Story Monsters Ink December 2018

December 2018

The Literary Resource for Teachers, Librarians, and Parents

Elise Parsley

Cathleen Burnham

Offers a Cautionary Tale for Santa Visitors

Highlights a New Generation of Activists

William Joyce

Scott McBride and Rod Thompson

Writes the Final Chapter of his Beloved Guardians Series

Set Sail on an Aquatic Adventure Series

Katherine Rundell

Teresa Pelham Inspires Dog Rescue Awareness in the Classroom

Takes Kids on a Literary Safari

Vooks

Alex Bellos and Ben Lyttleton

Brings Better Screen Time to Young Readers

Score a Goal with Soccer School Series

Teaching Toolbox

James Patterson

Catching the Spirit of the Season

They Hold the Keys to Literacy

Judy Newman Tote Bag Lady

Tomie dePaola Pens a Soothing Story for a Weary World

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MEET THE STAFF PUBLISHER

Linda F. Radke Linda@StoryMonsters.com

Editor-in-Chief

Cristy Bertini Cristy@StoryMonsters.com

WRITERS

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

Special ContributorS Judy Newman James Patterson

DESIGN Jeff Yesh

Science & Nature Editor Conrad J. Storad

PROOFREADER Deb Greenberg

Web Management Patti Crane

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Linda F. Radke Info@StoryMonsters.com

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Cristy Bertini Cristy@StoryMonsters.com

Book Reviewers Darleen Wohlfeil, Diana Perry, Jessica Reino, Tynea Lewis, Sherry Hoffman, Diana Fisher, Dawn Menge, Denise Bloomfield, Macaulay Smith

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 Contents may not be published in whole or in part without the express written consent of the bylined author and publisher.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

Story Monsters Ink is published by Story Monsters LLC Postal mail may be sent to Story Monsters Ink 4696 W. Tyson St., Chandler, AZ 85226 Phone: 480-940-8182

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Issues of Story Monsters Ink are recorded by the Arizona Talking Book Library!

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.”

December 2018

In this issue Features

Columns

22 Alex Bellos and Ben Lyttleton

8 James Patterson

They Hold the Keys to Literacy

Score a Goal with Soccer School Series

42 Judy Newman Tote Bag Lady

26 Cathleen Burnham

Highlights a New Generation of Activists

Catching the Spirit of the Season

Set Sail on an Aquatic Adventure Series

Pens a Soothing Story for a Weary World

Ralph Breaks the Internet

60 TEACHING TOOLBOX

30 Scott McBride and Rod Thompson 04 Tomie dePaola

50 Monsters at the Movies

62 Liv on Life

Starting a New School is NOT Easy!

34 Teresa Pelham

Inspires Dog Rescue Awareness in the Classroom

10 Elise Parsley

Offers a Cautionary Tale for Santa Visitors

38 Vooks 14 William Joyce

Writes the Final Chapter of his Beloved Guardians Series

18 Katherine Rundell

Takes Kids on a Literary Safari

Brings Better Screen Time to Young Readers

Resources 46 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 54 Book Reviews Want to read even more?

Check out our Book Briefs page at storymonsters.com to keep up with the latest news, interviews, and happenings at Story Monsters!

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

StoryMonsters.com | December 2018 | Story Monsters Ink

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Tomie dePaola Pens a Soothing Story for a Weary World

by Melissa Fales

In an increasingly loud world, Tomie dePaola’s latest book is remarkably silent. “This book really came from me, but the idea is obviously much bigger than me,” he says. “I finished Quiet over a year ago and now what do I suddenly start reading about everywhere? Mindfulness. Being present.

There’s a synchronicity there. Something’s happening amidst all the turmoil in this country. There’s a yearning for calm.

There’s an energy. It’s interesting to think of quiet as an energy but it is a very positive one.”

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With well over 260 books bearing his name and over 25 million copies sold, dePaola is a legend of children’s literature. He’s received Caldecott and Newbery Honor Awards and the Children’s Literature Legacy Award. Most people are familiar with his books—especially his stories about Strega Nona—and can instantly recognize his illustrations. Fewer people know he is a firm believer in and daily practitioner of meditation. “I don’t do Transcendental Meditation or anything that has a label,” he says. “I practice

TOMIE DEPAOLA

the Tomie dePaola method. In fact, I don’t even like to use the word ‘meditation.’ I like to use the word ‘sit.’ I sit every day, and sometimes wonderful things happen.” dePaola has always had an appreciation for sacred, spiritual traditions. After graduating from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, he entered a monastery, fully intending to become a monk. “I entered the same monastery three times and left three times,” he says. “They

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were very nice to let me try it three times. The third time, I realized that I wasn’t meant to be a monk. I was meant to be an artist, a children’s book illustrator and author, but I also realized I could still be monk-like.”

Even as a young child, dePaola expressed an interest in and had a talent for art. His parents fully nurtured and encouraged his dream—even clearing out half of their Connecticut home’s attic and allowing him to use it as a dedicated studio space.

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TOMIE DEPAOLA

“This book is very much the product of me thinking about what I want to pass on to young people,” he says. “At this stage of the game, I don’t do school visits, so I don’t get to interact with children as much as I used to. This book came out of me wondering what I have to give to them. I came up with giving them the idea to be still. To take time to daydream and to have fantasies. To just sit and let their minds go. And to be quiet.”

One Christmas he received a treasure trove of art supplies.

“I got oils, pastels ... you name it,” he says. “It was like an art store under the Christmas tree for me that year. It made all the difference in my life, because what they were really saying with all of this was, ‘We love you. We believe in you. We believe you will be an artist.’”

The best feature of that attic studio was a window dePaola spent hours gazing through, allowing his mind to wander.

“The view was spectacular,” he recalls. “I could see the hanging hills of Meriden in the distance. I would stare out that window, dreaming and imagining.” He did a lot of dreaming and imagining during his school days, too, much to the chagrin of his second grade teacher. “My desk was near the windows,” he says. “How could I not look outside? Who 6

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could blame me? But she would always scold me and tell me to stop daydreaming. I would say, ‘I’m not daydreaming, Miss Gardner, I’m thinking.’ She didn’t like it much when I would make drawings on my arithmetic paper, either.” dePaola says he feels that children are conditioned to spend too much time “doing” and not enough time just sitting and thinking, both in school and out. “They’re overscheduled,” he says. “Some kids have activities planned for every free moment of their day.” In fact, says dePaola, seeing a child sitting still for an extended length of time would likely be cause for concern among parents. “I bet some parents would go ballistic if they found their child in his or her room, just sitting there, without headphones on or moving their thumbs on a device or watching some screen going. They’d think

TOMIE DEPAOLA

that something was wrong. They’d give them medication.

They’d take them to therapy. But the truth is spending time being quiet with yourself gives you some balance in who you are.”

That’s the message of Quiet (Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers). At the beginning of the story, there’s a lot going on, but then the activity tapers off. “The book starts out busy and full,” says dePaola. “Then the energy is pulled way down. Hopefully it will bring young and old people alike to a space where they can be very quiet and take a breath and revive themselves.”

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I came up with giving them the idea to be still. To take time to daydream and to have fantasies. To just sit and let their minds go. And to be quiet.”

For more information about Tomie dePaola and his awardwinning books, visit tomie.com.

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The fact that the grandfather in the story bears a strong resemblance to dePaola is not a coincidence. “This book is very personal to me,” he says. “I did draw the grandfather to look like me, only I did make him thinner, and he’s wearing a beautiful Shaker style hat that I don’t own but really need to get.” From the start, dePaola knew he wanted this book to convey a certain tenor and tone. “When I was halfway done, I realized that the illustrations just weren’t right,” he says. “I ditched them and started over. I had a very specific idea of not just how I wanted this book to look, but how I wanted it to feel.”

At 84, the jovial dePaola has the luxury of looking back on a life well lived. “This book is very much the product of me thinking about what I want to pass on to young people,” he says. “At this stage of the game, I don’t do school visits, so I don’t get to interact with children as much as I used to. This book came out of me wondering what I have to give to them.

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They Hold the Keys to Literacy

by James Patterson

Booksellers and librarians are the foundation of our literary community. They do all they can to keep storytelling alive for readers. Their work is critical for building a more literate America. Being able to discover stories is something I’ve always loved. What makes this possible for so many comes down to all the librarians and booksellers who love a good story as much as I do, and who work so hard to get books into the hands of readers.

for a living. And, there’s a tremendous group of folks that help get my books into the hands of readers everywhere: booksellers and librarians.

As a writer and publisher, I’m grateful for the work I get to do: telling stories. I’ve always said that I don’t consider writing a job—it’s play. I’m lucky to be able to play every day

And that’s why I’m grateful to be able to honor and support the important work they do with my Holiday Bookseller Bonus Program for independent bookstore employees.

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If you’re a bookseller or librarian reading this, I want to say thank you. Thank you for spreading your enthusiasm and love for reading and for tirelessly working to create new readers.

JAMES PATTERSON

Anyone can nominate a bookseller for a holiday bonus and my grant application asks just one question: “Why does this bookseller deserve a holiday bonus?”

what’s happening in independent bookstores across the United States. Booksellers are on the front lines of improving literacy and I hope that these grants help that work continue.

Whenever I’m traveling, I love to stop in to the bookstores and libraries in the area. I especially enjoy visiting the local independent bookstore. I’m a big fan of them and their employees. These hardworking booksellers reach readers on a personal level as fixtures in their local communities.

Reading the thank you notes from booksellers I’ve received over the last few years, I’m humbled to hear what a difference these bonuses can make in their lives. Booksellers can use the grants however they choose—some have bought holiday gifts for their children, paid medical bills, made an overdue trip to the dentist, or contributed to the improvement of their bookstores. I’m happy to be able to lighten their load during this crazy time of year and reward them for the essential work they do.

The work these booksellers do includes everything from setting up displays to organizing author events, to handselling books, to connecting with every customer who walks through their doors. They come up with innovative new programming to get folks more excited about reading.

They dedicate evening hours to keeping the store in top condition. They spend time outside the store, curating book recommendations for customers. I’m humbled to offer these bonuses as an acknowledgement of the work these people do.

This is the fourth year I’ve done these bookseller bonuses. I love hearing about the passion that the grant recipients have for their work, and the appreciation that the store customers have for the work booksellers do. I personally select all the winners and get the special experience of hearing firsthand

At this time of year, we can all do a few things to show that we’re grateful for our local bookstores. Head to your local bookstore and thank the folks whose creativity and enthusiasm for reading make such a big difference. And, don’t forget to buy a book while you’re there! I’m thankful for so much this year, for my wonderful family, and the privilege to do what I get to do each day. Most of all, to write for all the readers anxiously awaiting their next adventure. Happy Holidays!

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The world’s #1 bestselling author has teamed up with the world’s most famous genius to entertain, educate, and inspire a generation of kids with the first and only kids’ book series officially approved by the Albert Einstein Archives.

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Elise Parsley Offers a Cautionary Tale for Santa Visitors

by Melissa Fales

A holiday guide of what not to do when visiting St. Nick, Elise Parsley’s new book, If You Ever Want to Bring a Pirate to Meet Santa, Don’t!, is her sixth to be published and the fourth in her If You Ever Want to Bring… series (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers). “I was surprised that there isn’t a term for a person who illustrates and authors a book, so I made up my own,” Parsley says. “I like the word ‘illustrauthor’ because it encompasses the whole creative process. Hopefully it will catch on.”

and illustration. “I had a creative writing minor,” says Parsley.

“I thought it would be a good complement to my art classes.

I figured it could only help.” After she graduated and began compiling her portfolio, Parsley occasionally found she lacked inspiration. “I realized it was much easier for me to illustrate if I had a story to spring off of,” she says. “So I began writing my own stories.” The result was Parsley’s first book, If You Ever Want to Bring an Alligator to School, Don’t!, published in 2015.

Parsley was interested in a career illustrating for children before she ever thought about writing for them. She attended Minnesota State University Moorhead where she studied art

The book introduced readers to Parsley’s young and headstrong character, Magnolia. “She’s a little girl with a big head of terrible ideas,” Parsley says. “She does what a lot of us think

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ELISE PARSLEY

FEATURE

tale with the same strategy she uses when writing any of her Magnolia books. “I come up with a situation, and then I systematically destroy it,” she says.

In If You Ever Want to Bring a Pirate to Meet Santa, Don’t!, Magnolia’s dad tells her and her siblings to get their Christmas lists ready and brings them to the mall where he promises they’ll meet a guy with a red suit, a beard, and a bag full of treasures. “As soon as they walk in, they see a man matching that description, but it’s the wrong guy,” says Parsley. “It’s a pirate fishing coins out of the fountain. He looks like plenty of fun, though, so Magnolia and her siblings decide to bring him along to meet Santa, even though their dad warns them that pirates are on the naughty list.”

about doing. She’s just got to see what will happen. She just goes ahead and does it. And we all get to learn from her mistakes.” Parsley’s other books featuring Magnolia are If You Ever Want to Bring a Piano to the Beach, Don’t! and If You Ever Want to Bring a Circus to the Library, Don’t!

Much of the story’s shenanigans take place while Magnolia and her companions are waiting in a seemingly endless line to meet Santa. To pass the time, the pirate steals candy canes and sings sea shanties instead of Christmas carols.

“When they finally get to the front of the line, they meet Santa and get ready to take a picture with him,” explains Parsley. “The elf asks the pirate to smile nicely and say cheese, but instead the pirate makes a silly face. When the elf tries to take another picture, the pirate makes another funny face and this time, Magnolia joins in.” Things quickly spiral out of control and even the littlest reader will have no

“Christmas is always busy and hectic enough, so when you add a girl like Magnolia to it, it only escalates the chaos.”

According to Parsley, it was only a matter of time until she did a holiday book featuring Magnolia. “I knew I wanted to do a one way before I knew exactly what Magnolia would be doing,” she says. “Christmas is always busy and hectic enough, so when you add a girl like Magnolia to it, it only escalates the chaos.” She says she approached the Christmas

After all, pirates

the Naughty List.

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Parsley claims that Magnolia is the polar opposite of the type of little girl she was. “People always ask me if I was like Magnolia as a child,” she says. “No. Not at all. I was a big rulefollower. I was very quiet and shy. But Magnolia is the kind of kid I would’ve wanted to be friends with.”

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ELISE PARSLEY

to think a little, when I’m behind the wheel,” she says. “Being at my critique group always helps get the ideas flowing.” That night, Parsley thought about family holiday traditions and the idea of going to see Santa at the mall popped into her head. “I haven’t read a lot of books about kids going to meet him,” she says. “I thought about the lines that you always encounter. And for some reason, the idea of a pirate waiting in line just popped into my head. I think this one was sitting in my subconscious for a while. I had talked to a bookseller in Georgia months earlier and he mentioned that I should do a Magnolia book with a pirate in it.”

photo by Abby Anderson

doubt understanding exactly why pirates are perennially on Santa’s naughty list.

The idea for If You Ever Want to Bring a Pirate to Meet Santa, Don’t! came to Parsley one night when she was driving home from her writing critique group. “That’s the time when I get

Parsley, who lives in Beresford, South Dakota, is the Illustrator Coordinator for and an enthusiastic member of the Dakotas Region of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCWBI). She says she can’t recommend joining the organization strongly enough to anyone interested in becoming an author, illustrator, or illustrauthor for children’s books. “You may spend most of your time alone in your studio, like I do, but you will need other people if you plan to get into this profession,” she says. “If I didn’t have critique workshops, I don’t think I would be published, and certainly not six times. Find your local chapter and get involved.”

For more information about Elise Parsley and her books, or to request printable coloring pages, visit eliseparsley.com.

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Santa will be walking the plank.

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FEATURE

WILLIAM JOYCE

William Joyce Writes the Final Chapter of his Beloved Guardians Series

by Melissa Fales William Joyce is an author, illustrator, and filmmaker, all wrapped up into one charming Southern gentleman. But even with all of his creative accomplishments—two television series, numerous films, many New Yorker covers, dozens of children’s books, multiple Emmys, and one shiny Academy Award, it was still a formidable undertaking for him to construct backstories for childhood’s most hallowed and sacred icons, such as Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny. The result is his The Guardians of Childhood series, and the fifth and final book, Jack Frost: The End Becomes the Beginning (Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books), will be released this month. “I’ve never taken myself too seriously, but I’ve taken this series seriously,” says Joyce. “These stories had to have a 14

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balance of emotional weight and whimsical joy. I wanted to come up with something delightfully absurd, but believable.

I felt like I had to get it right. The best compliment I get is when someone says, ‘I read this and it feels like fact.’”

Joyce remembers spending a lot of time thinking about the Tooth Fairy, Santa, and the Easter Bunny when he was a kid and wondering if they were friends. “When I was five, I was obsessed with the idea of these characters, but I couldn’t seem to square off the facts,” he says. “I would ask my parents specific questions about how the Easter Bunny got around and how Santa’s reindeer could fly, but I would get the most vague answers in reply.”

WILLIAM JOYCE

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It all came to a head one warm Louisiana summer’s day. “I was lying in bed with my dad who was trying to take a nap,” recalls Joyce. “I knew he wanted me to be quiet, but I kept pestering him with questions about Santa. Finally, I asked, ‘Dad, is Santa real?’” As Joyce recalls, his father paused and asked him three times if he was sure he wanted to know the answer. “That’s not as much of a tip-off when you’re five,” Joyce says. When his father told him the truth, Joyce was devastated. “I said I was fine, but inside I was connecting the dots and thinking, well, if Santa wasn’t real, then neither was the Tooth Fairy or the Easter Bunny,” says Joyce. “And so none of them were real.

It felt like they were all dying inside me. And that began my career as a writer. I had to fill the void.”

The idea to write a series about these beloved childhood characters, including how they came to be and how they’re able to do what they do, came to Joyce many years later when his own children began asking questions. Joyce researched the histories of these characters, but didn’t find much. “They were started with tiny threads of mythology,” he says. “Probably Santa has the most definitive linear mythology, but even that’s up for grabs.”

What Joyce found more interesting was how, without any type of backstory, these characters have become such a massive part of our culture’s collective consciousness. “What I find amazing about these guardians is that we, as a people,

“This last book was really poignant and difficult for me. I didn’t want to say goodbye. Jack Frost is the most emotionally powerful of the novels. It ends very hopefully. And I have a sneaking suspicion I’m not done with Jack Frost. He’s just too interesting.”

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WILLIAM JOYCE

accept them and pass on their existence to our children as a matter of cultural fact,” he says. “Most people have children and almost immediately begin going through these rituals, explaining these beings who do not exist, yet we present as real, and try to keep them believing it for as long as we can. There are no Icon Acts of 1820 that say we have to, it’s just something we do and that’s a remarkable blip in our group imagination.”

The first book in The Guardians of Childhood series, Nicholas St. North and the Battle of the Nightmare King, was released in 2011. Three others followed: E. Aster Bunnymund and the Warrior Eggs at the Earth’s Core; Toothiana, Queen of the Fairy Army; and The Sandman and the War of Dreams. Joyce’s series was the inspiration for the 2012 DreamWorks Pictures film, The Rise of the Guardians.

One of Joyce’s favorite scenes from Jack Frost: The End Becomes the Beginning takes place during La Belle Epoche.

“Jack is this bon vivant of London society, hanging out with young Winston Churchill and Rudyard Kipling and Oscar Wilde,” says Joyce. “He’s this elusive gadabout and everyone wants to be around him.” The scene, rich in verisimilitude, portrays Jack and company bursting out of the Athenaeum Club in London, singing a song together on the way to their next stop. And the song? Why, it’s the school song of Churchill’s alma mater, the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. “And the lyrics perfectly apply,” Joyce says. “‘We stand arm and arm, forever bold and young.’ It was just such a treat, finding that little detail and having it work within the scene. I had the best time writing it and presenting it as fact.

It was great fun to think about Jack hanging out with these guys as young men, not yet famous.”

Since launching the series, Joyce has undergone deep personal losses. “I lost my daughter and my wife,” he says.

“They are both so much a part of these books. I found that my own struggles with grief became a large thread in the narrative in a way I didn’t expect. Those difficulties fueled my 16

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photo by Shreveport-Bossier: Louisiana’s Other Side

The character of Jack Frost is particularly precious to Joyce. “If there was to be a fictional doppelganger for me, Jack is the closest to it,” he says. “Jack certainly is what I sometimes have been and what I’ve wished I could be.” In Joyce’s previous works, Jack has been emotionally trapped in limbo between childhood and adulthood. “In this book, he grows up,” says Joyce. “He has to deal with Pitch for the last time. I don’t want to give everything away, but there are three storylines. It’s Jack’s, first and foremost, but it’s also Pitch’s and how his ending comes and how Katherine (Mother Goose) grows up as well.” imagination and the sadness fueled the fiction and made it stronger, deeper, and more powerful.” Writing The Guardians of Childhood served to console Joyce in his time of grief.

“Really, the whole story is about people coming together,” he says. “Each of the characters has been isolated and is looking for a family, and they find their family with each other. I was writing this while my family was diminishing and falling apart. I took great comfort in writing about their stories, about going through a great ordeal and finding each other and supporting each other unequivocally.”

As might be expected, Joyce says it was a challenge to write the conclusion to a series that has meant so much to him.

“This last book was really poignant and difficult for me,” he says. “I didn’t want to say goodbye. Jack Frost is the most emotionally powerful of the novels. It ends very hopefully.

And I have a sneaking suspicion I’m not done with Jack Frost.

He’s just too interesting.”

For more about William Joyce and to see his upcoming work, visit @HeyBillJoyce on Twitter and Instagram or visit williamjoyce.com.

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Have you met Leo? Leo is creative, shy, and in search of his special talent that he can share with the world.

With the help of his older sister and guidance from teachers and adults along the way, Leo discovers his unique gift just in time for Christmas. Leo’s Gift is the perfect story to inspire kids to explore their passions and discover their own gift inside, because not all gifts come wrapped in a box.

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Leo’s Gift

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Bring Leo’s Gift alive at home and in the classroom with these free resources for download at www.LeosGift.com.

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Share your gifts with classmates with the “What is your gift?” bulletin board print-outs.

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Join Leo’s journey with the games sheet to unscramble important words, decode secret messages, and more.

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Incorporate Leo into the lesson with a free lesson plan outline.

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Katherine Rundell Takes Kids on a Literary Safari

by Melissa Fales

Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book is a beloved classic of children’s literature, leading readers into the depths of the Indian jungle where a boy raised by wolves befriends a cast of unforgettable anthropomorphic animals. Now, nearly 125 years after its first publication, author Katherine Rundell has produced its prequel, featuring backstories for some of The Jungle Book’s most cherished creatures. For Rundell, writing Into the Jungle: Stories for Mowgli was both a challenge and a privilege. “I was approached by a publisher who asked if I would be interested in writing something set in Mowgli’s world,” says Rundell. “I loved The Jungle Book as a child. I had a huge, undying passion for Bagheera the panther, and so I jumped at the opportunity.”

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Born in England, Rundell spent most of her childhood in Zimbabwe. Her family moved to Belgium when she was a teenager. “I think the years in Zimbabwe gave me a glimpse of the vast sweep and beauty of the natural world. I loved it,” she says. “I found Belgium less enchanting, but that was, I think, because I was 14, and leaving the African sun was always going to be difficult.”

Rundell fondly remembers her father reading The Jungle Book out loud to his family at the dinner table and recalls being delighted with its lush, green setting Kipling so aptly described. “I think Mowgli’s life will always resonate with children,” she says. “I remember it so vividly … that longing

KATHERINE RUNDELL

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to have a life so deeply entwined with the natural world.”

Rundell believes that one of the reasons The Jungle Book has endured the test of time is because children are naturally drawn to animals. “I do think children and animals have a bond, one that we sometimes lose in adulthood, and reading about animals taps into that love that children have for living things,” she says.

Understandably, Rundell found the task of culling bits from the well-known work to serve as seedlings for her new stories a little daunting, requiring delicacy and discretion.

“The Jungle Book was published in 1894, and has in the 124 years since been so wildly loved that I was very keen to tread softly, and take my cues where I could from the original text,” she says. “So, for instance, one of the stories in my book is about Bagheera escaping from his cage in the city; that comes directly from the book. I took two sentences from the original, and spanned it out into a longer story, of love and daring and tragedy and love again.”

photo by Nina Subin

Into the Jungle (Macmillan Children’s Books) is narrated by familiar animals from Kipling’s original piece. Each of the five chapters encompasses one character’s story, offering new revelations about its past while remaining faithful to their portrayals in the source piece. While fans of Kipling’s work will be delighted to hear more about favorite characters

“I think Mowgli’s life will always resonate with children. I remember it so vividly … that longing to have a life so deeply entwined with the natural world.”

Mowgli, Bagheera, Mother Wolf, Baloo the bear, and Kaa the python, Into the Jungle can also stand alone for those who’ve never read The Jungle Book.

Rundell’s lively literary depictions of these beloved creatures and their adventures are complemented by the detailed, captivating illustrations of Kristjana S. Williams. “I love StoryMonsters.com | December 2018 | Story Monsters Ink

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KATHERINE RUNDELL

them,” says Rundell. “I think she’s so talented, and has captured so well the green, living beauty of the jungle.”

It’s challenging for Rundell to remember a time when she wasn’t writing something. “I’ve always written, ever since I was small—short stories and terrible poetry and cartoons,” she says. “When I was 21, I wrote my first novel, which is published as Cartwheeling in Thunderstorms in the U.S.” Her other books are The Wolf Wilder, Rooftoppers, and The Explorer, which won the 2017 Children’s Book Costa Book Award. “It was fantastically exciting,” says Rundell. “I didn’t expect to win, simply because the shortlist was so spectacular, but I was very grateful. It really helped sales of The Explorer, and that’s what every writer wants: to get their book into the hands of readers.”

The Amazon Rainforest setting Rundell selected for The Explorer, her story about a group of kids who survive a plane crash and the startling discovery they make, is just one example of the exotic locales Rundell prefers for her books. “My books all have in common that they’re adventure stories,” she says. “One is set on the rooftops of Paris, another in the 20

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Russian snow, but they’re all about children being faced with physical challenges and with their own fears, and finding a way up and through them.”

For her next book, Rundell will swap the Indian Jungle for a concrete one. “It is set in New York, and the research for that has been an adventure in itself,” she says. “I’m currently reading a book about the New York mafia, and another about Carnegie Hall; it’s been a real pleasure to dig into the history of the city.”

For more about Katherine Rundell and her books, visit simonandschuster.com.

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Alex Bellos and

Ben Lyttleton Score a Goal with Soccer School Series

by Melissa Fales

ALEX BELLOS AND BEN LYTTLETON

FEATURE

Whether it’s called football or soccer, authors Alex Bellos and Ben Lyttleton are passionate about that black and white spotted ball and everything about the game. Their Soccer School series deftly uses the sport of soccer to teach kids about academic subjects, including biology, math, history, and geography. The second book in the series, Soccer School, Season 2: Where Soccer Saves the World (Walker Books) will be released this month. “We are passionate about getting children to enjoy reading and we thought writing books about soccer would help reluctant readers tap into their love of the game and encourage them to develop a love of reading and a curiosity about the world,” says Lyttleton. “We have since been told by teachers and parents that the books have helped their children get into reading, which inspires us to work even harder.”

Lyttleton has been a sports journalist for newspapers and magazines for two decades. He’s written two books about soccer for adults: Twelve Yards: The Art & Psychology of the Perfect Penalty and Edge: What Business Can Learn from Football. Bellos, also a long-time journalist, wrote Futebol: Soccer the Brazilian Way and co-wrote soccer superstar Pele’s autobiography.

The two became fast friends after meeting at a soccer conference nearly 15 years ago. “We have both written soccer books for grown-ups, and thought that it would be really fun and worthwhile to write for younger readers,” says Bellos. “We were avid readers when we were kids, and we both know the advantages that reading brings.” Lyttleton agrees that one of their goals was to get kids excited about books. “We want them to develop of a love of reading,” he says. “We know that the benefits of literacy are so farreaching: not just improved educational results, but also self-confidence, better

vocabulary, better imaginative and analytical thinking, and of course, introducing children to the simple joy that reading as a form of pleasure can bring. We cannot promise that young Americans reading Soccer School will become better players, but they might become smarter ones!”

According to Bellos, deciding to work together using the theme of soccer to teach children about numerous academic subjects was a logical extension of the work the two had been doing separately. Bellos spent five years living in Rio de Janeiro working as a correspondent for The Guardian. “I think that in order to truly understand Brazilian culture, you need to understand the role of soccer there,” he says. “I completely immersed myself in the Brazilian football culture ... and all these experiences laid the foundation for me writing my first book, Futebol, which is much more about Brazil than it is about soccer. It’s about, among other things, the geography, history, politics,

art, and music of Brazil. Soccer provides the way into talking about everything else, as it is in Soccer School.”

Lyttleton had also been referencing soccer in his writings. “I have done the same thing with my grown-up books, which are about the psychology of performing under pressure,” he says.

“In them, I use soccer as a way to explain and navigate our way through the wider world. I believe soccer, and the dynamism and community that comes from it, can be used as an opportunity and energy source for personal growth and development.

For children, this comes from viewing soccer as a lens through which to understand the world better, to broaden horizons, and to understand that everything in the world is interconnected, unlike at school, where subjects are ring-fenced.”

Both authors rave about the series’ illustrations by Spike Gerrell. “Spike is wonderful, as an illustrator and a

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FEATURE

ALEX BELLOS AND BEN LYTTLETON

person,” says Lyttleton. “He is a crucial part of our team. If anything, we are the midfield playmakers who set up the goals and he slams them into the back of net with his hilarious illustrations which always make us laugh.” Bellos says Gerrell’s comical drawings keep children reading. “Humor is another weapon in the armory to get children to read about things, like math, that they might be prejudiced against,” he says.

Bellos touts soccer’s ability to transcend the human condition, something he experienced while attending a game in Somalia. “The country was in the middle of a civil war, without a government, bombs going off every day, rubble on the

“We are passionate about getting children to enjoy reading and we thought writing books about soccer would help reluctant readers tap into their love of the game and encourage them to develop a love of reading and a curiosity about the world.”

streets, and trucks with huge guns patrolling the city,” he says. “Yet despite this misery and a stadium that was almost falling down, the fans were cheering and happy, the players were full of the joy of playing.

For a moment you forgot you were in the middle of a war zone. It made me realize how soccer brings people together, how it promotes all sorts of positive behavior and how it connects so many people around the world.”

For Lyttleton, too, soccer is more than an athletic contest. “It has a wonderful way of emotionally connecting with people, which means it can have an impact beyond just the winning and losing of a game,” he says. “It can bring people together, on a small scale like the 24

players in a local league team supporting a friend whose parent might be sick, or on a big scale, like when the Ivory Coast ended its civil war after the national team qualified for the 2006 World Cup for the first time.” He also commends players who use their fame and fortune in positive ways. “So soccer is a game, but it can also be used as a force for good,” says Lyttleton. “That’s what we hope to do with Soccer School, take the game and use it to entertain, inform, and educate.”

The first three books in the series were initially released in the U.K. under the title Football School. The first book in the series, Soccer School, Season 1: Where Soccer Rules the World, (re-titled for an American audience) was released

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in the U.S. earlier this year. A third book, Soccer School, Season 1: Where Soccer Tackles the World is due out in the U.S. in the spring of 2019, with five more books planned.

Bellos and Lyttleton have been thrilled with the reception their series has received. “The response has been amazing, easily the best reaction from readers that I have had for any of my books,” says Bellos. “We’ve heard so many stories from parents of reluctant readers that Soccer School is the book that has got their kids reading. It doesn’t get any better than that.”

For more information about Alex Bellos and Ben Lyttleton, visit youtube.com/ footballschoolfacts.

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FEATURE

CATHLEEN BURNHAM

Cathleen Burnham Highlights a New Generation of Activists

by Melissa Fales

Author and photographer Cathleen Burnham’s World Association of Kids & Animals (WAKA) book series celebrates children from around the world for whom caring for wild animals is a way of life. Her striking photos capture the compassion these children display towards these creatures in their natural habitat as well as their innate sense of responsibility for their well-being. The fourth and latest book in the series, Emily: 10 Year-Old Champion of Rainforest Animals in Need (Crickhollow Books), was released in October. “The idea is that kids can go to school and play and lead their full lives and do a little on the side to help out wild animals and they can make a tremendous difference,” says Burnham.

The first book in the series, Doyli to the Rescue: Saving Baby Monkeys in the Amazon, is about a girl who Burnham and her family met while exploring the Amazon. “The thing about the Amazon is that although there are tons of animals, you don’t see them,” Burnham says. “They can hear you coming and they hide. But we motored past this island and saw all of these endangered monkeys just hanging around this little hut. Our guide explained that it was the home of a family that happens to take in orphaned and endangered monkeys until they’re well enough to be released into the wild. They live in a hut, there’s no electricity, there’s no 26

Simultaneously, Burnham began to suspect that other kids around the world were helping animals in their spare time. She was right. “In fact, everywhere I went, I found kids doing what they could to help the animals around them.” Other books in the series, corresponding to Burnham’s travels, include Tortuga Squad: Kids Saving Sea Turtles in Costa Rica and Tony & His Elephants: Best Friends Forever about a boy who lives on his family’s elephant refuge in Thailand.

running water, but they take care of these animals who need help.”

Burnham and her family were delighted to have the opportunity to visit the island and meet the family. “There was a little girl named Doyli bottle feeding baby monkeys,” says Burnham. “And she had a little parrot she rescued who followed her everywhere. My kids were completely enthralled.” Burnham, seeing the response her own children had to this girl and her relationships with the animals she cared for, felt certain that other children would like to learn about this girl, too, and decided to write the book.

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The star of Burnham’s latest book, 10-year-old Emily, lives in western Costa Rica where she’s active with an organization called Kids Saving the Rainforest (KSTR). After school, Emily visits a wildlife rehabilitation center where she participates in a variety of environmental efforts. “She works with rainforest animals who have been abandoned or injured,” says Burnham. “She takes sloths for walks to help them get reintroduced to the wild, she leads expeditions into the forest to clean up trash, and she helps to raise money to string ropes across busy roadways so squirrel monkeys can safely cross. She’s only 10 years old, but she’s a real activist and a great role model for other kids.”

There will be two more books in the WAKA series, both set in Africa. One focuses on kids who are working to

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FEATURE

CATHLEEN BURNHAM

“This is my way of sharing these inspiring stories. When kids see other kids doing this type of thing, they realize it’s not something impossible. It’s doable.”

help African painted wolves, the most endangered predator on the African continent, and the other on children who are caring for cheetahs.

Burnham believes that most children have a natural affinity for animals.

“Kids don’t think of animals as a totally different entity,” she says. “They tend to be able to relate to them well and have a great compassion for them. Plus, I think kids naturally want to help.

I’d love to see children in America do more wildlife rehabilitation, but it just doesn’t happen here.”

Divorcing children from nature can have dire consequences, says Burnham.

“Here, adults tell their kids to stay away from wildlife,” she says. “We worry about rabies and parasites. Our relationship with wild animals has become very fear-based. We’ve taught children to avoid any contact with wildlife and that’s just wrong. When children are raised to see the value of each of these creatures, they’re much more likely to try to protect these animals who so desperately need it.”

love travel more than anything in the world,” she says. “I love seeing how people do things differently and how they live. It’s pure pleasure for me. Part of the idea of taking my kids with me is that I want them to be comfortable anywhere in the world. The world is getting smaller and smaller so I think that’s important.” And now as a side effect from traveling with her to work on her books, Burnham’s children have become passionate animal activists.

Burnham hopes the stories from her WAKA series have a similar impact on readers. “This is my way of sharing these inspiring stories,” she says.

Burnham loves to travel and has taken her own children on most of her journeys around the world. “I 28

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“When kids see other kids doing this type of thing, they realize it’s not something impossible. It’s doable.”

Ultimately, Burnham’s goal for her WAKA book series echoes the reason she formed WAKA in the first place: to encourage children to do what they can to help animals within their daily lives. It doesn’t require travel to remote locations or living in an exotic locale. “I decided to form WAKA to promote the idea that kids can help wildlife in their own backyards.”

To learn more about Cathleen Burnham and WAKA, visit WAKAbooks.org.

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SCOTT MCBRIDE AND ROD THOMPSON

ADVERTORIAL

Scott McBride and

Rod Thompson Set Sail on an Aquatic Adventure Series

by Melissa Fales

Some things are just meant to be.

Something told Scott McBride that an acquaintance from church, Rod Thompson, was the right person to help him write the children’s book he’d been thinking about for years. “When I approached Rod with the idea, he asked me what the book would be called,” says McBride. “I told him it would be called Connor the Courageous Cutter because I was in the Coast Guard and my son’s name is Connor. He said he had a son named Connor, too, and that he had been praying and asking God to use his writing talents for good.” That was in 2015. Since then, things have taken off. “We have an animated show in the works, book four is on its way, and we’re actively talking about licensing and merchandising opportunities,” says Thompson. “Scott coming up to me was divine intervention at its finest.”

McBride, a Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Coast Guard stationed at Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington, D.C. says he never imagined he would be adding “children’s author” to his résumé. “I’m what you call

an accidental author,” he says. “I had no visions of writing children’s books.” That changed in 2012 when McBride was a graduate student at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, studying Strategic Communications. Out of the blue one day, his professor asked McBride if he had ever thought of writing children’s books, adding that both children and adults can learn important moral lessons through children’s stories. The words hit home for McBride, a husband and father of two young boys. “I thought, wow, maybe my purpose is to share moral lessons through children’s books,” he says.

Naturally, McBride chose a boat for his main character. “There are a lot of books about cars and planes and even Thomas the Tank Engine, but there haven’t been a lot about boats,” he says. He chose a cutter and named it Connor, after his oldest son. “I liked the alliteration,” he says. That’s about as far as McBride got with the idea before he and his family moved back to Virginia in 2013.

Thompson is a Chief Operations Specialist in the U.S. Navy, currently serving aboard Commander Destroyer Squadron 28, embarked upon USS Harry S. Truman. When he and Thompson met at church in 2014, they chatted about their military careers but McBride didn’t know that Thompson was an accomplished writer. Thompson had, in fact, been writing since he was 13 years old. “For either Christmas or my birthday, my old man bought me a top-of-the-line word processor/ typewriter, and it was one of the only gifts I received that year,” says Thompson. “Jurassic Park had just been released a few months earlier, and I had this overwhelming urge to write a sequel. So I did. I’d sit in the back of our trailer and writing became my escape….”

Once the two men decided to write Connor the Courageous Cutter together, they met at a restaurant to hash out the details. “The chemistry was immediate,” says McBride. “We storyboarded the first book on a napkin. I still have it.” They wrote the

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ADVERTORIAL

SCOTT MCBRIDE AND ROD THOMPSON

first draft of the first book in about a week. “We wrote book two in a few hours,” says McBride. “When we get into the creative phase, we’re just like two kids. There’s so much energy between us.”

Since McBride and Thompson were independently publishing their book, they launched a Kickstarter campaign to raise the $9,300 they needed to get started. “I didn’t think we would raise $100, let alone $9,300, but we ended up raising $10,500 in 30 days,” says McBride.

They released their first book, Connor the Courageous Cutter: Saving Sarah (Mascot Books) in December 2015.

“Kids make poor decisions from time to time, and we think it’s just as important for children to understand that sometimes the hero only knows the right thing to do because he or she learned it the hard way.”

It’s about using teamwork to solve a problem and how God’s plans for our lives often differ from our own. Caution at Calamity Canal, published in 2016, is a lesson about temptation to do the wrong thing, symbolized in the story by a yellow, cautionary buoy. “We tell kids everyone has a yellow buoy in their life,” says McBride. “You just have to learn to recognize it.”

In October, The Mystery of the Baffling Blackout was released, with its message about diversity, accountability, and forgiveness. “This book is really special because we had to collaborate while Rod was deployed overseas,” says McBride. “There were times I would be emailing Rod edits to the book while I was talking to the illustrator on the phone. We were literally writing the book together while we were across the world from each other.”

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One of the things Thompson likes best about the series is that Connor is a character with flaws, making him more relatable for children. “Kids are people, plain and simple,” he says. “I have three boys and all three of them are unique individuals. Kids have struggles, and there are a lot of great stories out there that have these fantastic, heroic characters who always do the right thing. They teach kids lessons on being great citizens, etc., but kids aren’t perfect. Kids make poor decisions from time to time, and we think it’s just as important for children to understand that sometimes the hero only knows the right thing to do because he or she learned it the hard way.”

The books feature an ever-growing cast of different kinds of boats. “From day one, it was important for Scott and I to have strong female characters, and Faith

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the Fireboat has just always been my favorite,” says Thompson. “I think we’ll eventually see a standalone Faith series for all of the strong little girls out there.”

McBride and Thompson say they’ll continue to create stories about Connor the Courageous Cutter and his friends as long as people want to read them. “The future looks promising for the boats of Serendipity Sound and I’m just happy to be aboard for the ride,” says Thompson. McBride says writing books has never been about making money for this duo. “At the end of the day, we are two military dads trying to teach our kids that if you have a dream, you can accomplish it with a lot of hard work, a little faith, and a lot of support from friends and family.”

For more information about Scott McBride and Rod Thompson, or to purchase Connor the Courageous Cutter books, visit connorthecutter.com.

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ADVERTORIAL

TERESA PELHAM

Teresa Pelham

Inspires Dog Rescue Awareness in the Classroom

by Melissa Fales

Teresa Pelham never considered herself a “dog person” until a little brown one named Roxy came into her life.

Pelham befriended and eventually adopted Roxy through a friend who fosters rescue dogs and now it’s become her mission to raise awareness about dog rescue operations.

She writes about Roxy’s journey, from her forlorn start as a homeless dog in Tennessee to her comfortable forever home in Connecticut in her book, Roxy’s Forever Home. “I was bitten by a dog when I was three and always avoided them after that,” Pelham says. “I never had a dog. I never wanted a dog.

But then I met Roxy.”

Pelham is a reporter and freelance journalist whose innate curiosity led to the 2012 publication of Roxy’s Forever Home.

“I was nosy,” Pelham says. “I wanted to know more about where Roxy came from.” She made several eye-opening trips 34

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to Tennessee to see where Roxy’s life began. There, Pelham saw firsthand how many dogs need homes and how dire the situation is for those who end up at high-kill shelters.

“If a shelter is full, it’s full,” she says. “It’s a terrible thing, but when they run out of room, they have no choice but to euthanize dogs. The people doing dog rescues are doing such important work. That’s what propelled me to start doing this.”

Pelham learned about the chain of dedicated people who saved Roxy, prepared her for transport, and cared for her until she could be adopted. “Once I found out how many had done so much for her along the way, from the guy who drives the big truck to transport dogs to the kind vet who heals rescue dogs at a discount rate, I just knew I had to do something,” says Pelham. “I wasn’t necessarily thinking about

TERESA PELHAM

writing a book, but when I started thinking about my talents, it had the most potential. I’m really good at making cookies, but if I make them, I eat them, and then I’d have to spend all my money on new pants. I can do five cartwheels in a row without throwing up, but I didn’t see how that would help.

My only other skill is that I know how to write.”

In an effort to spread awareness of dog rescue efforts even further, Pelham has made hundreds of visits to elementary schools where she reads her books and introduces students to Roxy, who is now a registered therapy dog. Pelham says Roxy loves meeting all the kids, although she’s been known to fall asleep during her presentations. “I just want to promote an awareness of these rescue efforts,” says Pelham. “I’m not telling 7-year-olds they should be rescuing dogs. It’s more of an effort to let them know that this work is taking place so that maybe at some point in their life, when they’re in a position to rescue a dog, they will think about it.”

Pelham makes a concerted effort to visit schools where books are in short supply. “A lot of these kids not only can’t afford to purchase one of my books, they literally don’t own any books at home,” she says. “That breaks my heart.” During a visit to an inner-city school in Hartford, Pelham was in disbelief when she made her customary offer to donate a signed book to the school’s library and was told the school didn’t have one. “It’s so sad to see children without any access to books,” she says.

To help remedy this, Pelham is hoping to expand a sponsorship program she’s developed to help her disseminate her books.

A sponsor, whether a company or an individual, donates the cost of providing a signed book for each student in a classroom, or a grade, or a school. “I’ve given away over

ADVERTORIAL

1,000 books this way,” Pelham says. “Obviously it’s a great experience for me. I’m doing what I love to do and I’m with my dog. It’s great for the kids because they get to go home with a book, signed by the author, whom they’ve met. But I think the sponsors make out the best. They can come with me, if they want, and hand out the books personally.

Sponsors always tell me how rewarding it is. I have one sponsor who’s done it three times now because they’ve gotten so much out of the experience.” Pelham has visited schools all over Connecticut and now she’s looking to branch out, bringing her message to children in other states and getting more books out to kids.

Pelham has a special fondness for those who welcome these rescue dogs into their homes temporarily. “The people who foster the dogs are the heroes in all of this,” says Pelham.

“They make these dogs more adoptable. If you go to a shelter, you might be able to see beyond the scared animal in a cage.

But if you go into someone’s house and you can see a dog getting along with other animals and kids, you can more easily picture them fitting into your home and your life.”

That’s how it worked for Pelham. When her friend started fostering dogs, Pelham saw the animals in a new light. “I got more used to being around dogs and I started to think, Maybe someday…,” she says. “I got to the point where I wasn’t scared, but I didn’t know if I was up for that level of responsibility.” It was only a matter of time until Pelham met Roxy, her children wore her down with their desire to have a dog, and Roxy became part of their family. That was eight years ago.

Since then, Pelham has welcomed a second rescue dog, Stuey, into her home. Pelham’s second book, Roxy and Her Annoying Little Brother, Stuey offers a message about diversity. “The idea

“The people who foster the dogs are the heroes in all of this. They make these dogs more adoptable. If you go to a shelter, you might be able to see beyond the scared animal in a cage. But if you go into someone’s house and you can see a dog getting along with other animals and kids, you can more easily picture them fitting into your home and your life.”

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TERESA PELHAM

behind the book is that we’re all different,” she says. “Roxy and Stuey are both good dogs and they look the same on the surface, but their personalities are completely different. I like to get the kids thinking about how boring the world would be if we were all the same. And I want kids to know that it’s our differences that make our world so beautiful.”

Pelham’s efforts to heighten awareness of dog rescue operations go far beyond writing the two books she’s already published and the third one on the way. She’s donated $10,000 of the proceeds from her books to Emily’s Friends, the non-profit organization that connected her with Roxy.

“I’d like to start donating more,” she says. “So many good dogs need homes. I know how much Roxy and Stuey mean to me. They’re just your average little brown dogs, but I don’t know how I’d make it through the day without them.”

For more information about purchasing Teresa Pelham’s books, or to learn more about sponsoring one of her school programs, visit roxysforeverhome.com.

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ADVERTORIAL

VOOKS

Brings Better Screen Time to Young Readers

by Melissa Fales

Vooks is a new streaming service that brings children’s books to life on digital devices. The books on Vooks include animated illustrations, simple, clear narration, and corresponding music and sound effects, all designed to keep children engaged with the storytelling. Vooks co-founders Marshall Bex and Russell Hirtzel see the subscription service as a solution to those conflicts that arise when parents and children clash over screen time.

“We’ve been talking about Vooks as a better kind of screen time,” says Bex. “The great thing is that kids love Vooks, 38

and parents don’t have to feel bad about letting their kids use it.”

affordable for young families, hence the $4.99 per month subscription rate.

Bex and Hirtzel run a design agency together. “We’re in the field of marketing and so we’re always looking for opportunities,” says Bex. “We saw a need in this area. We saw the culture shifting to where kids are using devices constantly. And we started asking ourselves how we could bring storybooks to devices in a way that works for both young kids and their parents. The answer is Vooks.”

It was also important for Vooks to be

The pair came up with the concept of Vooks about three years ago, after observing their own children’s online habits. “The general idea was that we wanted to combine the benefits of streaming with the benefits of storybooks,” says Hirtzel. “With streaming video, kids are locked in and engaged. So we wanted to have something where kids can be fully engaged, just as if they were watching Netflix, but instead of watching a

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VOOKS

cartoon or a movie, they’re watching a storybook.”

Vooks is available via the web, iOS and Android devices, and through streaming devices such as Roku, Amazon Fire, and Google Chromecast.

Having a streaming service available on a device that’s probably already a child’s constant companion is a huge boon to busy parents. It’s convenient and much easier to transport on an airplane or in a car than physical books. And iOS and Android devices have the capability to download content that can be used offline when Wi-Fi isn’t available.

Parents will particularly appreciate that Vooks doesn’t have any advertising.

“We’ve been really solid on that idea from the get-go,” says Hirtzel.

“Additionally, Vooks is safe, as children will be unable to access other web content. “We’ve noticed that platforms out there now just aren’t safe for kids,” Hirtzel says. “Even the YouTube Kids app is filtered with algorithms. A lot of inappropriate stuff can get through.

Yes, they may have parental controls, but they’re not very strong and kids are only a click away from content they shouldn’t see. With Vooks, parents Russell Hirtzel

can rest easy knowing that it’s only children’s books. There’s nothing for kids to accidentally stumble upon.”

By the end of 2018, the Vooks library will contain over 100 titles, with some storybooks written exclusively for Vooks and other books adapted for the service. “We stay true to the original storybook, especially in terms of the pacing and the flow,” says Bex. “It’s animated enough so that it’s engaging, but not so much that it’s distracting from the original.” Hirtzel says the slow pace is intentional. “We’re trying to promote the idea of helping kids to slow down and focus,” he says. “We want them to absorb and comprehend what they’re seeing. We want to give them time for their imaginations to take hold.”

“Ninety percent of a child’s brain develops by age 5. To us, that really speaks to the importance of literacy at an early age. We’ve seen the studies that suggest the number of books in the home of a child correlates to how well he or she will do in school and how much money he or she will eventually earn. We truly see Vooks as one more way to bring books into the home.”

ADVERTORIAL

Vooks is for children ages 1 to 8. “The sweet spot of our book offerings right now is for ages between 2 and 5,” says Bex. “We’re planning on growing with the kids and adding new content to engage them as they grow.”

Soon, Vooks will be offering different channels of books, so parents can select a particular topic for their children to read about, including many on the topic of character building. “For example, they will be able to focus on books that talk about courage, or about sharing with others,” Bex says. “We’re also planning to have some channels of nonfiction Vooks.”

Subscribers have expressed approval of the length of each book on Vooks.

“They are short,” says Bex. “Kids can watch two or three or four of them and sometimes that’s enough. With Netflix, when you’re finished watching a show, it automatically starts the next episode.

Two hours later, you ask your child, ‘Are you done with your show yet?’

Vooks isn’t like that.”

Joey Jenkins, Chief Development Officer for Vooks, discovered that Vooks has an unintentional side effect on kids—when they find a book they Marshall Bex

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ADVERTORIAL

VOOKS

love on Vooks, they want to read the physical book, too. “My kids watched Where Are You? by Jonathan London over and over again on Vooks,” says Jenkins. “I ended up ordering a hard copy of the book because they enjoyed it so much. We’re definitely not trying

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to books and reading as early as possible. They hope parents will find Vooks to be an easy way to provide their children with access to books in an easy, child-friendly way. “We’ve been looking into brain development,” says Bex. “Ninety percent of a child’s brain develops by age 5. To us, that really speaks to the importance of literacy at an early age. We’ve seen the studies that suggest the number of books in the home of a child correlates to how well he or she will do in school and how much money he or she will eventually earn. We truly see Vooks as one more way to bring books into the home.” to replace traditional books.” Soon, subscribers will have the ability to order a physical copy of a favorite book on Vooks with one click.

The Vooks team fervently believes it’s vital for young children to be exposed

Story Monsters Ink | December 2018 | StoryMonsters.com

For more information about Vooks, or to start a free 30-day trial of this unique streaming storybook subscription service, visit Vooks.com.

•

I See the Sun in . . .

“It’s a great concept for a book series, and it seems to me that it is one that would be as at-home inside the classroom as it is in a child’s bedroom.” — Education Week “A fine addition to geography and bilingual collections.” — School Library Journal “A gentle, intimate glimpse into the parallels and differences in the lives of children around the world.” — Publishers Weekly “Kids may easily recognize the connections with their own families and with the stories of relatives far away.” — Booklist (American Library Association) “This is more about commonalities of feeling and experience than cultural differences.”

— Kirkus Reviews “Providing a learning tool with recognizable characters and surroundings . . . now that’s a true (and useful) gift of education.”

— Book Dragon, Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Program

N!

I See the Sun in the USA

ISBN: 978-1935874362 • Price: $12.95 Available wherever books are sold.

www.satyahouse.com

StoryMonsters.com | December 2018 | Story Monsters Ink

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LIFE OF A READER

TOTE BAG LADY

Tote Bag Lady

by Judy Newman

I have never been a light packer. I like to be prepared for every eventuality. I am always the person carrying the oversized bag filled with extra Band-Aids or socks or dog treats or sore throat lozenges or a flashlight or … all kinds of other seemingly random items. And of course, books.

When I’m with other people, all these provisions come in handy. I do think I have a knack for anticipating what others will need in assorted, unpredictable situations.

I used to think I always carried a Mary Poppins-type carpetbag filled with everything I thought anyone might need because of how much I loved Mary herself, and because I got so stressed out watching the end of Let’s Make a Deal when Monty Hall would ask audience members for random items in exchange for large cash prizes, that I never wanted to be that person who came up short.

But, I found two photos of me when I was younger than the age of 3 already schlepping large bags. That was long before 42

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Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke stole my heart or before Let’s Make a Deal was on the air. So I guess I was born a bag carrier.

In my high school years, I would go out with my friends for an evening-with-a-curfew (i.e., no chance of the outing extending past a hard stop or needing overnight stuff) and still I would bring a change of clothes, assorted paraphernalia … and always a book.

When my kids were born, I filled their diaper bags with the myriad items new moms think their babies will need—even for a quick trip to the supermarket. And I always loaded up with board books, picture books, and activity books.

Motherhood took my overpacking to a whole new level.

On our family vacations—no matter how long a distance we traveled or how close we were to civilization (and accessible shopping!)—I never wanted to be caught short. My packing lists were so long that my suitcases always had to be checked, and even then, they were often overweight, requiring me to

TOTE BAG LADY

LIFE OF A READER

pay ridiculous excess baggage fees and retrieve them from some special, secluded, oversize baggage area when we landed.

All this overpacking resulted in wasted time and money, but I couldn’t shake the need to have everything with me to feel prepared at all costs.

I get such a sense of satisfaction when I can help someone out and hand them a lozenge when they can’t stop coughing during a wedding service, or have a Band-Aid and Neosporin on hand if someone cuts themselves … and, of course, lots of extra age-appropriate wonderful books on a variety of subjects for everyone I meet.

Like any self-respecting, book-publishing person—and like many teachers—I also have a large and varied collection of tote bags. Even in these days of laptops and digital files and e-books, I still fill my tote bag every night with books and papers and “stuff” before I head home from work. Most nights, I wildly overestimate the amount of time I will have between the end of one workday and the beginning of another to review everything I carry home. But I never recalibrate and lessen my load because I just never know when I’ll need something in one of my bags.

Tote bags are wardrobe staples for most teachers, so each year for teacher conferences around the country, we create a special Scholastic Book Clubs tote bag to give away to teachers at our Scholastic booth. It is so much fun to see a conference full of teachers carrying our new Scholastic tote.

My professional career as Reader-in-Chief of Scholastic Book Clubs, my personal life, which includes being “The Book Lady” on Halloween—handing out books to hundreds of kids who trick or treat at our house in Montclair, NJ, and my new life as author Pepper Springfield—are all focused on one goal: Helping kids find that just-right book that they are going to love to read, and which will spark their interest to read the next book and inspire them to say “I am a reader.”

It helps to have one or two of those tote bags filled with books with me at all times. Just last weekend when I was sitting in my coveted aisle seat on a crowded plane, a 10-yearold boy passed by—practically salivating as he saw me reading the new Diary of a Wimpy Kid: the Meltdown. I gave him my copy—and gave his younger sister a copy of Bobs and Tweets: Perfecto Pet Show—and no amount of shoulder strain from carrying my book-filled totes, could take away from the pleasure of seeing those kids reading their new books on that flight.

So I’d like to take this opportunity to help Story Monsters Ink readers spread the joy of reading—and get a new tote bag in the process.

Scholastic employee Stella Castilla, giving out our new bags.

Tote Bag Book Giveaway!

To get into the holiday groove, I’d like to give away 20 totes filled with some of my favorite new and classic books— including titles by this month’s beloved featured children’s book creator and longtime friend, Tomie dePaola.

I worked with some of my friends here at Scholastic, to put together what we think is a nice book selection for your new tote bag. I hope you’ll be inspired to read them yourselves, share them with children in your lives … or even hand them out to kids you meet on airplanes.

To enter, email the titles of your three favorite children’s books along with a sentence about why you love each of them to: judy.newman@scholastic.com. Entries must be received by 11:59 p.m. on December 20, 2018.

Be sure to write “3 FAV BOOKS SWEEPS” in the subject line and include your name, shipping address, and phone number in your email. 20 WINNERS will receive a 2018 Scholastic tote bag stuffed with 5 copies of various selected titles.

No Purchase Necessary. All U.S. residents, 18 and older, are eligible to enter except employees, and immediate family members of Scholastic Inc. TWENTY (20) Winners will be selected at random (approximate retail value: $250.00) For complete rules, please visi http://bit.ly/2DCLBpC. Void where prohibited.

Season’s Readings!

•

Judy Newman is President and Reader-in-Chief of Scholastic Book Clubs. For more information, visit judynewmanatscholastic.com.

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CCBC Best Book selection

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www.burroughsmanorpress.com Amazon, Ingram, Chapters/Indigo, Barnes & Noble

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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

GIFT

GUIDE

Santa Claus Clause: The Christmas Story

by Nancy Dick In Santa Claus Clause: The Christmas Story, Santa decides that in modern times, he can do Christmas by email so he and everyone at the North Pole can go on vacation. However, Santa is made to return back home when he hears that people think he canceled Christmas. Santa says he was “pooped” but, Christmas is still on as usual since he is still loved! Smiled! Purchase online at amazon.com and bn.com.

Dinosaurs Living in My Hair Holiday Bundle

by Jayne M. Rose-Vallee Dinosaurs Living in My Hair 1 & 2 offers the Holiday Bundle! Both books for $30.

Add our educational DLIMH Coloring Book to the Mix for $45. Great gift for kids 9 years and younger. Bundles only available at DinosaursLivinginMyHair. com. Single books are available on Amazon and B&N Online. Kids love the imaginative play with dinosaurs living in curly hair, Anni Matsick’s amazing watercolor illustrations, and fun rhymes.

The Jaguar’s Story

by Kosa Ely Journey to the Amazon to meet Inti and Chasca, two jaguar cubs who live in the rainforest with their mama. They spend their days making friends with birds and butterflies, swimming in rock pools, and learning to roar. Everything changes the day sky machines and land machines invade their forest. Afraid for their lives, the cubs escape with their mama under the cloak of night. Now everywhere they travel, surprises and dangers await them. Will they ever find a safe home?

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Story Monsters Ink | December 2018 | StoryMonsters.com

Merry Myrrh, the Christmas Bat

by Regan W.H. Macaulay Myrrh is a young and very merry brown bat named after one of the gifts of the Magi. He experiences the wonders of his first Christmas among the decorations of a farmhouse, as well as the kindness of the family that discovers him in their home! For readers ages 4-7.

Spivey’s Web

by Sandra Warren This holiday story in disguise is sure to delight lovers of the Christmas Nativity Story. Barn spider Spivey is tired of spinning ho-hum barn spider webs, so she retreats to a window high above the barn loft to spin a web of her own design. Even she is surprised when her new web catches the light from the Star of Bethlehem and calms a very special baby lying in a manger far below.

Quackers Wants to Fly

by Susan Wolff Quackers Wants to Fly is one of those stories that little ones will ask for again and again. Lovable Quackers wants something all young children want: To be like the big guys. With help from his friends at the pond, Quackers finds a way to be patient just long enough for his wish to come true. Parents and grandparents will want to add this title to their collection of favorite bedtime stories.

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

Ollie and the Missing Hoos

by Susan Wolff Ollie and the Missing Hoos is an adorable children’s story of friendship and what can be accomplished when everyone works together. This beautifully illustrated book has the characters coming alive and is destined to become a classic bedtime story for all ages.

Ollie is the second book in author Susan Wolff’s series, Friends at the Pond. A feeling of warmth and care comes through in text and illustrations when Ollie’s pondmates rally around him in his time of need. This story is such a sweet reminder of the importance and beauty of friendship.

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 age-appropriate (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

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 notso-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.

No More Noisy Nights

by Holly L. Niner Who is making so much noise and how will Jackson ever get to sleep? Despite some silly, sleepy mistakes, genteel Jackson finds a fun and quiet activity for each of his noisy neighbors. He finally gets a great night’s sleep—and discovers three new friends in the morning. Cozier than a mole in fuzzy pajamas, No More Noisy Nights is an underground, under-the covers read-aloud, perfect for calming bedtime boogety-woogeties.

The Adventures of Keeno & Ernest: A New Friend

by Maggie van Galen What happens when you change yourself to be better liked? How do you spot a true friend? And can monkeys fly? These questions are all answered when Keeno meets a new friend!

Keeno is a mischievous little monkey, and his best friend Ernest is a clever young elephant. One day, Keeno meets a fancy new friend who has him making all kinds of changes. Will his tried and true friendship with Ernest be tested? Follow the adventure as Keeno finds himself lost, scared, and soaking wet!

Learn more at KeenoandErnest.com.

Rosie and Friends: One-Of-A-Kindness

by Helen Hipp In Helen Hipp’s latest adventure, One-Of-A-Kindness, Rosie and Friends embark on a new safari with Hornsby the rhino as he comes face-to-face with losing his sense of belonging. No longer accepted by his herd, Hornsby searches for companionship. With the help of his new buddies, Hornsby learns that his life is one of a kind, and that spreading his kindness is a good way to make new friends! Find out what happens here: rosiethehippo.com.

The Day I Ran Away

by Holly L. Niner While Dad tucks her in, a little girl named Grace calmly recounts her day—which was anything but calm.

She had a tantrum (because of some injustices involving a purple shirt and breakfast cereal) and was banished to her bedroom before deciding to run away. Understanding that kids have ups and downs, Grace’s mom wisely gave her daughter the space and time she needed to reach her own decision to return home—to open arms.

A Very Squeaky Mystery

by Laura Angelina and Randy Williamson Is it a mouse … or a bat … or a sandwich-stealing monster? A Very Squeaky Mystery tells the story of the summer vacation of two curious twins, Kevin and Scott. Learn about their creative strategies to solve the mystery of the cabin in the mountains. What is making that squeaky noise? And why are things disappearing from the kitchen? That’s what the twins are going to find out!

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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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

Lester the Scared Little Leaf

by Nina Gardner Lester Leaf watches his friends, Shaky Sam, Bright Betty, and Golden Gary shout out with joy as they leap from the tree. But Lester is too afraid of falling. So how does he overcome his fears and take that leap of faith? Take this colorful journey with Lester in a story of puns that’ll make you chuckle, then make you feel that you too can overcome.

Mirror, Mirror

by Barbara J. Freeman Mirror, Mirror by Barbara J. Freeman, a former educator and counselor, raises the level of self-esteem and promotes levels of confidence for young readers by showing them that beauty comes in all colors! This dynamic, motivating book was awarded a silver medal in the 2018 Moonbeam Awards in the category of Mind, Body, Soul/ SelfEsteem. Mirror, Mirror is the perfect gift for lifting young spirits!

Firefly Cave: The Tunnel to China

by Janet Tlachac-Toonen Sidney the Bear and Simon the Duck are on their way to adventure in the new series Firefly Cave. Meet the colorful fireflies that live in the bear cave. Follow them through the first tunnel of the cave that leads Sidney and Simon to the amazing country of China! Lin the Panda gives them fun facts about the country he calls home. Great for ages up to 9 years old.

If You Don’t Take a Bath

by Sally Hutchins Willett What if a child decided not to take a bath? This delightful story of the “serious” consequences of not taking a bath will have you laughing and children giggling! From head to toe, this book with its creative illustrations will clearly demonstrate that bluebirds could nest in your hair or roses might grow between your toes if bathing is forsaken. It will surely be remembered and quoted during bath time rituals! 2017 Royal Dragonfly Award - First Place for Children’s Picture Books. sallyhwillett.com

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Story Monsters Ink | December 2018 | StoryMonsters.com

How Do You Catch a Horned Mangru?

by Michael Tenniswood Young Billy has an amazing story to tell his friends—how he cornered and captured a Horned Mangru. What is a Horned Mangru and where does it live?

How did he capture it? And will his friends even believe him? This charming story told in lively rhymes will delight and entertain children and parents alike, and if you want to catch one of those creatures yourself, it turns out, a Horned Mangru may be closer than you think!

Muffin’s Shadow: A Muffin “Tail”

by Laura W. Eckroat When Dad pulled into the parking lot, Muffin became a little nervous, because this was somewhere new. The place was big, like a giant maze, and her eyes hadn’t adjusted to the bright lights.

Then suddenly, she saw it, for the very first time ... her SHADOW! It seemed to follow her everywhere. She kept moving, but the shadow chased her! What was the shadow, and will Muffin get free of it? Just right for ages 5-8, the book is wonderful for classroom and humane education, too.

Tucks and Me: Crispus Attucks and America 1766-1773

by Katherine V. Stevens An unlikely friendship between a runaway slave named Crispus Attucks and Gabe, a sickly 10-year-old boy is the thread Katherine V. Stevens uses to unravel the events that occurred on the Eastern Seaboard during the late 1700s. As a bond of friendship and trust forms between Tucks and Gabe, readers will learn about the hard life of being a seaman and what life was like in colonial America. A must-read for anyone who wants to learn about this important chapter of American history.

Ellis and The Magic Mirror

by Cerece and Aryeh Rennie Murphy Ellis and The Magic Mirror is Book 1 in an early reader chapter book series that features an action-packed storyline, vibrant illustrations on almost every page, and a diverse group of adventurous and smart kids. Reader’s Favorite called Ellis and The Magic Mirror “a delightfully fun story…that children of all ages will enjoy. The book is wonderfully illustrated with full-color art by Gregory Garay that really brings Ellis and his adventure to life.”

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.

Jason Hunter and the Talisman of Elam

by Jim Mastro When Jason Hunter discovers that his parents have been abducted and aliens are preparing to invade the Earth, he sets out on a quest to save them.

Hidden among the stars is an ancient piece of technology so mysterious it seems to operate as if by magic. Jason must find and claim this talisman before time runs out. If he fails, the consequences will be horrific. The only trouble is, touching it might kill him!

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MONSTERS AT THE MOVIES

Ralph Breaks the Internet reviewed by Nick Spake • grade: AWhile Disney has a vast library of straight-to-video follow-ups, they’ve rarely delved into sequel territory on the big screen. Wreck-It Ralph paved the way for so many fun ideas and inventive characters, however, that its wonderful world couldn’t be contained to a single outing. Speaking with Story Monsters, Disney animator Michelle Robinson discussed the passion directors Phil Johnston and Rich Moore had going into this sequel. “We describe ourselves as a director-driven studio,” she stated, “and they really wanted to do it.” In the same vein as Incredibles 2, Ralph Breaks the Internet takes the foundation its predecessor laid down and builds upon it in a marvelous way. What we’re left with is a cornucopia of imagination with brilliant attention to detail packed into every frame.

Where the original film was a love letter to video games, this sequel is a love letter to the whole digital world.

John C. Reilly once again voices the lovable not-so-bad guy, who’s content with his day-to-day life as the villain of “Fix-It Felix Jr.” Meanwhile, Ralph’s BFF Vanellope von Schweetz (Sarah Silverman) feels as if she’s going in circles as a “Sugar Rush” racer.

Vanellope is stopped in her tracks when her game is unplugged, but Ralph believes the solution awaits in a brave new realm known as the Internet. Once the Wi-Fi is up and running, Ralph and Vanellope boldly venture where no arcade character has gone before.

Along the way, they cross paths with a trendy algorithm named Yesss (Taraji P. Henson) and several shady figures with ties to the Dark Web. If you thought the OASIS in Ready Player One was an Easter egg haven, just wait until you feast your eyes on this film’s interpretation of the 50

to Oh My Disney, which makes an actual Disney theme park look like a small-town carnival. Seeing all the Disney princesses together onscreen is perhaps the most astounding crossover since the Avengers first assembled.

What’s even more astounding, though, is seeing Disney poke fun at some of their most recognizable mascots.

Internet. The animators have literally created a worldwide web where eBay is an auction house, viral videos put citizens on the fast-track to big bucks, and a search engine called KnowsMore (Alan Tudyk) can get users to their desired destination in no time. This is a film where you could pause the action at any moment and find a new visual gag. As such, this movie demands to be revisited at home after watching it once in the theater. While the Internet’s main hub is like a virtual version of Times Square, it’s just one of several vivid environments the filmmakers take us to.

Vanellope finds a kindred spirit in a fellow racer named Shank (Gal Gadot), who lives a fast and furious lifestyle as the head honcho of “Slaughter Race,” a game that’s like a cartoony version of Mad Max: Fury Road. Our pint-sized heroine also makes an unlikely connection with several animated princesses upon venturing

Story Monsters Ink | December 2018 | StoryMonsters.com

Granted, Disney previously parodied their princess formula in Enchanted, but who thought we’d ever see Cinderella use her glass slipper as a weapon?

While the sequence is wonderfully self-aware, it’s also clear that the writers have sincere affection for Disney’s legacy. It’s a clever spin on classic characters, demonstrating just how far the company has come in recent years.

Apparently, it wasn’t hard convincing Disney to take a contemporary and satirical approach to Snow White, Ariel, and others. According to Robinson, “we had pitched this idea in the story screening and the executives saw it and they loved it.”

If there’s a downside to Ralph Breaks the Internet, it’s that there aren’t many new video game characters added to the mix. The film more than compensates, however, with characters from Star Wars, Marvel, and other properties under the Disney umbrella. For all the cameos it works in, the movie never loses sight of its heart or moral, leading to a poignant ending that isn’t conventionally happy, but sees genuine growth from our protagonists. In regards to the ending, Robinson says, “It needed to be a little bittersweet in order to honor both characters’ journeys.” One can only hope that Elsa and Anna experience a similar evolution in Frozen 2.

•

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

Decked Out for Christmas

by Ethan Long (Harry N. Abrams) Reviewer: Dr. Dawn Menge It’s Christmas time and Santa’s little mice helpers are packing his sleigh.

This brightly illustrated book will keep the young readers engaged. Each page is a new item that they are packing into Santa’s sleigh. They make candy cane skis and the star is made of cheese. Don’t forget the snacks, sunglasses, and a winter favorite of hot chocolate. Christmas time is always an exciting time for little children and this beautiful story will only add to the excitement of that special day. (board book)

Crash! Boom! A Math Tale

by Robie H. Harris, Chris Chatterton (Candlewick) Reviewer: Larissa Juliano Little blue elephants? Adorable.

Building blocks that have endless possibilities for counting and constructing? A must-have for inquiring minds. Problem solving and persevering when things don’t go the way you want them too? A life lesson for all of us. This story embraces all of these things as a little elephant tries to build a tower (as the reader counts along) only to keep crashing into it.

He keeps going though and soon realizes that determination and a positive attitude can yield great results! (Ages 2-5)

Luna and the Moon Rabbit

by Camille Whitcher (Scribblers) Reviewer: Julianne Black Hauntingly beautiful and powerfully quiet, Luna and the Moon Rabbit will take your breath away. Floating through Luna’s personal dreams and imagination, we escape to a world of warm evening breezes and sparkling, star-filled skies. Grounded in the natural world and traditional Asian folklore, we are carried by the possibilities of giant ghostly rabbits and magical woodland scenery. Another bedtime must-have in my household. (Ages 3+)

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My Little Gifts: A Book of Sharing

by Jo Witek, Christine Roussey (Harry N. Abrams) Reviewer: Dr. Dawn Menge This holiday book is dedicated to the concepts of sharing from the heart. It begins with opening presents and the issue of sharing a new gift. The girls are soon comforted by their father and given permission to share their new gift. What is the sweetest gift to share? Friendship! The best gifts of all are those that are handmade. Knowledge and imagination are also precious gifts that are shared. It doesn’t matter if a gift is big or small, fancy or plain, only that it comes from the heart. I highly recommend this book to teach the importance of giving to others. (board book)

Pip and Posy: The Christmas Tree

by Axel Scheffler (Nosy Crow) Reviewer: Darleen Wohlfeil Holidays are a great time of caring and friendship. Pip and Posy are no different. Together they enjoy bringing home a Christmas tree, and bake up delightful goodies to decorate it. But in the process, Pip forgets the meaning of it all and takes everything for himself. Posy finds all their efforts gone, and Pip is left with a bellyache. Can Posy’s kindness save the holiday, and can Pip recoup from his lapse of selfishness and once again enjoy the holiday together? It’s easy to get caught up in all the good stuff and forget the real purpose of sharing. I’m glad our friends Pip and Posy gave us a timely reminder. (Ages 2-5)

Cuddly Critters for Little Geniuses

by Susan Patterson, James Patterson, Hsinping Pan (Jimmy Patterson) Reviewer: Larissa Juliano An amazing story and resource that will enrapture inquisitive minds and scintillate reading fingertips as they soak up information on fascinating, lesser-known animals of our beloved planet. Packed with illustrations that are bright and eye-catching, plus awesome facts and information about these rarities, readers will be enthralled with all of the unusual and exotic creatures that are described by dream team Susan and James Patterson. A must have for animal lovers of all ages. (Ages 3-6)

BOOK REVIEWS

All-of-a-Kind Family Hanukkah

by Emily Jenkins, Paul O. Zelinsky (Schwartz & Wade) Reviewer: Sherry L. Hoffman Based on the classic books by Sydney Taylor, this is a perfect holiday story that highlights Hanukkah traditions shared by a full house of sisters and their parents.

Readers will feel like they are welcomed guests as preparations for the first night are made. Equipped with a glossary of Yiddish terms, reference notes from both author and illustrator, and a link for additional information, this children’s story not only tells a special tale, but also serves as a handy reference as well. (Ages 3-7)

Coming Home

by Michael Morpurgo, Kerry Hyndman (Candlewick) Reviewer: Darleen Wohlfeil This poetic tale leads us on an amazing journey. Tradition, imprinted instinct, habit or pattern, whatever it is that drives a heart on to its desired end, is powerful! It pushes, pulls, and encourages in the face of defeat. It whispers and inspires uplifting his wings. This little bird cannot rest until he is home again. (Ages 3-7)

Merry Myrrh, the Christmas Bat

by Regan W.H. Macaulay, Alex Zgud (Guardian Angel Publishing) Reviewer: Darleen Wohlfeil Christmas joy fills the air with a life all its own. Every year it arrives with promises of wonder, whispers of hope, and a sense of well-being for any who are open to it, whether man, or beast, or even a family of little brown barn bats. Animals develop habits and patterns in their lives much like we do. Well, certainly this sweet little family of bats does! They close every year with the enchantment of Christmas lights, smells, and happy feelings, to keep them warm through their winter hibernation. The author and illustrator bring delightful animation, and a new awareness to these charming barn bats and their plight. More can be learned, and even help offered in preserving these little creatures. (Ages 4-7)

King Ben and Sir Rhino

by Eric Sailer (Two Lions) Reviewer: Julianne Black Ben is King, and kings should be able to do as they please, right? Rhino is his most loyal subject, and subjects should obey the King, right? Maybe being King isn’t all about getting your way after all … a light story of friendship, sharing, and respect. (Ages 3-7)

If You Ever Want to Bring a Pirate to Meet Santa, DON’T!

by Elise Parsley (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers) Reviewer: Darleen Wohlfeil This New York Times bestselling series brings us a holiday heads-up! Just in case it has ever run across your mind that it might be fun to take a pirate to see Santa this holiday, Magnolia says DON’T. After all, they are on the Naughty List. This fun-loving hilarity is multiplied by its great illustrations. Sure to bring some Christmas cheer! (Ages 4-7)

My Storee

by Paul Russell, Aska (EK Books) Reviewer: Darleen Wohlfeil This is a great book for adults and children alike! Creativity doesn’t seem to fall in neatly metered out portions, but dips and pours into any and all open receptacles. It stirs, tumbling into our thoughts, tickling our emotions, until it bursts boldly into our ideas, and there finds rest in our hands. Sometimes, that’s right where it ends. The young boy in our story has found himself in this very place. Can he press past perfection, ignore the snorts of limitation, and soar free with imagination? This is truly a voice of encouragement, and a reminder to those who lead. (Ages 4-7)

The Boy and the Giant It’s Not Hansel and Gretel

by Josh Funk, Edwardian Taylor (Two Lions) Reviewer: Darleen Wohlfeil This is not your average, run-of-themill fairy tale. And, even though the narrator has hilariously lost control of his story, this snicker and giggle tale is sure to delight. It’s time for these wacky siblings to take their fairy tale into their own hands. So sit back and enjoy the gingerbread! (Ages 4-8)

by David Litchfield (Abrams Books) Reviewer: Darleen Wohlfeil There is a secret giant in Gableview who has hands the size of tabletops, legs as long as drainpipes, and feet as big as rowing boats. But little Billy thinks the Giant is just a tall tale that his granddad likes to tell. This is a delightful book all the way around. Its construction is appealing, its color scheme is inviting, and its message of acceptance is warm and much needed today. A truly great gift choice for the coming holidays. (Ages 4-8) StoryMonsters.com | December 2018 | Story Monsters Ink

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BOOK REVIEWS

The Broken Ornament

by Tony DiTerlizzi (Simon & Schuster) Reviewer: Sherry L. Hoffman The Broken Ornament is a heartwarming children’s book about finding the magic of Christmas and the spirit of giving. What will become of Jack’s wish for the best Christmas ever? Read along as award-winning author and illustrator Tony DiTerlizzi unveils a tale of holiday enchantment. This story is sure to be a treasured favorite for years to come. (Ages 4-8)

Reindolphins: A Christmas Tale

by Kevin Brougher, Lisa Santa Cruz (Missing Piece Press) Reviewer: Darleen Wohlfeil The beautiful artwork in this book creates a warm feeling of an oldtime Christmas, with a very modern storyline. With all the world waiting in excited expectation for Santa’s arrival, what ever would he do if his reindeer came up too sick for their historic flight? With only three days till Christmas, can he find an adequate replacement?

Filled with cuteness and giggles we watch as all the beasts and critters apply. This is a great story of flexibility, and how change and disappointment can often set us up for new opportunities we never imagined. (Ages 4-12)

Hanukkah Hamster

by Michelle Markel, André Ceolin (Sleeping Bear Press) Reviewer: Sherry L. Hoffman The holiday was so lonely for Edgar the cabdriver until a lost hamster appears in his cab. Author Michelle Markel tells the story of Hanukkah Hamster through this circumstantial pairing as illustrator André Ceolin offers illustrations portraying the warmth of Edgar’s heart and the willingness he has to care for this lost pet. Readers will delight in this holiday tale of celebrating Hanukkah with a special friend who becomes like family. (Ages 5-7)

A Flicker of Hope

by Julia Cook, MacKenzie Haley (National Center for Youth Issues) Reviewer: Darleen Wohlfeil This is a much-needed book! We are taught, either by silence or action, that to admit lack or need is a weakness. Sometimes the dark clouds overhead seem too heavy and you feel like giving up. Little candle knows all about this. Bad grades, blasted on social media, worried about making the team, and wondering who her real friends are make things hard to deal with. The author and illustrator beautifully remind us of our humanity, and the need for connection to shine. (Ages 5-12)

The Castle in the Mist

by Amy Ephron (Philomel Books) Reviewer: Diana Perry Tess and her brother, Max, are sent for the summer to their aunt’s sleepy village in the English countryside, where excitement is as rare as a good wi-fi signal. So when Tess stumbles upon an old brass key that unlocks an ornately carved gate, attached to a strangely invisible wall, she jumps at the chance for adventure. And the world beyond the gate doesn’t disappoint. This story book has it all—magic, danger, and many mysteries to solve.

Middle-grade readers won’t be able to put it down. (Ages 8-12)

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Reggie, The Burrowing Owl

by Thomas J. Wood, Derrick J. Wood (Primedia eLaunch LLC) Reviewer: Darleen Wohlfeil This is a fun narrative of a family’s wonderful experience in discovering a lost little Burrowing Owl. This amazing little creature drew this large family’s heart into one united beat, and captures the reader’s as well. A fun family read!

(Ages 5-12)

Miranda and Maude: The Princess and the Absolutely Not a Princess

by Emma Wunsch, Jessika von Innerebner (Harry N. Abrams) Reviewer: Olivia Amiri, age 11 This is a story about how people can come from completely different worlds, perspectives, and values, but still become friends once they accept their differences and have a basic understanding of each other. Miranda is a snobbish, snooty princess and Maude is a tomboy and extroverted activist who likes chickens and hard-boiled eggs. They start out as enemies, but find common ground and become friends. (Ages 7-10)

Carnival Magic

by Amy Ephron (Philomel Books) Reviewer: Diana Perry Amy Ephron returns with a companion novel to The Castle in the Mist and creates a magical tale filled with adventure, mystery, fantasy, and fun as Tess and Max are back in England for another summer with their Aunt Evie—and they’re incredibly excited about the travelling carnival that’s come to town.

This story hits the ground running from the first page and doesn’t slow down until the end. A treasure with surprises at every turn! (Ages 8-12)

BOOK REVIEWS

Wrath of the Dragon King (Dragonwatch)

by Brandon Mull (Shadow Mountain Publishing). Reviewer: Macaulay Smith, age 7 Wrath of the Dragon King is an awesome book! Wyrmroost is in trouble! Celebrant, king of dragons, and his new evil ally, Ronodin, the dark unicorn, are out to get the Dominion Stone—a powerful relic.

Kendra and Seth set out on an adventure to find brave creatures in Wyrmroost to help protect the world from Celebrant and his evil ways. I liked this book because of all of the dragons and adventure! If you like books about mythical creatures, adventure, friendship, and war, too, then this is the book for you! (Ages 8-12)

Speechless

by Adam P. Schmitt (Candlewick) Reviewer: Diana Perry As if being stuffed into last year’s dress pants at his cousin’s wake weren’t uncomfortable enough, 13-year-old Jimmy has just learned that he has to say a few words at the funeral the next day. What could he possibly say about his cousin, who ruined everything they did? As Jimmy attempts to navigate the odd social norms of the wake, he draws on humor, heartfelt concern, and a good deal of angst while racking his brain and his memory for a decent and meaningful memory to share. But it’s not until faced with a microphone that the realization finally hits him: it’s not the words that are spoken that matter the most, but those that are truly heard.

A must-read for kids and adults. (Ages 9-12)

Path to the Stars: My Journey from Girl Scout to Rocket Scientist

by Sylvia Acevedo (Clarion Books) Reviewer: Olivia Amiri, age 11 This is an inspiring book for kids, especially girls, women, and all people. What I loved about the book was that regardless of Sylvia Acevedo’s problems, she always was fiercely determined to improve herself.

She didn’t give herself an excuse for not doing something because she grew up in a traditional Mexican-American family not speaking English, she instead learned English. She wasn’t great at making friends, but with the help of what she learned at Girl Scouts, she applied to her life and she succeeded and excelled, from girl scout to Stanford University to becoming a rocket scientist. (Ages 10-12)

You Go First

by Erin Entrada Kelly (Greenwillow Books) Reviewer: Diana Perry Twelve-year-old Charlotte Lockard and 11-year-old Ben Boxer are separated by more than a 1,000 miles. On the surface, their lives seem vastly different—but the two have more in common than they think. They’re both highly gifted.

They’re both experiencing family turmoil.

And they both sit alone at lunch. Over the course of a week, Charlotte and Ben—online friends connected only by a Scrabble game—will intersect in unexpected ways, as they struggle to navigate the turmoil of middle school. This book will help any young reader who is having a rough time in their life as it encourages them to talk it out with a friend and it shows that bad things can happen—it’s how you get through it that counts. (Ages 8-12)

Bluecrowne: A Greenglass House Story

by Kate Milford (Clarion Books) Reviewer: Diana Perry Lucy Bluecrowne is beginning a new life ashore with her stepmother and half brother, though she’s certain the only place she’ll ever belong is with her father on a ship of war as part of the crew. She doesn’t care that living in a house is safer and the proper place for a 12-year-old girl; it’s boring. But then two nefarious strangers identify her little brother as the pyrotechnical prodigy they need to enact an evil plan, and it will take all Lucy’s fighting instincts to keep her family together. What a fun and adventurous book! Young readers will thrill with every discovery as they turn the pages. There are many twists and turns to this magnificent story plot. (Ages 10-12)

Game Changer

by Tommy Greenwald (Harry N. Abrams) Reviewer: Diana Perry Thirteen-year-old Teddy Youngblood is in a coma fighting for his life after an unspecified football injury at training camp. His family and friends flock to his bedside to support his recovery—and to discuss the events leading up to the tragic accident. Was this an inevitable result of playing a violent sport, or was something more sinister happening on the field that day? A must-read for any parent, coach, or young football player.

(Ages 10-14)

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

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TEACHING TOOLBOX

Teaching Toolbox:

Catching the Spirit of the Season

by Larissa Juliano

As I’ve delved into the eighth year of reading my favorite holiday story, The Gingerbread Man, and doing a fun compareand-contrast with all the wonderful retellings of this timeless tale, I learned of some really interesting facts and resources to enhance this literature unit and make it an interactive and highly engaging experience for students of all ages.

As many of us know, there are so many versions of The Gingerbread Boy (also known as The Gingerbread Man), but did you know that the story originally came into print in 1875 in an American children’s magazine titled, St. Nicholas 60

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Magazine? This magazine has a fascinating history of its own and would be a wonderful exploration of early American children’s literature for older story monsters (they have published pieces by Louisa May Alcott, Frances Hodgson Burnett, Mark Twain, and MANY more famous writers.

Many issues are still available for a free download with a simple Internet search.

This cumulative tale joins the rankings with other impressive stories following the format of repetitive dialogue, while more and more characters join in as the story progresses.

TEACHING TOOLBOX

Other well-known cumulative tales include, There was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly, The House that Jack Built, Old MacDonald had a Farm, The Fisherman and His Wife, The Twelve Days of Christmas, and Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People’s Ears (a personal favorite). A year-round book study could be looking into the elements of cumulative tales and how these can be written by some our own students.

Of course, reading all the versions of this story is an absolute must and the projects and writing inspiration that can come from these special stories are inevitable. After I read one of the Gingerbread stories with my students, I love to talk and write about: »» The Gingerbread character and how he/she is represented (in cookie form, animal form, naughty, nice, innocent, mischievous, arrogant). Great literature to teach characteristics (and more in-depth vocabulary) describing these aromatic treats. »» What phrase is being repeated? There are lots of different ways to say, “I’ll run and run as fast as I can!

You can’t catch me, I’m the Gingerbread Man.” But the rhyming phrases are, in my opinion, extra catchy! »» Who are the characters joining the story? What is their purpose? To eat him/her? To help? »» How did the Gingerbread get created? The old-fashioned way from the old lady’s oven? Or in a school baking class like Catch that Cookie! by Hallie Durand. This story is a great one to read to your students and then go on a cookie scavenger hunt. Lots of lesson plans online to go along with this!

»» The ending! How was the story resolved? Munching and crunching on a ginger cookie, or becoming friends with his chasers and eventually joining the fun!

Let’s get our hands busy making our own gingerbread creations!

There are so many variations of gingerbread recipes, styles of houses, and adornments to make them extra appealing.

I love looking at some of the gingerbread house-building competitions online for inspiration. Not to mention, my students are fascinated by all the work and intricacies that go into making these delicious creations. Will your cookie have frosting? Gumdrops? Will you make a house to go with it?

What sets apart your cookie from another? Is there another gingerbread treat you may enjoy?

Finally, one of our school’s most popular holiday activities is when students create a blank gingerbread man into their favorite book character! Children’s creativity is so inspiring and these make for a fun and engaging family project as well.

Who knew how many different ways we could celebrate one of our favorite holiday treats (and smells) all from a sweet tale written in 1875! I would love to hear about your school’s and family’s favorite literacy holiday happenings.

Contact us through the Story Monsters website, my website, or tweet @storymonsters and @larissasjuliano using the #teachingtoolbox!

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

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Liv on Life

Starting a New School is NOT Easy!

Starting a new school year and/or entering into a new grade can be hard, but starting in a new school is even harder. New people, new teachers, and a different campus layout are sometimes a little overwhelming. I actually just started a completely new middle school. For me, the hardest part is definitely meeting new people and making new friends. Feeling nervous that there might not be anyone you click with or whom you understand or who understands you is okay. These are natural feelings we all get from time to time. In my old school, I have been in the same grade with most of these kids since kindergarten, and have had some as friends for six years. That’s a lot of bonding, sharing, and experiences together. Now I have an adventure of making new friends at my new school.

I have three rules I always follow when making friends: Never assume something about someone until you get to know him or her. Always, always be yourself because that’s the

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by Olivia Amiri best person you can be. And the most important rule of all is to be kind. By following these rules, I am lucky to say that I usually attract the same things from friends. I also know how important it is to stay in touch with my friends from my prior school. It’s not always easy but making that effort to connect to new friends and old friends is very important. And of course, doing my homework is on the list of rules … somewhere.

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

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N ot all gi

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Written by Susan Blackaby and Joellyn Cicciarelli Illustrations by Carrie Schuler

MULTIPLE AWARD WINNER! Leo’s Gift

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