Story Monsters Ink August 2018

August 2018

Tony and Lauren Dungy Score a Touchdown with New Children’s Book Series

ANN M. MARTIN Inspires a New Generation of Baby-Sitters

Vanessa Marshall

Tim McCanna

the Most Dangerous Voice in the Galaxy

Hits a Happy Tune with Little Readers

Jennifer Rose Offers Life Lessons for Autistic Teens

One to Read

Fiona Basile

Q&A with

Linda Kranz

One to Watch

Maceo Smedley

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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.”

August 2018

In this issue 04 Ann M. Martin Inspires a New Generation of Baby-Sitters

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Q&A with Linda Kranz

Tony and Lauren Dungy Score a Touchdown with New Children’s Book Series

My L ibrar y Car Stor d yM

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onste

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One to Watch Maceo Smedley

Vanessa Marshall the Most Dangerous Voice in the Galaxy

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Jennifer Rose Offers Life Lessons for Autistic Teens

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Tim McCanna Hits a Happy Tune with Little Readers

One to Read Fiona Basile

26 Liv on Life 36 How Does Your Garden Grow?

38 Summer Reading List

42 Monsters at the Movies 46 Book Reviews

56 Purple Dragonfly Award Winners 59 Kids Corner

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

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Ann M. Martin Inspires a New Generation of Baby-Sitters

by Melissa Fales photos courtesy of Scholastic

The Baby-Sitters Club series was a literary staple of an entire generation of young readers. Ann M. Martin’s books about adolescent friends Mary Anne, Kristy, Claudia, Stacey, and their charges dominated bookshelves from the late 1980s through the 1990s, becoming one of the most popular young adult series of all time. “I heard from a lot of kids that the club members were like friends to them,” says Martin.

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Martin grew up in Princeton, New Jersey. Her father drew cartoons for magazines like The New Yorker and her mother was a preschool teacher. “It was a happy, Leave-It-to-Beaverish sort of childhood,” she says. “I loved to write, and enjoyed any challenge put forth by my teachers, especially the wonderful Mr. Doherty, my creative writing teacher in junior high. Also, I wrote horrible poetry.”

While Martin was never a member of a baby-sitting club, she did her share of sitting. “I baby-sat my way from junior high through college,” she says. On her first day at Smith College in 1973, she met Claudia Werner, who would become a lifelong friend and lend her name to a main character in The Baby-Sitter’s Club books. Martin says her four years of college were some of the best of her life. “I double-majored in psychology and elementary education, both of which informed my writing, and I became particularly interested in children’s literature,” she says.

After graduation, Martin spent a year teaching fourth and fifth grade at a small, private school in Connecticut. “I had engaging, funny, hard-working students,” she says. “I enjoyed sharing my love of children’s books and reading and writing with them, but I could feel the pull of the publishing community. I wanted to work on children’s books myself, so I moved to New York City and began a new career.”

and had worked on several series as an editor, but hadn’t considered writing a series of my own.”

Martin’s first step in The Baby-Sitters Club saga was to create the characters. “That’s always my favorite part of creating a story,” she says. “I had set out to create a group of girls who were very different from one another but who worked well together and were friends, despite having divergent personalities and coming from varying backgrounds and family configurations.”

As real as the main characters came to feel to fans, only Kristy and Mary Anne were based on real people. “Kristy was based on my still-best friend Beth McKeever,” says Martin. “Mary Anne was based on me.

As kids, Beth was the one with the big ideas, who was always starting clubs and coming up with adventures for us and our friends. And she was funny and outgoing. I was shy, but happy to follow her lead. Even now, 59 years after we first met, Beth organizes stellar baby showers, weddings, and birthday parties.”

All in all, the series ran from 1986 to 2000 and boasted a total of 131 titles, plus spin-off series and Super Specials. “While the books that were more funny or fanciful were fun to write, of course, I was always more

Martin worked for a number of major publishers, but yearned to be on the other side of that world. “My love of writing, even bad poetry, had never left, and as I became more involved in children’s publishing, I decided to try my hand at writing a novel of my own,” she says. “It was a middle-grade novel, Bummer Summer. The moment it was accepted by a publisher, I knew what I wanted to do, if not for the rest of my life, then certainly for the rest of my career.” It was published in 1983.

Shortly after Martin left an editor position with Bantam Books to write full-time, she was approached about writing a four-book series about a group of baby-sitters. “I was both relieved and intrigued,” she says. “I wasn’t sure I could make this work. So the offer of a four-book series, about baby-sitting, no less, was a relief. The series was middle-grade, the level at which I’ve always felt most comfortable writing, and I certainly had experiences to draw on. I was also intrigued. I’d read plenty of series books as a child, StoryMonsters.com | August 2018 | Story Monsters Ink

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interested in writing about serious topics,” she says.

“My favorite stories were the more serious ones, such as Claudia and the Sad Good-Bye, written after the death of my grandmother, in which Claudia loses her own grandmother; Kristy and the Secret of Susan, in which Kristy sits for a girl with autism; and Jessi’s Secret Language, in which Jessi sits for a boy who uses American Sign Language to communicate.”

“I had set out to create a group of girls who were very different from one another but who worked well together and were friends, despite having divergent personalities and coming from varying backgrounds and family configurations.”

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Martin received letters from devotees with personal requests for stories about specific topics such as bullying or losing a beloved pet. “I took all these things into consideration,” says Martin. “Later in the series, after I received a number of letters requesting a story about the dangers of drunk driving and also a story about the death of a peer, Mary Anne and the Memory Garden was published, which tackled both of those topics.”

The Baby-Sitters Club series was incredibly popular, with over 176 million books sold. Martin believes it’s because fans felt so genuinely connected to the club members. “Early on, I saw that most young readers felt drawn to one or more of the main characters, and that pulled them into the series,” she says. “Also, I wanted to create a group of kids who were independent, entrepreneurial problem-solvers. The members of the Baby-Sitter’s Club knew that the adults in their lives were there to help, but they generally took matters into their own hands. They were energetic creative-thinkers (who, frankly, pulled off something that wasn’t exactly realistic), but they were also relatable.”

The members of Martin’s Baby-Sitter’s Club remain perpetually adolescent. “What eventually became a problem for my editors and me was the fact that after the first few books, the characters didn’t age,” says Martin. “None of us had expected that the series would be published for nearly 15 years and that there would be hundreds of books in the series. The characters aged one year in the first ten books, and then we realized

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we needed to stop time. If we hadn’t done that, the Baby-Sitter’s Club members would have been nearly 30 by the time the series concluded. So it was the fact that the series couldn’t change much over the years that eventually led to its end.”

The Baby-Sitter’s Club has continued in the form of a television show, a movie, and most recently, graphic novels by Raina Telgemeier and Gale Galligan based on Martin’s original stories. Later this month, there will be a special edition release of the first six books of the series in a collectible The Baby-Sitter’s Club tin case.

Martin has continued to write, including A Corner of the Universe (a Newbery Honor Book), Here Today, A Dog’s Life and Everything for a Dog. Currently, she is taking a break and spending her time sewing, doing needlework, fostering homeless cats, and working on the Lisa Libraries, the foundation she started in 1990 in memory of children’s editor Lisa Novak. The Lisa Libraries collects new children’s books to create libraries for underserved children, including those who are in foster care, shelters, or visiting incarcerated parents.

In January, she released Rain Reign. Again, her creative process started by developing the main character. “I started thinking about a young girl living on the outskirts, both geographically and emotionally,” she says. “She had quirky interests and a troubled relationship with her father. Eventually, I realized she might be on the autism spectrum.”

While Martin was cultivating the character of Rose in her mind, her editor asked if she wanted to write another book about a dog. “The story about Rose and Rain didn’t come together, though, until Hurricane Irene hit our area,” she says. “As in the book, the storm wasn’t supposed to affect us, but it took an inland turn and did a great deal of damage in the northeast. After the storm, as I walked my dog Sadie up and down the street and saw the ruined homes and roads, I thought about pets that had become separated from their owners. The story came together quickly after that—a story about love, and about doing the right thing, even when the right thing is very difficult.”

two trusted editors, Liz Szabla and Jean Feiwel, who proposed the idea of The Baby-Sitter’s Club to Martin all those years ago, Martin has already published two books featuring a new character, Missy Piggle-Wiggle, the great-niece of Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle. The third book, Missy Piggle-Wiggle and the Sticky-Fingers Cure will be released in September. “Like her great-aunt, Missy lives in an upside-down house … with lots of animals, including a talking parrot, and a pig so polite that children learn good manners from him,” says Martin.

“Parents go to Missy seeking her humorous but effective magical cures for such problems as a child who won’t help care for the family dog, a boy who gets hooked on chewing gum, a brother and sister who won’t stop whining, and in the case of The StickyFingers Cure, a boy who can’t help but pilfer anything that attracts his attention.”

Martin admits that developing a new character and series based on such a beloved classic was a little intimidating. “It was daunting to attempt to follow in the footsteps of Betty MacDonald, but thinking of funny problems and cures made sitting down to write each day a pleasure,” she says.

For more information about Ann M. Martin and her books, visit scholastic.com/annmartin.

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It’s ironic that Betty MacDonald’s Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle books were some of Martin’s favorites growing up. With the full blessing of MacDonald’s greatgranddaughter, Annie Parnell, and the guidance of StoryMonsters.com | August 2018 | Story Monsters Ink

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Tony and Lauren Dungy Score a Touchdown with New Children’s Book Series

by Melissa Fales photos courtesy of Krupp Kommunications

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For 36 years, Lauren and Tony Dungy have enjoyed a marriage that revolves around faith, family, and football. Together, Lauren, a former teacher and early childhood education specialist, and Tony, a former NFL player, NBC sports analyst, NFL Hall of Fame member, and retired Super Bowl-winning head coach, are writing sports-themed children’s books designed to get children interested in and excited about reading.

Austin Plays Fair and Maria Finds Courage are the first two books in the new Team Dungy series. “It’s very important to get kids reading early because we know that reading is going to help them in every area of their lives,” says Lauren. “Ideally, they’ll develop a love of reading that will lead to a lifetime of learning.”

Best known for coaching the Indianapolis Colts from 2002 to 2008 and shaping them into one of the NFL’s most formidable teams, Tony is also a New York Times bestselling author, having written books such as Uncommon and Quiet Strength. He’s also teamed up with Lauren previously to write The Uncommon Marriage, and children’s books including the Ready to Read series for Simon and Schuster, with stories featuring their own brood.

The Dungys began writing children’s books after Lauren discovered a need while volunteering at Title 1 schools. She and several other NFL wives visited the schools weekly to read to students. “The problem was, there wasn’t a lot of material for them to read,” Tony says. “They wanted to read something that was fun, but also had a positive message. That’s how we got started.

We wrote books for them to read to the kids.”

The new Team Dungy series of picture books designed for children in grades 1-3 is published by Harvest Kids, an imprint of Harvest House Publishers. Each book offers more than an appealing cover and a relatable sports-themed tale; it teaches an important lesson and incorporates the faith that is so integral to the couple’s lives and marriage. “We do hope our Christian principles are evident throughout the books, but we didn’t want to limit our books to only Christian bookstores,” says Tony.

The lesson in Austin Plays Fair is about honesty. “We meet Austin, whose flag football team is struggling to win,” says Tony. “They think about tightening up their flags which would make it harder for their opponent to win. But is that the most important thing? Do we want to win? Sure we do. But is it really winning if you don’t play fair? That’s what Austin has to work

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“Sometimes, kids who are dreaming about becoming a professional athlete don’t think they need to learn how to read. But if you can’t read, you can’t play the game. Reading is important for everyone, no matter what your dreams are for the future.” through. The message is that honesty and integrity really do trump winning.”

Maria Finds Courage is about a girl who’s new to a school and her parents encourage her to play soccer as a good way to make friends. “She’s apprehensive about trying something new,” says Tony. “She was comfortable being on the swim team and she’s afraid 10

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of failure. She’s afraid the other kids will laugh at her.

It’s a good example of a real situation kids can find themselves in … wanting to try something new but their fear holds them back.”

The Team Dungy books were written with inclusivity in mind. “One of our goals was to feature diverse characters the kids could see themselves in—boys and girls of different nationalities,” Tony says. “The idea is that we may all look different, but we all are the same in that we all want to play and we all want to win.” A third book in the series, Carson Finds Forgiveness, will be released in August 2019.

Separate from the Team Dungy series, the Dungys will also be releasing We Chose You: A Book About Adoption, Family, and Forever Love in spring 2019 through Harvest Kids. “It’s for people who are wrestling with how to tell their kids about adoption, and at the same time spread the word about how important adoption is,” says Tony. Seven of the couple’s 10 children are adopted. “We have a passion for strengthening and encouraging children and empowering families,” says Lauren. When visiting schools, the Dungys use the opportunity to demonstrate an example of a long-term

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families) nearby. “We try to reach as many as we can because we know there is such a need,” she says. “We hand out books to the students and for many of them, it’s the first book they’ve ever owned.”

Both Lauren and Tony have seen firsthand how important it is for kids to read. Tony recalls coaching many football players over the years who had great potential on the field but never developed key reading skills. “They were very bright, but they couldn’t read well,” he says. “It ended up hurting them in their careers.” Lauren says that’s a message kids need to hear.

“Sometimes, kids who are dreaming about becoming a professional athlete don’t think they need to learn how to read,” she says. “But if you can’t read, you can’t play the game. Reading is important for everyone, no matter what your dreams are for the future.”

For more information about Tony and Lauren Dungy and their books, visit coachdungy.com.

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marriage. “We’re modeling the idea of two parents who love each other and are still together,” says Lauren.

“We’re promoting the idea of family. Sometimes we even take our kids along with us as a way to reinforce that idea.”

The Dungys say that working together on the books has been a blessing. “Our personalities are different, but we’re both teachers,” Lauren says. “We have a shared goal and we’re motivated by a love for children.

Using our platform to help others has been very gratifying to both of us.” Tony says collaborating with his wife has been the easiest and most enjoyable part of the writing process. “The hardest part for me has been word choice and keeping it simple,” he says.

“Lauren has to constantly tell me, ‘Remember, you’re talking to little kids, not football players.’”

Despite being busy with their large family, the Dungys make time to volunteer in a number of social programs near their home in Tampa Bay. Every Tuesday, the Dungys visit Title 1 schools in their area, continuing the tradition that inspired them to write children’s books in the first place. Lauren says she was shocked to learn there are 135 Title 1 schools (designated as such by the high percentage of students from low-income StoryMonsters.com | August 2018 | Story Monsters Ink

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Vanessa Marshall

the Most Dangerous Voice in the Galaxy

by Melissa Fales

She may voice Gamora, the most dangerous woman in the universe on the hit Disney XD animated show Guardians of the Galaxy, but in real life, Vanessa Marshall is more likely to compliment someone at the gym on their snazzy socks or get chatty with a fellow Star Wars fan while grocery shopping. “I see a Millennium Falcon t-shirt and I just have to discuss it,” she says. “I talk to everyone. When I see an opportunity to make a personal connection, I take it.”

Marshall grew up in Los Angeles, the daughter of NBC news reporter John Marshall and actress Joan Van Ark. “My father was so grounded in reality, it was like 12

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he was reporting live at all times,” says Marshall. “At the same time, my mother was appearing in nighttime soap operas, all jazz hands and gold lamé. Growing up, I witnessed two sides of the entertainment spectrum and in that sense, my childhood was quite unique.”

Marshall’s first acting job was on Knots Landing, playing her mother’s character as a little girl. “I don’t know that I wanted to act as much as I wanted to tell stories,” she says. She attended Princeton University where she majored in English and then New York University, where she received a master’s degree in acting.

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Returning to L.A., Marshall was active in sketch comedy and stand-up. During a one-woman show in 1997, she portrayed 12 different characters on stage, each with a distinct voice. Impressed with the plethora of sounds at Marshall’s command, an agent in the audience suggested she try voice-over acting. Marshall

“It’s an honor to get to portray a wonderful icon of feminine strength. I’m so impressed with the way she manages to guide and lead these ragtag characters towards their best selves and teaches them to stand up for the truth.”

did start doing voice-over work, but she also acted oncamera, appearing in an episode of Law and Order and the pilot of Scrubs. “I played Becky the medical intern,” she says. Unfortunately, Becky wasn’t written into the show as often as Marshall had hoped. “It was cool to be a part of that show, even if only briefly,” she says.

Marshall eventually realized she was missing out on lucrative voice-over jobs while waiting around on set for her turn in front of the camera and chose to focus on voice-over work instead. That’s her voicing the sultry Poison Ivy in Batman: Brave and the Bold and in Justice League: Gotham City Breakout among other roles.

She can also be heard on video games such as Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty and Injustice 2.

She plays Hera Syndulla, a master pilot for the rebel alliance, in the animated series Star Wars: Rebels. A lifelong Star Wars fan, Marshall was delighted to be a part of the show and particularly to voice Hera. “It’s an honor to get to portray a wonderful icon of feminine strength,” she says. “I’m so impressed with the way she manages to guide and lead these ragtag characters towards their best selves and teaches them to stand up for the truth.” Marshall admits sometimes she aspires 14

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to be more like Hera in real life. “I find myself thinking throughout the day, What would Hera do?” she says. “I love her ethics and her morals and how she puts the good of the group ahead of her own needs.”

Marshall also voices Hera in Star Wars: Forces of Destiny, available on Disney’s YouTube channel. “They’re little mini-stories focusing on strong female characters,” she says. “They’re very short vignettes that highlight special life lessons. They’ve even created female action figures to go along with it. People will say Star Wars is mostly for guys, but a lot of women feel deeply connected to the narrative.”

One of Marshall’s favorite aspects of her job is attending various comic conventions where she meets fans and experiences the effects of her work on others. “I’m a huge believer in the power of story and its value in terms of healing and guiding us and connecting us as a culture,” she says. “Conventions allow me to experience how these stories I have the honor to participate in impact other people’s lives.” She recalled the time a boy asked her to sign a piece of art he created and how his father came up to her with tears in his eyes afterwards. “He said his son is autistic and only communicates when Hera is on the screen,” she says. “I guess there’s something about Hera’s maternal nature that makes him feel safe and allows him to open up. That demonstration of how story transforms people’s lives touched me deeply.”

A fan of Joseph Campbell’s book The Power of Myth, Marshall believes the entire Star Wars saga plays an important role in our culture. “I remember when I saw the first Star Wars film,” she says. “I didn’t understand why it opened my heart so much. I felt it, but I didn’t understand it. Now I can see how it’s easy for people to identify with Luke’s character. I can see how people relate to his decision to challenge himself to step out of the ordinary and rise to the occasion. People want to see the triumph of good over evil. It’s a narrative that people crave. I think it’s something innate.”

When it came to voicing Gamora for Guardians of the Galaxy, Marshall borrowed heavily from her own life, specifically her martial arts training. “I was cast in the cartoon before the movie came out, so I was flying blind as to how to create the character,” she says. “I brought my own physicality to the role and created a strong voice for her. I’ve studied boxing, kickboxing, jiu-jitsu, and trained with an MMA professional. It’s

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a wonderful way to stay in the moment and be 100 percent present. If you’re not, you’re going to get a foot to the face.”

New Guardians of the Galaxy episodes will be released in the spring of 2019. “We’re going to discover various characters’ worst nightmares,” says Marshall. “It’s going to be amazing. The stories are brilliant. The art is brilliant. The animators use all sorts of different styles.

I encourage fans to buckle up and get ready.”

One side-effect of choosing voice-over work over on-camera acting is that Marshall has had more time to work on her own writing. “I’m on the second draft of my novel, Plump,” she says, a fictionalized memoir about her journey as a plus-sized model beginning in 2000. “I was at a party when an agent from a plus-sized modeling agency came up to me and told me I should model,” says Marshall. “I said, ‘What? Like with clay?’ I weighed about 205 pounds at the time and I thought it was a very strange suggestion.”

Plus-sized modeling changed Marshall’s life. “I met some of the most empowered, gorgeous women who were beautiful inside and out,” she says. “I was introduced to such profound self-acceptance, I lost 60 pounds. Ironically, through learning to accept myself as I was, the weight fell off me.” Marshall says she hopes Plump will encourage others to accept themselves as they are. “We’re all so hard on ourselves,” she says. “Life is not a dress rehearsal.

Obsessing about our appearance keeps us from feeling joy and connecting with others. I want to encourage anyone who’s hiding, who’s playing ‘small’ right now to play full out. Why not?”

For more about Vanessa Marshall, visit vanessamarshall.com or follow her on Twitter @vanmarshall and on Instagram @vanessamarshall1138.

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TIM McCANNA Hits a Happy Tune with Little Readers

by Melissa Fales

With the release of four new picture books, this is a busy year for children’s author Tim McCanna. Bitty Bot’s Big Beach Getaway and Jack B. Ninja are already out, with Boing! and So Many Sounds coming soon to a bookstore near you. McCanna didn’t start out writing children’s books. He came to the craft only after working in musical theatre and later, graphic design.

However, it’s no surprise to McCanna that he’s finally found his niche here. “It makes sense because everything I do is kind of childish,” he says. “That’s my natural style. I’ve never written a serious thing in my life.”

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McCanna’s interest in writing dates back to his childhood in Missouri when his mother would cut out pictures from magazines and he’d dictate corresponding stories to her, creating little books.

He branched out as he got older.

“In high school, I wrote terrible punk rock songs for the bands I was in,” he says. “When I got out of college, I started to write musicals.” He earned an MFA in Dramatic Writing for Musical Theatre from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts and in 2004, wrote and 18

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produced The Cosmic Calamities of Henry Noodle, a musical about outer space. “It was very silly,” says McCanna. “It surprised me that so many people enjoyed it.”

In some ways, working in musical theatre helped prepare McCanna for the career he enjoys today.

“I had to rewrite things very quickly and hone my rhyming skills,” he says. “Musical theatre is such a collaborative art form. I was always at the piano with the composers, changing lyrics on the

fly. Being in publishing for kids is also a collaborative art form, but authors and illustrators work together very differently. As an author, you pass your words on to the illustrator and all you can do is hope they’ll bring their own touches and fill in the pieces. It takes a lot more trust.”

McCanna left musical theatre behind when he and his wife left New York City and moved to Denver. He worked in graphic design but still felt compelled

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to write songs, so he formed an acoustic band called The Hobo Nickels and performed for children. “That naturally transitioned into writing stories for children,” he says. “I’ve always loved telling stories through music and rhyme, but I never thought about writing children’s books until I had children of my own.

The books McCanna’s children owned left him uninspired. “We

had a terrible library of picture books in our house,” he says. “It was just pitiful.” He started going to libraries and bookstores in pursuit of picture books he’d look forward to reading to his children.

“The book that really changed the game for me was The Great Paper Caper by Oliver Jeffers,” he says.

“The hip and weird illustrations took the art form to a place I didn’t know existed. It shattered

my long-time perception of what a picture book was.”

When the recession hit the Denver advertising scene in 2009, McCanna lost his job. His wife, Trudi, urged him to take his time finding a new one and to use the opportunity to think about what he really wanted to do. “I wanted to write just like Oliver Jeffers,” says McCanna. “We had two very young kids, so it made sense that

“The goal for me is to create engaging children’s books that can convince people to put their screens down. A great picture book brings people together into a close, intimate space and makes them forget about the rest of the world for a while.”

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one of us stayed home. I became a full-time, work-at-home dad and began to pursue a career in writing children’s books.”

At first, McCanna struggled.

“Reality set in and I thought, This is really hard,” he says. “I literally knew nothing about the industry.”

He joined the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) and started attending conferences and meeting people.

He and Trudi moved to California where he began volunteering for a local SCBWI chapter. He joined a critique group that helped him develop confidence in his work.

“By 2012, I had sold my first picture book, Teeny Tiny Trucks to a boutique publisher,” he says.

In 2013, McCanna began sending out his first Bitty Bot book. “It had started out as Bedtime Bots about robots on a nighttime adventure,” he says. “When I kept getting rejection letters, I did a rewrite. I removed all of the nameless robots and built the story around one central cute character with a name.” The rewrite worked. Bitty Bot was released in 2016. Its sequel, Bitty Bot’s Big Beach Getaway was released earlier this year, as was Jack B. Ninja, McCanna’s first book with Scholastic. “Steven 20

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Savage did amazing work on the illustrations,” he says. “He’s got this wonderful, deceptively simple style using basic shapes, but there’s magic behind them.”

illustrator who really does the heavy hitting. It’s a natural instinct for me to latch onto sound because that’s the medium I’m used to working with.”

McCanna considers Boing! A Very Noisy ABC the silliest book he’s ever written. “It’s written in alphabetical order, using only noise words, or onomatopoeia,” he says. The book starts off with a sneeze (“Achoo!”) and follows a red rubber ball bouncing through the din of a large city.

It’s set to be released this month.

So Many Sounds will be out in September. “The main character goes on a school field trip and encounters all kinds of sounds,” says McCanna. “It’s a celebration of everything we hear from night throughout the day.”

Even with eight published books to his name, McCanna still gets a charge every time he comes up with a concept for a new one. “I love the idea that a picture book can come from nothing, from the ether, from an idea that came out of your brain,” he says. “I love the idea that when you create a story, you’re inventing a world.

It was something that never existed before and now it does.”

McCanna hopes that thrill he feels with each new book is palpable to readers. “The goal for me is to create engaging children’s books that can convince people to put their screens down,” he says. “A great picture book brings people together into a close, intimate space and makes them forget about the rest of the world for a while.”

Clearly, McCanna’s writing reflects his musical background.

“I’ve got this running theme with sound,” he says, mentioning two other books he wrote, Barnyard Boogie, released in 2017, and Watersong, also released in 2017, which received an NCTE Notable Poetry Book mention and was on the New York Public Library’s “Best Books for Kids” list. “I think it comes from the fact that picture books are so visual, it’s the

For more information on Tim McCanna or to purchase his books, visit timmccanna.com.

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Advertorial

One to Read

Fiona Basile

by Melissa Fales

In 2015, Fiona Basile traveled from her native Australia to Malta, where she spent 30 days in a silent retreat at a Jesuit community. While there, she contemplated how she might serve as a concrete sign of God’s love in the world once the retreat was over. In the middle of the night on Day 27, the Holy Spirit came to her with the inspiration for her new book, Shhh…God Is in the Silence: A story for all ages (Loyola Press). “I didn’t enter the retreat thinking I was going to write a children’s book,” says Basile. “It was a special gift to me and now it’s my special gift to the world.”

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Basile first began experimenting with a camera during her last two years of law school. “I took up photography to counterbalance the very heavy stuff with some creative work,” she says of the hobby that eventually became her passion. Basile has been a freelance journalist and photographer in different sectors for the past 18 years. For the last five, she’s worked for the Melbourne Catholic, the official journal of the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne.

According to Basile, she’s always infused her faith and her Catholic background into her career. “I’ve been very strongly influenced by Ignatian Spirituality, which is a practice premised on finding God in everything,” she says. “I would say that my personal relationship with God is really important to me and is the heart of who I am and the way I try to live.

Everything else flows from that.”

After participating in an eight-day retreat and finding it beneficial for both her body and soul, Basile learned about the 30-day retreat program. “My first thought was, Wow! Who gets to do that?” she says. As soon as she had the opportunity for an extended leave from the Archdiocese, she took it and embarked for Malta.

“Something happens in my heart when I hear those words. It’s a children’s book, but the message is universal. It’s something we all need to hear.”

The 30-day silent retreat isn’t as daunting as it sounds.

“It’s not completely silent,” says Basile. “You meet with your spiritual director every morning and you have a conversation about the things you’d like to contemplate that day. Then you spend the rest of the day with an attitude of silence. I would go for walks, read, and swim at the beach, but I would always take that attitude of silence with me. The beach is such a beautiful place to contemplate God and find Him in nature.”

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photo by Belinda Brown

Over the course of the 30-day retreat, Basile fell into a natural rhythm between herself, nature and God, developing a daily routine of prayers and contemplation. “It allowed my body to rest and rejuvenate and to receive the word of God,” she says.

“I was in a better place to listen. And then act.”

Basile was inspired by the devotion of her hosts, the Jesuit priests. One priest in particular had a profound effect on Basile with his simple one-liners. “He was like my little guardian angel,” she says. “He respected my silent retreat, but he would walk past me and say ‘God loves you.’ Or another time, I was at the table and he walked by and said, ‘God just wants you to be you.’ I considered him the direct line of God speaking to me.”

She heard God speaking to her again that night towards the end of the retreat when she woke up and wrote down the words that came to her. “In the past I have learned that when inspiration strikes, even if it is in the middle of the night, you turn on the light, pick up the pen and notepad, and write it down, because it’s

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not going to come back,” she says. “When I was done, I said, ‘I’m finished. Thank you very much. Can I go back to sleep now?’”

While she’s contributed her photographs to many books, Shhh…God Is in the Silence is Basile’s first foray into children’s books. “When I got home from the retreat, I thought, This is going to be my personal heart project for the year, just for the joy of it,” she says. “I really wanted to honor that prompting from the Holy Spirit.”

Basile chose to work with illustrator Alice Mount, having previously admired her work on Christmas cards, and she was fortunate to have a friend who is an editor and another who works as a graphic designer.

“There was a steep learning curve on the whole process, but it was all worth it in the end,” she says. “I remember holding that first printed copy in my hands.

It was even more beautiful than I had anticipated.”

The book features simple phrases about God’s love that are repeated and added to, one at a time. Basile has found that children respond well to the book when she reads it during school visits. “Something happens

from the moment I say the first, “Shhh…God is in the silence,” she says. “It’s so melodic and because of the way it builds using repetition, it doesn’t take long for them to join in.” The way Basile’s book presents her message, with key phrases written over and over, helps to reinforce the basic concepts within a child’s mind.

“I think too often we underestimate children and their ability to have a relationship with God,” says Basile.

The words of Basile’s book have become a mantra she uses when she needs a spiritual lift. “Shhh…God is in the silence,” she writes. “Can you hear Him? He is speaking to your heart. Are you listening? I love you, He says. You are precious. I created you. I am with you always…” Basile says she believes the book will touch readers of all ages, young and old alike. “Something happens in my heart when I hear those words,” she says. “It’s a children’s book, but the message is universal. It’s something we all need to hear.”

For more information about Fiona Basile, or to purchase Shhh…God Is in the Silence, visit fionabasile.com. The book is also available through loyolapress.com.

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Liv on Life Let’s Motivate Change!

by Olivia Amiri Change will always be the key ingredient for systems, causes, and a bright future. Children are the change-makers, because they are the future. They can make positive or negative change. As a community, we must educate our children so they can make a positive impact on the world. Sometimes children who are not educated grow up making negative change, or no change at all. This is not entirely their fault. Adults, communities, teachers, and people in general need to educate kids and themselves so they don’t grow to be uninformed. By exposing and educating our children, we give them a voice. A voice so they can be activists and allies, and stand up for what they believe in. By doing so, they can help motivate others to do the same.

A lot of times kids (myself included) will ask themselves, “How can I make a change in this world?”

“What could I do to impact the planet in a beautiful, positive way?”

“If I am only one little speck compared to billions, will my change even matter?”

The answer is YES! We all have a part in our community and we all have responsibility. Today, I decided any time I see trash on sidewalks, the floor, grass, or any place trash shouldn’t be, I will pick it up and throw it away, and of course wash my hands after! Think of something that you would like to do to impact the world in a positive way today.

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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 26

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by Clyde McCulley Join three kids in their crazy adventures as they come face to face with rattlesnakes, wild razorbacks, and panthers.

Fueled by colorful imagination, their travels lead them to a thieves’ cave, an Indian burial ground, a deadly booby trap, and a crazy woman hiding in their “clubhouse.”

Is this why thousands of children are disappearing from our world? The answer is hidden in an ancient book, deep in a frozen lake of gems, at the foot of the greatest Crystillery of all.

"In this middle-grade fantasy, a young hero must ally with his alter ego in an intricate parallel universe in order to rescue his sister and save his own life... A gripping, if sometimes dark and perplexing, fantasy coming-of-age novel." Kirkus Reviews

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Feature Story

Jennifer Rose Offers Life Lessons for Autistic Teens

by Melissa Fales

Feature Story

Being a teenager can be tough, but teens with autism face additional challenges that can sometimes make the simple aspects of daily life feel overwhelming. After meeting those challenges head on, Jennifer Rose is sharing her experiences in her book, It’s Not a Perfect World, but I’ll Take It: 50 Life Lessons for Teens Like Me Who Are Kind of (You Know) Autistic (Skyhorse Publishing). “Growing up, I always knew I was different,” Rose says. “I wrote this book to help other people who feel like they are different, too.

The main message for readers is that being different is okay.”

Now 21 and a student at the College of St. Elizabeth in her home state of New Jersey, Rose wrote the book over the course of winter break when she was 18 and studying at a different university. Without any classes to study for or attend, she found herself with large expanses of spare time on her hands. “I wanted something to do,” she explains. “It took me about four weeks to write. I worked hard on the book. I tried to write two chapters a day.”

Once she got started writing the book, Rose found that she had a lot of material to use. “I had my whole life to look back on,” she says, adding that her philosophy is to savor the good times and to turn the hard times into learning experiences. It’s Not a Perfect World, but I’ll Take It has 50 tips for teens, each accompanied by a personal story from Rose’s own middle school and high school years. Some of the life lessons she shares are: “You won’t be perfect at everything, not even the things you do best,” “Learn to take jokes, even your dad’s” and “Talk about your feelings, even when it’s hard.” Rose’s life lessons were written with autistic teens in mind, but their meaningful message is appropriate for young people of all abilities.

comfortable in social settings. She’s even started visiting schools to speak to children about her writing.

“It’s a blast,” she says.

Rose says she’s glad autism has gained such attention from the media, and she’s pleased her book is part of the effort to raise awareness among the general public about the condition. One of her personal heroes is celebrity autism activist Jenny McCarthy, whose son, Evan, is autistic. The two met and snapped a photo together at an autism conference. “That was a very exciting day,” says Rose.

She also acknowledges that her parents have been extremely supportive through every step of her

Autism has been a part of Rose’s reality for as long as she can remember, having been diagnosed before she began elementary school. Her parents opted to send her to private school for middle school and beyond.

“Regular school was tough,” she says. “Some people were very understanding, but others were very hard on me.” Autism affects people differently. Rose, for example, experiences an ultra-sensitivity to sounds.

“Some types of sounds I can’t stand at all,” she says.

“I can’t even be in the same room with those sounds.”

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Feature Story

journey, constantly advocating for both Rose and her younger sister, Flora, who’s also autistic. “They have the best marriage of the 21st century, hands down,” Rose says proudly. Her parents have also steadily encouraged Rose’s interest in creative writing. “I’ve been writing since I was a little girl,” she says. “They have a plastic bin filled with my writing over the years. They saved all of it.” In fact, the catchy title, It’s Not a Perfect World but I’ll Take It, was borrowed from the final line of a poem she wrote.

While she is interested in pursuing a career as a writer, she has a number of other interests, including history.

A course on women’s history was especially gripping for Rose. “After I took that course, I did a series of Facebook posts for Women’s History Month back in March,” she says. “I wanted to feature famous women and their accomplishments. One of the posts was about Elizabeth Blackwell, the first female doctor in America.” Recently, Rose has begun channeling her creativity into writing a cartoon series. “I’m learning about animation,” she says. “The story is about me as a teenager. It’s kind of like a parody of my adolescence.”

“Regular school was tough.

Some people were very understanding, but others were very hard on me.”

Rose is currently toying with the idea of writing another book, and her father has suggested that it could be about her experiences at college. “I like that idea,” says Rose. “I know it would be helpful for people and one of the main reasons I write is to help other people.”

It’s Not a Perfect World but I’ll Take It: 50 Life Lessons for Teens Like Me Who Are Kind of (You Know) Autistic is available on Amazon.

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Jennifer with her sister, Flora, and her parents, Jonathan and Gayle.

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NOW AVAILABLE from Fiona Basile Simple yet profound truths to help children listen to their hearts.

We are all loved by God and were created with a spark of God’s love in our hearts. Using gentle repetition, Shhh…God Is in the Silence reminds us of this and helps us silence our minds to better hear our hearts.

English: PB | 4657-9 | $8.95 Bilingual: PB | 4696-8 | $8.95

Shhh…God Is in the Silence is an affirming resource for: •

Families seeking to show children they are loved by God.

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Teachers and catechists who form the faith and spirituality of young children.

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English-Spanish bilingual families.

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Anyone looking for a meditative reminder that silence is a form of prayer.

To learn more and order your copy of Shhh…God Is in the Silence Visit www.GodIsintheSilence.com or call 800.621.1008.

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Feature Story

One to Watch

Maceo Smedley

by Melissa Fales

photos by Bobby Quillard

Portraying a Marvel superhero on TV is a dream job for 11-yearold Maceo Smedley. The new Freeform TV series, Marvel’s Cloak & Dagger, follows Tyrone “Cloak” Johnson and his romantic interest, Tandy “Dagger” Bowen as they explore their supernatural abilities while navigating the complexities of everyday teenage life. Smedley plays Cloak as a boy, acting in key scenes that explain how Cloak’s childhood experiences shaped and prepared him for his destiny.

Securing a place in the Marvel Universe is a huge boon for Smedley.

“I’m a really big Marvel fan,” he says. “I’ve watched every single Marvel movie there is. I love all the superheroes and their powers.”

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Feature Story

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Feature Story

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Feature Story

Smedley grew up in Houston, Texas and had a prognostic fascination with television at a young age.

“When I was little, I used to watch a lot of TV,” he says. “I can remember wondering what it would be like if it was me on that screen. I remember talking to my parents about it. Even then, I knew I wanted to be an actor.”

After appearing in first local and then national commercials for brands such as Build-A-Bear Workshop, Post-it Notes, and LeapFrog among others, Smedley began auditioning for roles on television shows. He was mid-meal in a restaurant with his aunt when he was approached by a casting director who saw something special in him. That fortuitous encounter led to Smedley’s portrayal of James, a young slave, in the WGN America’s series Underground. The show, set in 1850s Georgia, was about a group of slaves who plot their escape from a plantation by using the Underground Railroad. It was a meaningful role for Smedley, who took advantage of the opportunity to learn more about slavery. “History has always been one of my favorite subjects,” he says.

“When I was little, I used to watch a lot of TV. I can remember wondering what it would be like if it was me on that screen. I remember talking to my parents about it. Even then, I knew I wanted to be an actor.”

One of the things Smedley likes the most about acting is how the variety of different types of roles keeps him from getting bored. He says he enjoys being able to transition from working on a historically-accurate

period drama like Underground to being a part of a superhero tale like Marvel’s Cloak & Dagger where the lead characters can, respectively, shroud people in darkness and shoot light daggers. Smedley plays young Cloak at a pivotal time in his life where he is still trying to come to terms with the fact that he possesses special powers and all of the ramifications that come along with this gift. “I come in when Tyrone has flashbacks to his childhood,” says Smedley. “He’s still trying to figure out what his powers are and exactly what he’s capable of. You can see what he was like as a kid, learn a little more about his parents, and how he came to be the person he is today.”

In August, Smedley will appear in the new Netflix series All About the Washingtons. Starring Joseph “Reverend Run” Simmons of the influential rap group Run-DMC and his wife, Justine, the semiautobiographical show presents the antics that ensue when a famous rapper retires and is left at home with his kids while his wife takes advantage of the opportunity to pursue a career of her own. Smedley plays the youngest of their four children. “It’s some crazy stuff,” he says. “There are a lot of laughs. We had so much fun on set. We all really bonded with each other.”

Smedley will also appear in Disney’s Noelle, starring Anna Kendrick in the title role, which is scheduled for a Christmas 2019 release. “It’s about this girl who’s trying to find her brother,” he says. “She leaves the North Pole and enters the real world in order to find him. She runs into me and my dad along the way.”

Acting comes naturally to a kid with a personality as vivacious as Smedley’s. “I like mostly everything about being an actor,” he says. “I like to express my feelings.

I like learning new things. I like meeting new people and getting to hang out with the cast. I’m a very social person, so it’s something I enjoy doing.”

As much as Smedley enjoys acting on TV and film, he’s eager to explore some of the other jobs available within the entertainment industry as he looks ahead to future career plans. “I’ve always wanted to do cartoons,” he says. “One of my dreams is to do voice-over work.

Another one of my dreams for when I grow up is to be a director. I’d like to give that a try, too. Whatever I do, I definitely want to stay in the business.”

To learn more about Maceo Smedley, follow him on Instagram and Twitter at @maceosmedley.

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How Does Your Garden Grow?

The Sound of

Gardening

by Rita Campbell

Throughout time, many classical composers have been inspired by flowers. Whether it be “The Waltz of the Flowers” by Tchaikovsky or “Edelweiss” from The Sound of Music by Rogers and Hammerstein, many flowers have played an inspirational role in the development of fine music. And there have been many musical instruments whose names are shared with flower names, such as the violin and the viola, a small relative of the pansy.

As I have said often, a theme can be a great way to tie a garden together and add inspiration for children. It is not difficult to encourage children to garden. Most kids love to play in the dirt, so one of the best ways to encourage them to garden is by creating a theme that is appealing to them. The possibilities are endless. Using their imaginations to pick a theme would not be difficult to do. That will also give your children ownership of the garden.

Themes can be based on so many things, such as fairies, vegetables, the alphabet, a child’s name, and so on. This month, our theme will be a music garden. We will explore the names of plants that are music-related and we will also discuss other attributes that could be added to the garden to maintain your child’s interest musically. I also believe that children can learn by association and this garden will help them to associate names of instruments with names of plants as well as songs inspired by flowers and plants. To create your 36

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music garden, here are some examples of plants you could use: Bellflower: Bellflower plants are cheery, perennial flowers. Bellflowers bloom heaviest in June and July but can continue to bloom through October. The plant’s primary characteristic is an open cup-shaped flower in hues of pink and white but primarily lavender or light blue. They require full sun for best flower production and well-drained soil with moderate moisture.

Drumstick Alliums: A relative to the simple garden onion, the Allium plant. Grown from a simple onionlike bulb, the Allium, with 400 species, offers a wide variety of bloom sizes and bloom times. Allium blooms resemble the drumsticks used to beat a drum.

Bugleweed: Bugleweed, also known as Ajuga, is an evergreen creeping plant with blooms used as a ground cover. Ajuga is typically grown in shady locations but will thrive just as well in the sun and can become invasive.

While there are so many to choose from, one last example of plants related to music is the Music Note Plant. It is the flower buds that give this plant its common name, which droop delicately resembling musical notes.

With a little research, you will be able to find the plants you need to develop your music garden and those that will grow well for your climate conditions.

How Does Your Garden Grow?

There are so many ways to incorporate music in the garden besides plants. While attending a Master Gardener garden tour one year, I was delighted to hear the sound of music while walking through a garden. This particular garden had speakers located throughout with classical music playing softly as we toured the yard. Something not so expensive and permanent would be simply to take your boom box to the garden with some of your favorite songs. There are also many children’s songs with lyrics related to gardening. Studies show how music affects the brain and young parents have been advised to play Mozart and other classical music for their babies. Studies have also been done to see how different types of music affect the growth of plants.

Other ways to incorporate music in the garden is to create planters and containers out of old musical instruments. Most of them have an opening in them somewhere that a plant can fit in. And when done, they are unique and different from the standard planter. A couple of examples are an old trumpet or a long clarinet. They will add a touch of whimsy to your garden.

Plant of the month: Music Note Plant Music Note Plant: It should be planted in moist, rich, but well-drained soil in full sun or part shade.

Less water is required during winter. This plant can be grown in the ground as well as in containers.

USDA Zones 9–11. In colder zones, grow it as an annual or keep it as a houseplant over the winter, in which case it should receive bright light and moderate watering. It is the flower buds that give this plant its common name, which droop delicately resembling musical notes.

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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

Would you like your little ones to be more active outdoors? Then you’ve got to give them something really fun and entertaining in the music garden like an outdoor music wall! There are so many ways to create a musical wall in the garden using pots and pans, graders, old toy xylophones, and large painted cans. Be creative using anything that will make a good sound when hit with a drumstick. A musical wall added to the garden will give your child hours of fun and enjoyment.

Once you have your wall built, continue with the musical theme in the garden by having concerts using these musical instruments made from pots and pans, old garden tools, seedpods, branches, gourds, grass blades, or flower pots.

Music activities and experiences like gardening help children practice important skills, including thinking, language, motor coordination, and understanding emotions. It is definitely a win-win concept. Creating a musical garden can provide so many opportunities for your child to learn. Do your research, and make music together!

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Summer Reading List

READING

LIST The Blue Footies

by Joan Dee Wilson

These Blue Footed Boobies joyfully plunge the surface of the deep blue sea until one day, Tuey, Blue, and Bea spy debris on the beach. Together they moan, “This shore is our home.” Mumford grunts as blue-footed children come to clean up. But when the mighty ocean waves blow a plastic blob ashore, they need these children even more. Ingram Content Group, paperback ISBN: 978-0-9975527-4-4, hardcover ISBN: 978-0-9975527-5-1. 2018 Purple Dragonfly Book Awards Winner. joandeewilson.com

The THING on Mount Spring

by Jenny Morris

The animals first hear, then see this THING that just appeared. Its ballyhoo and silhouette they think are rather weird. With swooshing spinning whirligigs it halts upon Mount Spring. They don’t know what this twirler is, this gangly long white THING. 2018 Purple Dragonfly Book Awards Winner, Charity/Making a Difference, Picture Books 6 & Older categories.

Hare ‘n’ There

by Jenny Morris

Bluey Blue Tongue forms a plan. Then gives out sound advice on how to fix a problem. He makes it sound so nice. But is the plan just hare-brained, risky, rash, perverse, that doesn’t jot or tittle help; in fact makes matters worse? Perhaps events unfolding strew hairline cracks of doubt? So is it harumscarum? Or does Bluey’s plan work out? 2018 Purple Dragonfly Book Awards Winner, Chapter Books, Picture Books 6 & Older categories.

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.

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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.

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.

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

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

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.

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!

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Summer Reading List

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

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.

Tootsie McPeezalot

by Sharon Stanley

Tootsie McPeezalot is a naughty little dog who pees a lot, and in all the wrong places. He pees in the library, the grocery store, the cafe’, the farmer’s market and anywhere else he pleases. His person is displeased. The librarian and the farmers are displeased. Everyone, in fact, except Tootsie is displeased!

When his mischievous behavior catches up with him, Tootsie must make a tough decision about his future. 2018 Purple Dragonfly Book Awards Winner.

Veva and the Beaver

by Carlos F. Tarrac

This picture book is based on the life cycle of frogs. The story takes place in a freshwater pond where a tadpole and a beaver live. One day, the tadpole accidentally ends up inside the beaver’s mouth but manages to dive back into the pond unharmed. Through their actions, the characters display human values such as compassion, gratitude, tolerance, and a genuine friendship. 2018 Purple Dragonfly Book Awards Winner.

Dancing Dreidels

by Alva Sachs

Dancing Dreidels is a delightful story of Rebecca and her four favorite dreidels: Sheila Shin, Gail Gimmel, Harry Hey, and Neil Nun. Rebecca waits for this holiday every year when the family gathers to celebrate. Singing, dancing, and the lighting of the menorah take center stage, until it is time for the dreidels to spin for the evening’s grand finale. But, Sheila can’t stop falling down. Will she be able to ‘dance’ at the Hanukkah party? First-Place Winner, 2018 Purple Dragonfly Book Awards.

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Summer Reading List

Healer

by Susan Miura

Seventeen-year-old Shilo Giannelli possesses the gift that set her family tree on fire. It will ignite miracles that tip the scales of life and death ... but will she have to sacrifice her heart? Eighteen-year-old Misty Morning is fighting the demons of her past to give her child a future. When their worlds collide, these unlikely friends will need extraordinary courage and faith to hold onto the people they love.

The Uncontrolled

by Zachary Astrowsky

Three teenage friends, John, Chase, and Hazel, come together in the aftermath of a striking revelation, and attempt to fight back against “the controlled”—the majority around them that has been secretly implanted with a tracking and brainwashing device. The fight seems hopeless until John realizes that he has the ability to see the future, and the kids devise a plan to outwit the leader of the controlled, who can also see the future. 2018 Purple Dragonfly Book Awards Winner.

The Stone of Integrity-Book 3 of the Centaur Chronicles

by M.J. Evans

The Centaur Chronicles series continues when Carling, the future Queen of Crystonia, is summoned to collect the purple Stone of Integrity for her royal silver breastplate. Frightening sea creatures, menacing Centaurs, a handsome young fisherman, a crafty witch, and fairies who hide behind masks … who can be trusted? Another quest, another stone, and many more invaluable lessons to learn. “A brilliant fantasy read!” - K.J. Simmill for Readers’ Favorite. 2018 Purple Dragonfly Book Awards Winner.

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

Ant-Man and the Wasp Reviewed by Nick Spake

GRADE: B+ Compared to some of Marvel’s previous outings, Ant-Man felt like one of the studio’s smaller projects.

Seeing how the film was about a man who could shrink down to the size of insects, though, perhaps that was fitting. While it didn’t break new ground by any means, the movie was still a blast with a selfaware sense of humor, colorful action, and a perfectly tailored cast. The same can be said about Ant-Man and the Wasp, which is a much bigger film than its predecessor. Of course, on the heels of Black Panther and especially Avengers: Infinity War, it still comes off as one of the MCU’s more minor entries. Given how grand and epic this franchise has become, though, it’s nice to take a breather with something a little more lighthearted.

Paul Rudd, who still doesn’t look a day over 30 even when pushing 50, reprises his role as Scott Lang.

Although he’s been under house arrest after aiding Captain America two years earlier, Scott maintains a close relationship with his adoring daughter (Abby Ryder Fortson), ex-wife (Judy Greer), and even his exwife’s fiancé (Bobby Cannavale). However, Scott’s had a falling out with Evangeline Lilly’s Hope and Michael Douglas’ Hank, having used the Ant-Man suit during Civil War and thus made his former allies targets of the FBI. Scott gets roped back into superhero duty upon having a dream about Hope’s mother, Janet (Michelle Pfeiffer). Although Jan was lost in the mysterious Quantum Realm years ago, Hope and 42

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Hank believe that she may still be alive with Scott being the key to her freedom.

While Rudd is once again wonderful as Scott, the film puts just as much emphasis on Lilly’s Hope, hence the title of Ant-Man and the Wasp. While Rudd and Lilly share terrific romantic chemistry, it’s in the line of action where they shine the most. In addition to their rapport, it’s the dynamic between the entire cast that makes the film special. Scott’s relationship with his family is delightful, enforcing good examples for parents and children who have been affected by divorce. Hope’s bond with her father also makes leeway for a lot of humorous and touching moments.

Monsters at the Movies

The supporting characters are great too, with Michael Peña’s Luis and Randall Park’s wormy FBI agent stealing every scene they’re in.

There’s just one area where the film falls short: the villain. Hannah John-Kamen stars as Ghost, a weaponized criminal who can phase through objects and looks an awful lot like Screenslaver from Incredibles 2. o the filmmaker’s credit, Ghost is given a tragic backstory and emerges as one of the MCU’s more sympathetic villains. The problem is that she’s overshadowed by several other villains, including Walton Goggins as a slimy businessman and Laurence Fishburne as one of Hank’s old rivals. While the movie doesn’t come off as overstuffed per se, Ghost gets pushed to the sidelines and doesn’t feels as complex as Killmonger or Thanos.

What Ant-Man and the Wasp lacks in the villain department, though, it more than compensates for in the action sequences. Since Scott can now grow 65

feet tall in addition to shrinking down, director Peyton Reed and the screenwriters are allowed to get more creative than ever. The film is full of awesome visual tricks with massive ants running amuck and a building that can dwindle down to the size of carry-on luggage.

While I won’t spoil the film’s best bits here, let’s just say that it plays out like Honey, I Shrunk the Kids meets Honey, I Blew Up the Kid with a little bit of Innerspace thrown in for good measure. It might not be one of the best superhero movies ever made, but Ant-Man and the Wasp is a fun stepping stone to Captain Marvel and Avengers 4.

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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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Book Reviews

BOOK REVIEWS

Anne’s Colors

by Kelly Hill (Tundra Books) Reviewer: Diana Fisher

For children learning colors, this unique board book is engaging and delightful to explore. The illustrations—hand-embroidered tableaus—are cozy and sweet, with enough elements in each to hold interest and entice the imaginations of little ones. Inspired by the story, Anne of Green Gables, it stands alone as a darling way to introduce and teach colors. (Ages 3+)

The Three Little Superpigs

by Claire Evans (Scholastic Press) Reviewer: Darleen Wohlfeil

Have you ever wondered what happened to those three little pigs once that big bad wolf was outsmarted? Well, here’s the sequel! The wolf has had lots of time to plot his revenge while incarcerated for his dastardly deeds. The winning illustrations bring this old classic a fresh twist on its telling. It’ll be fun for all. (Ages 3-5)

Misunderstood Shark

by Ame Dyckman, Scott Magoon (Orchard Books) Reviewer: Darleen Wohlfeil

The filming of an underwater TV show goes awry when the crew gets interrupted by a sharrrk! Poor Shark, he wasn’t trying to scare them, he’s just misunderstood! Then he’s accused of trying to eat a fish.

Will Shark ever catch a break? After all, he wasn’t going to eat the fish, he was just showing it his new tooth! Or was he? Interesting fun facts throughout the story. (Ages 3-5)

Nanny Paws

by Wendy Wahman (Two Lions) Reviewer: Darleen Wohlfeil

We take our pets seriously. They are members of our family, and a vital part of our personal community.

And, they too, seem to view us with the same love and devotion. Nanny Paws is an adorable tribute to that returned loyalty. Nanny watches over her girls with pure delight. This is a bright and lively depiction of the joys that are shared growing up with our furry friends. (Ages 3-7)

What’s Next Door?

by Nicola O’Byrne (Nosy Crow) Reviewer: Julianne Black

All he wants to do is get home … or, he’ll eat you. Each page brings a problem for poor Carter the Alligator and that means a new task for the reader. With every page, your preschooler will squeal with delight watching what happens to poor Carter. Completely adorable interactive story in cheeky Mo Williams style humor paired with bright and busy illustrations. Most definitely a smile winner! (Ages 3-7)

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Book Reviews

Goodnight, Anne

by Kallie George, Genevieve Godbout (Tundra Books) Reviewer: Darleen Wohlfeil

I am a true fan of L.M. Montgomery’s classic novel, Anne of Green Gables, and found this sweet reminiscence of Anne’s ability to catch you up in her exuberance, a great delight. Kallie George depicts Anne’s lively ability to breathe in the very essence of life all around her, and will encourage readers everywhere to capture and release every joy with a full and thankful heart. (Ages 3-7)

Pippa & Percival, Pancake & Poppy: Four Peppy Puppies

by Deborah Diesen, Grace Zong (Sleeping Bear Press) Reviewer: Darleen Wohlfeil

This delightful story is sure to bring shouts and pleas to read it again. Its upbeat rhythm keeps pace with these four peppy pups! It’s fun, colorful, and adventurous. (Ages 3-7)

I’m a Duck

by Eve Bunting, Will Hillenbrand (Candlewick) Reviewer: Darleen Wohlfeil

This sweet, rhythmic tale rolls as easily across the heart as it does the tongue while reading aloud. The illustrations by Hillenbrand so capture Duck with endearing charm that you love him from the first page. An adorable story to remind us we are wonderfully made, and perfectly equipped to undo our fears. (Ages 3-7)

Night Job

by Karen Hesse, G. Brian Karas (Candlewick Press) Reviewer: Darleen Wohlfeil

This is a sweet story of life shared between a boy and his dad. Memories of moments embraced together in the face of daily, or in this case nightly, routine events. Passing time may rub and smudge the details, but the heart catches and holds the togetherness forever. (Ages 3-7)

The World-Famous Book of Counting

by Sarah Goodreau (Big Picture Press) Reviewer: Diana Fisher

Based on a magic show, this pop-up, lift-the-flap, pull-the-tab board book makes learning to count fun and interactive. Each page represents a number—one through ten, and additionally, zero—by way of revealing elements of the magic show, which must be discovered and then can be counted. The interactive aspect and colorful illustrations will entice children to play with this book over and over. (Ages 3-7)

A Campfire Tail

by Sarah Glenn Marsh, Ana Gómez (Sterling Children’s Books) Reviewer: Julianne Black

Playing to your strengths. Staying true to your friends. Being yourself. Acceptance. Inclusion. Celebrating differences. There are so many lessons wrapped up into this adorable picture book about a summer camp set of buddies that go through the worst and best camp life has to offer. Adorable illustrations, wonderful rhythm, and hysterical situations brings this picture book to its conclusion, a feel good reminder of what makes strangers into great friends. (Ages 4+)

The Thank You Book

by Mary Lyn Ray, Stephanie Graegin (HMH Books for Young Readers) Reviewer: Darleen Wohlfeil

I love this little book! The illustrations are heartfelt and endearing. Its message monumental. At times we look out over the horizon and our world seems to be crumbling. Coming from an older generation, I see things that once were that no longer are. Oh, the motions are the same. The words remain the same, but the heart that lit and carried them forth has dimmed its light. This little book stokes the dying embers, and reminds us that Thank You is more than good manners. More than vague responses to actions. It’s life stirring in the heart and giving a response of genuine joy. Let’s rekindle the excitement in our little ones, and bring a new beat to our steps. (Ages 4-7)

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Book Reviews

Quiet Wyatt

by Tammi Sauer, Arthur Howard (Clarion Books) Reviewer: Darleen Wohlfeil

Life would soon become boring if everything and everyone were the same. It’s the differences that supply depth and shading to the overall picture. In this story, Wyatt is quiet, and he likes it that way. Until one day, he is paired up with noisy Noreen. We all find ourselves in similar situations at some time or another.

Times when the differences and contrasts pinch and bind. But, Wyatt manages to stay true to himself, and still find acceptance for those who are different. (Ages 4-7)

I am the Boss of this Chair

by Carolyn Crimi, Marisa Morea (Sterling Children’s Books) Reviewer: Larissa Juliano

Having a sense of ownership and pride with certain things is a special treat and luxury as we get older and more comfortable, and that is exactly how kitty cat Oswald Minklehoff Honey Bunny III feels in his lovely and beautifully, brightly illustrated home: comfortable. Readers with siblings will make lots of personal connections to this story as Oswald’s life changes when a new member named Pom-Pom arrives. PomPom especially loves Oswald’s chair, provoking Oswald to behave like a naughty little cat until they both get in trouble with their owner! Fantastic story for picture book lovers of all ages! (Ages 4-7)

See Hear: There’s magic all around you. What can you see? What can you hear?

by Tania McCartney, Jess Racklyeft (EK Books) Reviewer: Julianne Black

A friendly and engaging explanation and illustration of situations involving the senses. The first half of the book dives into sight, but then twists in the middle to where the back cover becomes the beginning of the hearing section. Both senses meet in the middle in a clever way that invites the viewer to flip the book in order to explore the complementing side. Designed for children three and up, I think this could be used in kindergarten and even first grade as an introductory to basic sense exploration in science programs.

Successful coverage of the topic plus the added bonus for being fun to flip through. (Ages 4-7)

Bitty Bot’s Big Beach Getaway

by Tim McCanna, Tad Carpenter (Simon & Schuster) Reviewer: Darleen Wohlfeil

Bitty Bot doesn’t think the beach is much of a vacation. The sun is too hot and the sand is too gritty. He’d be much happier back home in Robot City. Until he makes some new friends, that is. Together, they let their imaginations play and find real adventure in Botco Bay. Fun can always be found where you allow it!

(Ages 4-8 )

When a Dragon Moves In

by Jodi Moore, Howard McWilliam (Flashlight Press) Reviewer: Larissa Juliano

When a Dragon Moves In is a delightful story about adventures with your dragon on the beach and all the creative things you can do with a pointy-tailed, crimson-winged friend by your side. The story starts with a little boy building a magnificent sand castle which attracts the attention of a home-seeking dragon. He comes in especially handy for keeping beach bullies away and creating the flight in a kite. Eventually the boy’s family gets a bit annoyed with all the dragon talk and the two companions part ways, until the next beach day, of course. (Ages 5-7)

When a Dragon Moves In Again

by Jodi Moore, Howard McWilliam (Flashlight Press) Reviewer: Larissa Juliano

When a Dragon Moves In Again has equally gorgeous illustrations from corner to corner and captures the human characters expressions/emotions so magically that readers will find something new to look at with each read. This sequel begins with the father building a “castle” and of course this brings our fiery friend back into the plot. I marvel at the imagination and writing of author Jodi Moore as she ties the whole story together to the dragon adventures (is he part of the boys imagination or isn’t he?) into welcoming a baby into the family and the boy changing his mind about the new addition in a heartwarming ending. (Ages 5-7) 48

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Book Reviews

The Fox on the Swing

by Evelina Daciutè, Aušra Kiudulaite (Thames & Hudson) Reviewer: Darleen Wohlfeil

Paul is a young boy who lives in a tree with his parents. In Paul’s world, everything wonderful is orange, especially an odd fox he meets along his routine walk. Paul always keeps his eyes wide open, hoping to find adventure in any unsuspecting place. One special day, he comes upon the oddest thing, an orange fox on a swing. This sweet story of friendship will forever keep children hoping to find adventure. (Ages 5-9)

Waves: Physical Science for Kids

by Andi Diehn, Hui Li (Nomad Press) Reviewer: Dawn Menge

Science can be fun for your children when they try the STEM activities included in this beautifully illustrated science book about waves. If you have a ball floating in a bucket of water and you move your finger around to make waves in the water, what happens to the ball? ”Waves in water, waves in wheat.

Waves at a game: ‘Stand up! Take a seat!’ Waves in your hair, waves with your hand, powerful waves under the land. Make waves in a string, then stretch it taut, Waves are everywhere, whether we see them or not!” (Ages 6-9)

Mr. Wolf’s Class

by Aron Nels Steinke (Scholastic Press) Reviewer: Diana Perry

Mr. Wolf has just started teaching at Hazelwood Elementary. He wants the first day of school to go well, but he’s got his hands full with his new class. Some of his students include: Margot, who is new in town and is trying to make friends. Sampson, who brought something special to school for show-and-tell.

Aziza, who just wants everyone to be quiet and do their work. And Penny, who is VERY sleepy because she has a new baby brother at home, goes missing! I found this book to be a funny and adventurous tale that will keep any reader’s attention. (Ages 7-10)

Dream Big: A True Story of Courage and Determination

by Dave McGillivray, Nancy Feehrer, Ron Himler (Nomad Press) Reviewer: Darleen Wohlfeil

This is a true story of heart. Life may not always play fair, challenging our dreams, testing our grit. But, if it’s a true dream of the heart, we always manage to find our way through it. Dave’s dream to be an athlete is sorely pressed upon, but he never gives up and finds his own personal way to achieve. A story of love and determination. (Ages 7-12)

Sewing School Quilts: 15 Projects Kids will Love to Make

by Amie Petronis Plumley, Andria Lisle, Justin Fox Burks (Storey Publishing) Reviewer: Dawn Menge

Quilt-making dates back to the Egyptian Pharaohs in 3400 BC. This step-by-step guide book gives you pictures and patterns for a variety of quilts, including how to make a fabric story. It even has a list of 10 uses for quilts, including keeping one in the car, using it as a bedspread, and snuggling up with your favorite handmade one. There’s a quilting dictionary that defines words such as applique, array, patchwork, and selvage. This how-to book will become a favorite and provide hours of fun and creativity.

(Ages 8-12)

You Don’t Know Everything, Jilly P!

by Alex Gino (Scholastic Press) Reviewer: Olivia Amiri, age 11

You Don’t Know Everything, Jilly P! is a heartfelt story of family, friendship, and discrimination. Jilly learns that every day in life she can grow and learn from her mistakes. Jilly’s baby sister is born deaf and her online friend is deaf and black. This opens her eyes to the world around her and discrimination of both deaf people and people of color. Jill is determined to stand up to bullies. (Ages 8-12)

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Book Reviews

Making Friends

by Kristen Gusdnuk (Graphix) Reviewer: Olivia Amiri, age 11

Making Friends is a comical, graphic novel. Dany moves to a new school for 7th grade, which turns out to be difficult. Especially in the area of making friends. Dany gets a magical notebook from her deceased aunt’s attic. And much to Dany’s surprise, her drawing of what her “dream best friend” would be comes alive along with other people she draws. But sometimes what we image isn’t always the case. (Ages 8-12)

Panther Creek Mountain: The Big Adventure

by Clyde McCulley (Story Night Press) Reviewer: Diana Perry

Clay and Luke are brothers who live in the Appalachian Mountains during the 1950s. The boys and their cousin Sally Jane are trying to come up with ways to make money. They discover a hidden cave with pots and pans inside; there is also a wooden table and a firepit. They wonder if someone still lives there and if they’ll come back. They decide to make this cave their secret clubhouse but have no idea of what’s to come. A great book to inspire kids to turn off their video games and head outside for some wholesome outdoor adventures. The included map of the Appalachians gives great visual aid to the story. (Ages 8-12)

Hailey Queen Pranking Makes Perfect: The Alien Encounter

by Rosie. J. Pova (Spork) Reviewer: Diana Perry

Hailey Queen can’t seem to stop herself from playing pranks on everyone—her friends, her classmates, her teachers and principal, perfect strangers, and anyone one who crosses her path. Each time, she promises herself to stop as she gets in serious trouble, but she just can’t help herself when the next opportunity arises. She finally meets her match when she wakes one day to find a female alien in her room. The alien is an even worse prankster than Hailey so she must find a way to stop it from playing pranks, especially since everyone thinks they were done by her! Kids will enjoy it. (Ages 9-12)

Strays

by Jennifer Caloyeras (Ashland Creek Press) Reviewer: Diana Perry

Sixteen-year-old Iris Moody has a problem controlling her temper, but then, she has a lot to be angry about. When a note in Iris’s journal is mistaken as a threat against her English teacher, she finds herself in trouble not only with school authorities, but with the law. In addition to summer school, dog-phobic Iris is sentenced to an entire summer of community service, rehabilitating troubled dogs. This story teaches that healing can come from the last place you’d expect—which could be a frightened, threelegged pit bull named Roman. The title is fitting, not just for dogs, but for troubled teens who feel like unwanted strays. (Ages 13+)

Upside Down in a Laura Ingalls Town

by Leslie Tall Manning. Reviewer: Diana Perry

Sixteen-year-old Brooke Decker used to be the perfect girl but since her Mom died, she’s starting to get out of control. She drinks alcohol and sneaks out to college parties. She soon learns that her dad has signed up for a reality show which includes her and her little sister. She finds herself in a pioneer town with no modern conveniences; even her clothes are pioneer outfits. How will she make it to the end? This endearing tale will make any young reader realize the importance of family, especially when one of them is no longer there. I found this book to be touching, heartwarming, humorous and inspiring. (Ages 13+)

To submit your book for review, email Cristy Bertini at cristy@storymonsters.com for submission guidelines.

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Q&A

& Q A with

Linda Kranz

by Julianne Black

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Rock On! When we finally get to the last weeks of summer, a sense of restlessness can move in. Not quite ready to shop for school and not quite ready to put away the sunblock, we all start to bounce off the walls a bit, feeling somewhat trapped in the inbetween stage. A fresh hobby or goal is sometimes needed to kind of relax into the meditation of that transition time—a chance to download and absorb all the memories from our warm weather adventures and reformat the ol’ mental hard drive for that reentry into school rhythms and schedules. This is how I discovered rock painting, and Linda Kranz is my guru.

Linda not only wrote the book (literally) on rock painting, she uses her own rock paintings as illustration focal points for her beautiful children books like: Where I Belong, You Be You, Only One You, and Love You When. These stories of wisdom, inclusion, bravery, and love are precious on their own, but adding in her love and well, ok, obsession with rock painting completely knocks them out of the park.

Q&A

Q: I know in our house, rock painting is something of a meditation. Finding the perfect rock, seeing a design in your mind, and then settling in to make it a reality takes a level of quiet and concentration as well as being a fun parent-child activity. How did rock painting become a focus for you?

A: I love being in nature. On a hike one day decades ago, I noticed a rock that had a perfect flat surface. As I held the rock in my hands, I thought, I could paint on this … and as the saying goes, the rest is history.

Q: I know you’ve told me that you have been painting rocks for decades, but which came first— the idea for the book or the painted characters in the book?

A: First, the art. Hundreds of fish, each design unique and then looking at all those smiling fish characters— that’s when the stories Only One You and You Be You came to me. Although with the Love You When book, first I wrote the story and then I created the art.

Q: I imagine some kids take immediately to rock painting while others have a bit of trouble visualizing where to start. So I love that you have incorporated into your website and books some teacher resources for getting classrooms inspired! What other advice can you give rock painting newbies?

A: Both. Choosing which words of wisdom to focus on was challenging in many ways. As parents, we hope we have inspired a spark in our children, and wonder if we covered everything as they were growing up. Is that even possible? Ultimately, our children must find their own way as we can watch and love them as they test the waters. Just like we tested the waters. As the pages in Only One You and You Be You were being designed and the text and the characters were being placed on the pages, I knew that I could spill more wisdom onto the endsheets—that made the process so much more seamless. I’m very grateful that my publisher has said, “Of course!” when I request to have the space on the front and back end sheets to continue the message in my books. And that the front and back endsheets are always different, not duplicated.

Q: The character of the fish Adri transcended the pages of Only One You and You Be You to become a plush puppet that seems to be a favorite in classrooms nationwide. Who is Adri to you, and when did you start to envision the puppet becoming its own entity?

A: First and foremost, this is going to be fun! As you discover your “just right rock,” you base-coat the rock, sketch out what you want to paint, and then you start painting. With each step, take your time and be patient. Learning a new skill takes practice. As you paint more rocks, you will become very comfortable with this creative art form and then as you hold and give your finished rocks to your friends and loved ones, your confidence will grow.

Q: I was introduced to Only One You through my daughter’s scholastic program at school and it became an instant favorite! Every time I read it, I think about how the book could just go on and on with additional loving concepts. I have to know— how did you decide on which gems to communicate?

Were these special messages you shared with your own children or do they have some other personal connection to you?

“When I share my books as I travel, I often say a book that was published years ago is always a new book to someone who is reading it for the first time.”

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Q&A

A: Adri represents the child in all of us. Young and old. The excitement of discovering the world around us and knowing that with each new experience, we can fine-tune who we are and bring our own one-ofa-kind imprint into the world. The possibilities are endless. As for Adri and his journey from inside a book to a real-life character? Everything just fell into place. We had lots of plush characters for many of our favorite picture books when our daughter and son were growing up. Holding a storybook character as they read the stories just enhanced them so much.

We had a shelf in our library for the books in this special collection. Merry Makers embraced the idea to bring Adri to life. Thinking of the process truly makes me smile.

Q: Can you tell us a bit about what is on the horizon for you? Are there new projects planned or already in the works for which we can keep eyes peeled?

A: The last few years have been very full and remarkable. I created many new books and I’ve traveled to cities across the country to speak with students about being an author and illustrator. The interactions have been amazing. When I talk about the twists and turns that go into making a book, the readers are often surprised at the process. I’m sure they will look a little deeper the next time they turn the pages of their favorite books. New book joy is exhilarating. When I share my books as I travel, I often say a book that was published years ago is always a new book to someone who is reading it for the first time. I have many ideas percolating and lots of notes and sketches on paper. I’m looking forward to sitting at my art table and getting lost in the painting process again. Soon. Stay tuned.

Q: Any words for our wonderful little Story Monsters that you know Adri would want you to pass on to them?

A: Yes! Say out loud, “I’m me!” Be your best self. No one else is exactly like you.

The world needs you!

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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 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.

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For more information about Linda Kranz and her books, visit lindakranz.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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2018 Purple Dragonfly Award Winners

Grand Prize Winner

$100 Drawing Winner

The Hugsmiler’s Hugs: A Story About Learning Values

The Lost Celt

by A.E. Conran

by Jessica L. Simons

First Place Winners Dino Mazes: The Colossal Fossil Book by Elizabeth Carpenter; Looking for Lola/Taco by Jennifer Kuhns, illustrated by Gabrielle Pate and Edward Luena; Los pajaritos by Yolanda Borras, illustrated by David Hicock; Ellie the Wienerdog: It’s Hard to be Good by K.J. Hales, illustrated by Serene Wyatt; Gifts of Spirit 2: Animals and Their Natural Gifts by Kimberly Heil; Lily Pond by Shelley Daniels Lekven; Sonya Dor: Child Extraordinaire & Dreamer Galore by Saul Stoogenke, illustrated by Yoga D.C. Ariesta and Saul Stoogenke; Other Life Lessons series by Meaghan Hadwyn and Niki Snjaric; If You Were Me and Lived in... A Child’s Introduction to Cultures Around the World series

by Carole P. Roman, illustrated by Kelsea Wierenga; Daisy, Bold & Beautiful by Ellie Collins; Martina Ballerina by Imelda Sobiloff, illustrated by David Pfendler; Castle in Danger by Karen Rita Rautenberg, illustrated by Valierie Sokolova; Oh Susannah: It’s 56

Story Monsters Ink | August 2018 | StoryMonsters.com

in the Bag by Carole P. Roman, illustrated by Mateya Arkova; Dynomike: Love Bug by Frankie B. Rabbit; The Lost Celt by A.E. Conran; When a Child Cries

by Cassie Lee, illustrated by Reginald Byers; Justice Makes a Difference: The Story of Miss Freedom Fighter, Esquire by Dr. Artika Tyner and Jacklyn Milton; Super Rooster and Wonder Cat by Alma Hammond, illustrated by Hugh Keiser; A Recipe for Home by Ghenwa Yehia, illustrated by Inna Ogando; Ellie Rae Discovers Eight Ways to be SMART: A book about Howard Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences by Mary R. Massey, Ed.D., illustrated by April Bensch; Winter Wonder: A Collection of Stories for Children & Young Adults by C.M Huddleston, Katherine Ladny Mitchell, D.G. Driver, M.J. Evans, Joyce McPherson, Catherine McCarran, Meg Trotter, Cassandra Davis, Rebecca Hammond Yager; What’s On Your Plate? by Whitney Stewart, illustrated by

Christiane Engel; The Shapeless Shape by Victor Saad & David Kelley; The Hidden Loch by Marlaine Maddux White, illustrated by Claude St. Aubin; The Natural Storyteller by Georgiana Keable, illustrated

by Shirin Adl; Mindful Me: Mindfulness and Meditation for Kids by Whitney Stewart, illustrated

by Stacy Peterson; A Family for Leona by Beverly Stowe McClure; Catching The Christmas Spirit by Bob Outman, illustrated by Dave Franks; Cinderella’s Other Shoe by Philippa Rae, illustrated by Tevin Hansen; Xander’s Story by Alejandro and Christopher Garcia-Halenar; Cowboy Cody by Becky Wigemyr, illustrated by Dane Larocque; Half-Cat by DJ Corchin, illustrated by Tyler Hawx; How to Move an Elephant

by AJA; Never Have I Ever Seen by MaryKate Cohane, illustrated by Bonnie Wiegand; The Hugsmiler’s Hugs: A Story About Learning Values by Jessica L. Simons; Dancing Dreidels by Alva Sachs, illustrated

by Patricia Krebs; Ellie the Wienerdog: It’s Hard to Swim by K.J. Hales, illustrated by Serene Wyatt; Grandpa! Grandpa! What Will I See? by William P. Bahlke, illustrated by Lothar Speer; I Am a Butterfly: A Story About Big, Beautiful Changes by Sally Stone; Red Boots: Landis and his Magical Birthday! by Adam Wacker, illustrated by Aaron Boyd; Sammy the Seahorse by Martha Driscoll & Ann Driscoll, Ed.D, illustrated by Susan Andra Lion; The Blue Footies by Joan Dee Wilson; Shimmer, Songs of Night by Raven Howell; Bury the Bully by Stefanie Noonan; Kindness is Key by Alexis Bloomer; Sophie Washington: The Snitch by Tonya Duncan Ellis; The Keeper of Fire by Davina Marie Liberty; Sesame Street: Celebrate You!

Celebrate Me! by Leslie Kimmelman; The Kool Kids & The Land Of The Giants by James Tate, illustrated

by Jay Reed; Bob’s Spiritfly by Laura Kristi Cronin, illustrated by Dominic Glover; Skating Forward: Olympic Memories, Olympic Spirit by Joanne Vassallo Jamrosz; Geometry is Fun for Me by Vicky Owyang Chan, illustrated by Crystal Ferguson; Drifty; Broken to Beautiful. A (Mostly) True Story

by Dave Ives, illustrated by John Loyer; A Drop of Blue by Isa Briarwood; The Power of Me by Gibson Maximillian Sabalos, illustrated by Lisa J. Michaels; Mr. Hoopeyloops and His Amazing Glass by Andi Cann, illustrated by Fabrice Bertolettp; Theseus by Simon Spence; Sweet T and the Turtle Team by Cat Michaels, illustrated by Irene Jahns; From Riches to Rags by Jaclyn Howell; If You Were Me and Lived In...

Cuba: A Child’s Introduction to Cultures Around the World by Carole P. Roman; Alabama Oh by Andi Cann, illustrated by Micaela Stefano; Selah’s Painted Dream

by Susan Count Hastings, illustrated by Elena Shved; Mermaids on a Mission to Save the Oceans by Janet Balletta, illustrated by Alyssa Figueroa & Alexander C. Appello; Captain No Beard: An Imaginary Tale of a Pirate’s Life by Carole P. Roman; Special Food for Sam

by Dr. Nicole Audet, illustrated by Mylène Villeneuve; Dragon Breath by Dixie Phillips, illustrated by Jacob Gibson; Jake, Lucid Dreamer by David J. Naiman; Mother’s Day with Snowman Paul by Yossi Lapid, illustrated by Joanna Pasek; Rocket-Bye by Carole P. Roman, illustrated by Mateya Arkova; Esme’s Wish by Elizabeth Foster; My Special Mind by Laura and Trey Day; and My Crunchy Life by Mia Kerick

Second Place Winners Mindful Me Activity Book by Whitney Stewart, illustrated by Stacy Peterson; Penny the Pink Nose Poodle by Dana DiSante, illustrated by Ingrid Lefebvre; Bubby’s Puddle Pond: A Tortuga’s Tale of the Desert

by Carol Hageman, illustrated by Nathaniel Jensen; Charlie the Caterpillar by Andy Gutman; Castle in Danger by Karen Rita Rautenberg, illustrated by Valierie Sokolova; Ellie the Wienerdog: It’s Hard to Swim by K.J. Hales, illustrated by Serene Wyatt; The Twin Dolphin’s Adventure: Meet Dusk and Dawn

by V.A. Boeholt; If You Were Me and Lived in... An Introduction to Civilizations Throughout Time series

by Carole P. Roman, illustrated by Mateya Arkova; The We Belong Bunch: Pookie J.’s School Day by Dr. Samuel and Angela Johnson, illustrated by Fanny Liem; The Tooth Collector Fairies: Batina’s Best First Day by Denise Ditto, illustrated by Gabhor Utomo; Sesame Street: Celebrate You! Celebrate Me! by Leslie Kimmelman; Buckets, Dippers, and Lids: Secrets to Your Happiness by Carol McCloud, illustrated by Glenn Zimmer; My Brown Skin by Thomishia Booker, illustrated by Jessica Gibson; Little Katie Goes to the Moon by Carmela Dutra; The Tiny Mouse by Nakita Foreman, illustrated by Mary Ann Clawson; StoryMonsters.com | August 2018 | Story Monsters Ink

57

The Tortoise Tales by Sally Scott Guynn; A Recipe for Home by Ghenwa Yehia, illustrated by Inna Ogando; Maddy & Cole (Vol. 1): The Food Truck Grand Prix

by Richie Frieman; Mason’s Messy Room by Chris McClean; Audrey’s Magic Nine: The Pencil and the Fuzzy, Book One by Michelle Wright, illustrated

by Courtney Huddleston; The Mystical Magical Abracadabracal Daniel McDougal McDouglas McFly

by Sheryl Davis, illustrated by Eric Summers; Jayla Spreads Loving Kindness by Antonia Aviles, illustrated

by Lovyaa Garg; Dancing Dreidels by Alva Sachs, illustrated by Patricia Krebs; The Very Best Christmas Tree EVER! by Mark Edgar Stephens; The Centaur Chronicles: The Stone of Integrity by M.J. Evans; The Crystilleries of Echoland by Dew Pellucid; Pop Lullaby

by Andy Gutman; A Tale About Ears by Joshua August, illustrated by Jonas Scott; The Krayon Kids by Karen Márquez Morales, illustrated by Caitlyn Notaro; American Days by Georgina Schroeder; Adriann Takes a Stand by Melondy Roberson, illustrated by Roszella Roberson-Offord; The Aeonians by J.E. Klimov; The Great & the Small by A.T. Balsara; Dragonfly Surprise

58

Story Monsters Ink | August 2018 | StoryMonsters.com

by Theresa A. O’Kane, illustrated by Tamara R. Sayre; Sometimes Someone Dies by Meaghan Hadwyn and Niki Snjaric; Junior Lifeguards by Elizabeth Doyle Carey; The Tale of Tyriii by Bianca Staines; The Girl by Leeah V, illustrated by Sammy Jay; If You Were Me and Lived in...the Ancient Mali Empire: An Introduction to Civilizations Throughout Time by Carole P. Roman, illustrated by Mateya Arkova; Can A Princess be A Firefighter? by Carole P. Roman, illustrated by Mateya Arkova; Felix Is Curious About His Body by Dr. Nicole Audet, illustrated by Mylène Villeneuve; The Love That Dare Not Speak Its Name: Short Stories by Fiza Pathan; Cub’s Wish by Angie Flores, illustrated by Yidan Yuan; A Flag for the Flying Dragon: A Captain No Beard Story by Carole P. Roman; From Riches to Rags by Jaclyn Howell; and Adele and the Giant King

by Izzy Beisiegel

For the complete list of winners including honorable mentions, visit DragonflyBookAwards.com.

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