are you working on next?

A: I’m currently writing two stories; a picture book (fractured fairytale) and a middle grade novel—which I’ve been chipping away at for several years. Maybe this will be the year I finish it! Although, I said that last year, too. I always have many projects going at once.

Thankfully, I do tend to finish most of them!

I have had two books come out this year so far: Mary Had a Little Lab (Albert Whitman & Co) and How to Be a Princess (Little Golden Books). I have 58

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a counting Halloween board book publishing this June from Scholastic called Haunted Halloween, and then, of course, Mrs. Claus Takes the Reins comes out in September with Two Lions. Next year, I have six books publishing: Ninja Camp (Running Press Kids), The Earth Gives More, Little Red Rhyming Hood (both Albert Whitman & Co), and possibly three yet-to-be announced holiday-themed books, but no firm pub dates. I’m feeling SO grateful! I love this industry, love what I do, and am thankful every day that I get to keep doing it.

•

For more information about Sue Fliess and her books, visit www.suefliess.com.

Julianne DiBlasi Black has written and illustrated several books, including Sleep Sweet, the multi-award winning Augmented Reality picture book. www.krakensky.com.

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