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Welcome to Day #3 of Bloggers Read Across the Globe (BRAG) — Promoting Children’s Reading and Literacy
Children’s Literacy Headline: How do you know if your child can read a book by him/herself? Here’s a great reading tip from Anastasia Suen — The Five Finger Test. 1. Open the book in the middle. 2. Ask your child to start reading at the top of the page. 3. Put up one finger for each word you don’t know or can’t read without help. 4. Read to the end of the page. 5. If you have five fingers up at the end of the page, the book is too hard to read.
Today I have the pleasure of being guest hosted by Jodi Friedman at http://www.mcpactions.com/blog/. Jodi’s MCP Actions website is dedicated to helping professional and hobbyist photographers improve their photography. MCP Actions provides interactive online training classes and free Photoshop video tutorials.
My guest post article describes how I created the illustration for a page in my children’s book, Sunbelievable. It’s a step-by-step look at the digital collage technique I used to build the image and details on Photoshop layers.
What does this have to do with reading and literacy, you may wonder. Fair question. The images are as much a part of the story as the text. Children learn through visual contexts before they can read. Illustrations draw them into a story through color and interesting elements that make them want to explore the images more. Better yet, over and over again! I love watching young children literally grab the book from my hands to touch the colors and find details on each page. It’s a great opportunity to share the story through images alone!
This is why I’m thrilled by great feedback from theSan Francisco and Sacramento Book Reviewabout the illustrations. The review encouraged me at a critical time, since Sunbelievable is my first picture book. I have no formal training as an artist, so imagine my surprise when the review arrived! Please head on over to MCP Actions to see how the illustrations came alive! That’s http://www.mcpactions.com/blog/. Thanks Jodi!
The quirky illustrations of Sunbelievable not only burst with color, but also offer a “second-read” appeal. Young readers will discover new details in the illustrations each time they page through this book. The illustrations—like the book’s story—are an interesting combination of realism and fantasy. Although the girls, the beach, and their home are portrayed realistically, the illustrators added int
Welcome to Bloggers Read Across the Globe (BRAG) — Promoting Childen’s Reading and Literacy
During March 2012, I’ve organized a special event, BRAG, to raise awareness about a shocking problem: One in five adults in the developing world — almost 862 million people — cannot read or write.
BRAG is a new community of bloggers from seemingly disparate fields of interest: authors, book marketers, photographers and others. Though we represent a huge variety of skills and expertise, our message is congruent with the overall literacy theme.
For each day of BRAG, I’ve rounded up literacy facts, especially relating to children. But you can read many of them right here. Right now. I’m dogged about getting the message out. There are many wonderful, well-established literacy initiatives around the world. Ours is one more set of voices supporting people and organizations hard at work addressing literacy. You, too, can be a voice for change. Participate in BRAG. I want to hear your comments and questions. BRAG isn’t going to disappear after March. I’m committed to widening the circle of influence: blog posts, Facebook and many other social media interactions.
Let’s start here. Some facts about children’s reading and literacy included in the BRAG event’s blog posts”
Children’s Literacy Headline: According to the latest data (2009), 793 million adults – two-thirds of them women – lack basic reading and writing skills. (UNESCO). Sadly, we live in a world where huge numbers of women are unable to share the joy of reading with their children. For women who do read, finding time can be a daily challenge. How do busy moms do everything all at once — the ultimate multi-taskers? How does anyone find enough time to read to their children when everything else begs for attention?
Children’s Literacy Headline: Reading aloud to young children is so critical that the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that doctors prescribe reading activities along with other advice given to parents at regular check-ups. Moreover, many pediatricians now believe that a child who has never held a book or listened to a story is not a fully healthy child. Inequality at the starting gate: Social background differences in achievement as children begin school. Washington, D.C.: Economic Policy Institute.
Children’s Literacy Headline: During Kindergarten and first grade, child literacy becomes more focused on print material. Alphabet books are great for learning to match sounds with the letters. Reading picture books with a few words and sentences helps children develop early literacy skills.
Welcome to Day #2 of Bloggers Read Across the Globe (BRAG) — Promoting Children’s Reading and Literacy
Children’s Literacy Headline: The National Children’s Literacy Website is a unique children’s literacy initiative dedicated to advancing the literacy skills of young children, promoting literacy as an integral factor in the growth of society, and enhancing literacy in a variety of home and child care settings.
Though I grew up loving to read, I never imagined that someday I’d be an author. Okay, I’ve been published in the medical/science literature, but writing stories for children has been a huge challenge. It makes me love children’s books even more than ever — and even more committed to raising awareness about reading and literacy.
So today’s BRAG post/article is a very special and personal one. I recently had the honor of being interviewed by D’vorah Lansky, M.Ed., author of the Amazon Bestseller – Book Marketing Made Easy: Simple Strategies for Selling Your Nonfiction Book Online. D’vorah guided me through all the steps of organizing this online book event, and encouraged me to step forward with confidence.
For Day #2 of BRAG, D’vorah posts her recorded interview of me as a children’s book author. D’vorah’s an experienced and wonderful interviewer, and I loved the opportunity to talk about the making of Sunbelievable.
Please head (Leap! it’s Leap Day!) over to The Book Marketing Made Easy Academy to listen to the interview. D’vorah asks great questions about what inspired me to write children’s books, how I like working with my son Daniel, co-author, and how I produced illustrations with no formal art training. As I think about my experience as a children’s book author/illustrator, the message most important for me to communicate is that writing boils down to one thing — reading. The two are so interconnected, at least for me, that they’re almost synonymous. I “read” before I learned letters. Stories jumped off the pages of picture books before I knew the alphabet. I was never read “to.” I watched adult readers around me react to whatever they saw in newspapers and magazines and other print materials. I loved their facial expressions. I loved the feel of paper with pictures and words.
The only way I could understand this was to experience it myself. And that is my hope for children around the world — to love the experience of reading. Thanks, D’vorah, for helping me spread the word about children’s reading and literacy!
D’vorah Lansky, known as “the marketing wizard” has a Master’s Degree in education and has been marketing online and mentoring leaders since 1994. She has published two books: Connect, Communicate, and Profit: Build Successful Business Relationships Online, and her newest book, an Amazon Bestseller, Book Marketing Made
Welcome to the 2012 First Annual Bloggers Read Across the Globe (B.R.A.G.) Event — Promoting Children’s Reading and Literacy
I’m so excited to launch B.R.A.G.!
It all started in late 2011 after publishing my first children’s picture book — Sunbelievable. From creation to production, it was an amazing journey, often crazy and overwhelming, and definitely more work and angst than I ever anticipated. But, holding the book in hand, I felt enormously relieved, and enjoyed a tremendous sense of accomplishment.
At the same time, I discovered the Kidlitosphere—a whole new world (to me) of author bloggers writing about children’s books. From the beginning, while Sunbelievable was still a concept and a dream, I knew I’d eventually want to share more than the book itself, but didn’t know what or how. As I learned more about individual children’s book bloggers, I also found initiatives focused on children’s reading and literacy. These fascinated and intrigued me—wonderful programs dedicated to raising children who love to read.
And that was the start of B.R.A.G. . . . something larger than my one book to help spread the word about children’s reading and literacy — the message that millions of children around the world may never experience the joy of reading our books or sharing them with their own families.
No matter how literacy is defined, it’s about the basic ability to read.
Sadly, one of five adults in the U.S. reads below the 5th grade level. Worldwide, 16% of adults ages 15 and older, can’t read or write. (CIA World Factbook, 2011) This is the common focus of Bloggers Read Across the Globe—raising awareness about the “literacy crisis” at home and abroad.
Sure, there already are many wonderful programs and organizations that support literacy, so what makes B.R.A.G. different? B.R.A.G. brings together a global community of bloggers doing what they love most—connecting and networking. I reached out to a handful of bloggers and discovered a groundswell of support for helping to spread the word about literacy issues. Bloggers Read Across the Globe (B.R.A.G.) became our way to share thoughts, insights and ideas.
From seemingly disconnected fields of interest, B.R.A.G. bloggers prepared a unique variety of literacy-related topics, such as “How to Read to Kids while Walking the Dog!” Added to the mix are articles and interviews about children’s books, book marketing, social media for authors, ideas for illustrations, video trailers, and reflections on raising kids who love to read. This collective effort is showcased in the B.R.A.G. EVENTS CALENDAR.
The new Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, Walter Dean Myers, hit the literacy nail on the head with his platform, “Reading Is Not Optional.”
Welcome to DAY #9 of Bloggers Read Across the Globe (BRAG) — Promoting Children’s Reading and Literacy
Children’s Literacy Headline: Around the world, 775 million adults are illiterate. (UNESCO). I like this reading tip from Scholasticbecause it can be used easily by anyone and in any language: “The letter-sound connection is one of the first steps to reading. Play a guessing game about your child’s favorite words. What letter does “p-p-p-pirate” start with? How about “M-m-mommy”? Once your child guesses one correctly, see how many words you can come up with together that start with the same letter.”
Today I’m thrilled to guest host this wonderful article by multiple award-winning children’s book author, Sandra McLeod Humphrey. Her books help empower young people to believe in themselves and to make good choices. Although her books cover many different topics and span different age groups, they all have one thing in common: they are written to get young people thinking and talking about important social and moral issues and to help them be the best they can be. I celebrate her contribution to children’s literature through books that kids want to read!
Moral Choices and Our Kids by Sandra McLeod Humphrey
In working with young people, both as a clinical psychologist and as a volunteer, I have noticed that many lack a sense of direction to their lives and have no strong set of personal values or belief system.
Our character is an integral part of who we are, and a strong set of values helps us define our character. Strong character isn’t instinctive. It’s learned and it’s never too early to begin talking with young people about personal values and helping them define and develop their own code of moral conduct.
As society’s moral guidelines become increasingly more ambiguous, it’s more essential than ever that we all have our basic code of ethics well crystallized in our own minds.
Just as bodybuilding builds strong physical muscle through “sets” and “reps,” we also need to help our kids build good moral muscle. And we can do this by dialoguing with our kids about choices. Moral Choices.
Life is all about choices. The choices we make determine not only our character but also the quality of our lives. As they say, practice makes perfect and one way we can help our children is to help them practice or rehearse what they would do in different situations before they are actually confronted by those situations in real life.
Our ultimate objective for our children is to empower them to make their own choices–good choices. And we can help them do this if we can get them THINKING and TALKING about moral issues. Kids love to talk and we just have to give them the opportunity to do so.
Here are a few ideas and questions to facilitate some great discussions:
How much time did you spend on social media sites this week?
This week was, for me, an almost nonstop 60,000 foot view of the social media landscape, with occasional hovering over content that caught my attention. I did everything online marketing experts advice against — spending too much time exploring at the expense of writing. My social media travels, however, did accomplish a few really important and practical goals:
My Bloggers Read Across the Globe (BRAG) Facebook Fan Page “likes” increased 23% in 4 days. Okay, the actual numbers are small, but it’s measurable growth nevertheless. The increase came directly from relationship building — reaching out to friends, finding new ones through connections and contacts, and asking people to “like” my Facebook Page. Though I don’t enjoy the asking, I was thrilled at the response. Most everyone does enjoy reciprocity — relationship building at its best.
I found some really enticing LinkedIn discussions, Facebook interactions and content-rich blog posts. I’d like to share a wonderful video from The Book Marketing Network that I came across yesterday – an interview with John Kremer by Joel Friedlander, two of my favorite online book marketing gurus. It crystallizes much of the information, scattered on the Internet, geared toward independent authors, book publishing and marketing. So, I hovered and listened to their discussion about social media prospects for 2012. Joel includes links to websites he and John refer to, and their casual interaction was a refreshing change from many of the sales pitch videos I watched that promise the holy grail of online marketing.
This video captures, for me, pearls of wisdom, insights and perspectives about social marketing in 2012. Thanks to Joel and John for sharing — I’m glad I spent the time on this one!
Preparing a Virtual Book Tour (VBT) takes time and focus. Here are some tips for planning and organizing a VBT:
1. Create a planning calendar.There are so many steps involved in setting up a VBT that a calendar of tasks becomes essential. Using a checklist of TO DOs, with dates and descriptions is a great tool for staying on track. Also include the names, websites and email addresses of guest hosts, and update the list frequently as you contact hosts and receive feedback. I use a calendar template from Microsoft WORD to fill in each day’s guest post information.
2. Start planning at least 3 months in advance of your VBT launch. Since this is my first VBT, I had to learn the steps involved. I read lots of great info about book tours, aka blog tours, but the best prep was taking D’vorah Lansky’s guided online course, Virtual Book Tours Made Easy. The course materials and interactive webinars provided a practical roadmap for completing tasks and setting up the tour within one month of the course start date. This structured approach really helped me clarify my goals and strategies. Also wonderful were all the tips and insights from the interview I conducted with John Kremer. I’ll be posting D’vorah’s interview with me, and my interview with John here during the tour (click on Events for dates).
3. Clearly identify your target audience. I have multiple target audiences, so it’s a bit tricky coalescing around a central theme. First, I wanted to support the National Association’s annual Read Across America Project in March that promotes children’s reading and literacy. As a children’s book author, my target audience includes parents, teachers, libraries — similar to Read Across America. But I also aimed for broader exposure by creating my own VBT theme: Bloggers Read Across the Globe (BRAG). There are many wonderful book marketing experts online with fabulous websites and blogs about book promotion. Partnering with key experts provided an opportunity to expand my target audience via their loyal fans and subscribers.
4. Reach out to targeted guest hosts. As I honed in on my VBT goals, I started reaching out to potential guest hosts: mommy bloggers, children’s book authors, and book marketing experts. I tapped into my social media network groups and connections, sent email messages describing BRAG, and requested participation. I suggested ideas for articles I’d post on their sites during the tour — content geared specifically to their readers’ interests. The response was even better than I anticipated, so I think the key here is visiting those sites often, subscribing to their RSS feeds, and becoming familiar with their target niche.
Before I could read, colorful illustrations were magnets for my eyes. I loved the images so much that I made up stories to go along with them. Little by little, I discerned the actual words. My big sister taught me a few letters, starting with “B” and “A.” That helped me decipher the word “beast” in the classic story, Beauty and the Beast. From 2 letters, a world opened, and I haven’t stopped traveling there since.
I’ll always be thankful for the gift of literacy. Many children across the world aren’t as fortunate.
This is why I’m passionate about promoting children’s reading and literacy.
Recently, I learned about the National Education Association’s Read Across America Project. Started in 1997, this program focuses on motivating children and teens to read through events, partnerships, and reading resources. The project starts every year on March 2 — the birthday of Dr. Seuss.
Read Across America inspired me to launch a children’s literacy awareness project, “Bloggers Read Across the Globe (BRAG).”
The official BRAG kick-off starts here, Tuesday, February 28, with more detailed information, including the daily schedule. Starting February 29, I’ll be guest posting on many wonderful bloggers’ websites with topics related to literacy, writing, illustrating, publishing and marketing children’s books. My hope is that we’ll learn fantastic ideas from each other about children and reading, and share thoughts and comments from many perspectives.
Participate in BRAG and qualify for a GRAND FINALE bonus to be announced on February 29, 2012 — Leap into Literacy Day! Here’s how to join the event:
Follow the guest posts by leaving a comment, question, or suggestion about that day’s post.
Insert the BRAG logo on your blog or website with a link back to this post.
Introduce yourself here — tell us something about yourself and share information about literacy in your part of the world.
It would be awesome if you wrote your own BRAG blog and linked back to this post.
I’ve lined up some very special offers, giveaways and bonuses for participants. Here are some samples:
I’ve received a lot of questions about how I made the video trailer for Sunbelievable. I thought I’d share the steps I used to create and share it. Video trailers are a great way to promote books 24/7! The steps may appear somewhat linear, but it’s more a back-and-forth, fluid process between one step and another. If you have an idea for the “gestalt” of the video, go with your instinct for starters. What is it about your book you want to emphasize and feature? I’d love to hear your ideas and questions, so please leave a comment.
1. Write the script. Since trailers are generally less than 2 minutes, there’s a lot to pack in. Some of the free video creation software programs (mentioned below) allow only a 60 second video for free, but that may be just the right amount of time for your trailer. Mine is just under 2 minutes. What impression do you want to make that will entice viewers to read your book? It isn’t necessary to “tell” the story, per se. A good, crisp script highlights the essential story elements and builds interest quickly. Notice that I used very few words and let the images do the “talking.” It helped to read the script to willing listeners who offered constructive feedback. I wanted the first sentence of my script to draw attention in sync with the images and sound. Once the script is drafted, you can always revise it after adding graphics and music.
2. Select graphics and images. I used illustrations from Sunbelievable for the video, since I created them and own the raw files. However, there are free sources for good quality images. Depending on the overall look and feel you want to achieve, search Google or Bing for free photos and artwork. Make certain your selections are copyright- and royalty free. Another source is iStock Photo for a library of high quality, royalty free stock photography and images. Though not a free source, there are pricing options and millions of images. I added digital elements from scrapbooking kits I purchased online. For my video, one source was StudioGraphics. I have no formal training as an artist, but discovered how to create illustrations in Photoshop by blending my own photographs with digital elements available in kits. Be sure to check the company’s policies on commercial use rights for digital artwork, as some require a license. I went a step further and obtained written permission from the digital artists via signed contractual agreement.
3. Choose music. I was fortunate to have a talented young musician, Jeffrey DiLucca at MrFilmScore, create an original score for my trailer. After I completed Steps #1 and #2, we sat together and looked at the sequence of images. We thought through the musical accompaniment — style, rhythm, pace — that would complement the image layout. If you don’t have a musician handy,�
We at NEA’s Read Across America LOVE this idea and thank you all very much! In addition to updating our Read Across America website and its materials, we’ll be relaunching our pledge site, http://www.readacrossamerica.org where people, schools, and communities will pledge their involvement and let us know their activities. We’ll also launch a blog and will include a blog roll so let us know all about your blogs. Plus, we’re partnering with The Lorax movie this year as it opens nationwide on March 2nd. We’ll have many more updates and news and will love to stay connected. All of you are helping us build a nation of readers and we are so very grateful. Happy New Year and Happy Reading!
[...] TownNew Year, New Books GiveawaySunbelievable Children’s Book–Home for the Holidays — Story Quest Children's Book… #mm-link-gen { width: 99%; margin: 20px auto 0px auto; text-align: center; } #mm-link-gen [...]
In June of 2011, I teamed up with Marisa Corvisiero, Esq., a colleague, attorney, literary agent and friend, to form Literary Power House Consulting, LLC—a unique and comprehensive, online consulting firm that offers services to authors, agents, editors, publishers, publicists, and lawyers. This project evolved from work each of us was already providing during a time of rapid changes in the publishing industry. Demand for consulting services grew as major transformations occurred. We decided to combine our skills, expertise and resources under one umbrella that would ultimately benefit clients seeking help with their own publishing needs. Thus, Literary Power House Consulting, LLC now provides the only comprehensive package of Literary Advisory Services offered anywhere.
I’m so excited to announce that Literary Power House Consulting, LLC launched online December 29, 2011. It’s packed with resources and information for everyone along the continuum of creating a work for publication. For example, you’ll find numerous options for workshops and seminars, interactive forums, live chats with peers in your own genre, manuscript query submissions, answers to questions about printing options, e-books, self-publishing, book distribtution and marketing, and tons more.
Please visit Literary Power House Consulting, LLC, and take a look around. We welcome your comments and feedback as the site expands and grows to meet users’ ongoing needs.
We look forward to an exciting and productive 2012!
As 2011 ends, I think ahead to the new year and a spectacular line-up of events focused on promoting reading and literacy among children. One of these falls in March–the National Education Association’s Read Across America 2012.
What is Read Across America?
“NEA’s Read Across America is an annual reading motivation and awareness program that calls for every child in every community to celebrate reading on March 2, the birthday of children’s author Dr. Seuss. NEA’s Read Across America also provides NEA members, parents, caregivers, and children the resources and activities they need to keep reading on the calendar 365 days a year. The annual program is supported by more than 50 national nonprofit and association partners. Locally, everyone-from schools to libraries to community centers to churches to hospitals to bookstores-is invited to host local events to celebrate and promote children’s reading.”
What is “Bloggers Read Across America 2012?”
To support Read Across America, Story Quest Books will hold a special event during the month of March—”Bloggers Read Across America 2012.” We will partner with online marketing experts and children’s book bloggers to promote Read Across America’s national, regional and local activities.
Our celebration will take kick-off on March 2, 2012 and continue through the end of March. We invite bloggers to participate in guest hosting, contests and awards! We are just beginning to plan and organize daily activities and interactions on numerous social media sites.
So please mark your calendars now and feel free to comment if you have suggestions or questions. For more information about how to generate excitement for reading among America’s children and their families and about best practices for motivating and teaching reading, visit www.nea.org/readacross.
Save the Date and Stay Tuned for More Information!
Early in 2012, we’ll be lining up participants, guest hosts and activities for “Bloggers Read Across America.” Sign up now for your spot on the blog tour—enter your comments and share creative ideas and opportunities for this exciting, first-time event! I look forward to hearing from you!
When I was asked by my local Patch.com to write an article about children’s books for the holidays, I was excited to share my list with readers. The article first appeared in the HolmdelPatch and then was posted to several other communities in New Jersey: Rumson-FairHavenPatch, EastWindsorPatch, LawrencevillePatch, EastBrunswickPatch and the NewBrunswickPatch. All the interest from my surrounding communities made me feel home for the holidays!
Patch asked newly-published children’s book author Jo Ann Kairys of Monmouth County to tell us about the most magical children’s book on the shelves this holiday season. We invite you to read her list which includes her own book, Sunbelievable.
Sunbelievable, By Jo Ann Kairys and Daniel Kairys, MD; Jo Ann Kairys and Frank Thompson (Illustrators). ISBN 978-0982699829 Publisher: Story Quest Publishing, October 2011.
This hilarious tale told by 2 curious children. But it’s not all make-believe. NASA’s Chief Technologist contributed facts about the real Sun. Illustrations feature real children in brilliant, magical landscapes. This book combines wonder and imagination in a whimsical tale bound to delight children and adults. Sunbelievable received the prestigious Mom’s Choice Award 2012. Publisher: Story Quest Publishing (October 2011) Reading Level: Ages 4 and up Hardcover: 40 Pages ISBN: 978-0982699829
Kids say and do the darndest things, right? And so often, they provide tender or hilarious or wonder-filled inspiration for picture books.
One day I heard my granddaughters complaining about the rain as they thumped on the window. Eager to get outdoors, they waited impatiently for the storm to end. Suddenly, they pretended they were the rain. “SWOOSH! SPLAT! SWISH!” Their sounds were innocently poetic, perfect ingredients for a rhyming picture book. Putting it all together in story form is when the magic happens—a sound in just the right place, a vibrant image that brings the story alive, and characters who draw you right into their world.
Kids say and do the darndest things, right? And so often, they provide tender or hilarious or wonder-filled inspiration for picture books.
One day I heard my granddaughters complaining about the rain as they thumped on the window. Eager to get outdoors, they waited impatiently for the storm to end. Suddenly, they pretended they were the rain. “SWOOSH! SPLAT! SWISH!” Their sounds were
10 Children’s Book Award Contests for Self-published Authors
Finding book award contests to enter can be daunting.
I started with a Google search and spent hours drilling down into contest rules and requirements. My book, Sunbelievable, was published by my own publishing company and therefore qualified as a “self-published” versus a print-on-demand “self-published” book. The distinction is important to keep in mind when sorting through submission guidelines. Here’s my list which includes content taken directly from the award sites. I limited this list to 10 for now, but there are others I’ll post next!
1. The Golden Kite Award: http://www.scbwi.org/Pages.aspx/Golden-Kite-Award. “Presented by the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators the Golden Kite Awards, given annually to recognize excellence in children’s literature, grant cash prizes of $2,500 to author and illustrator winners in four categories: Fiction, Nonfiction, Picture Book Text, and Picture Book Illustration. A commemorative poster with the winners will be created and distributed to, among others, various schools, libraries and publishers. In addition to the four Golden Kite Award winners, four honor book recipients will also be named by the panel of judges which consists of children’s book writers and illustrators. More than 1,000 books are entered each year. Eligible books must be written or illustrated by SCBWI members, and submitted either by publishers or individuals.” 2012Golden Kite Competition Submission Information for publishers. 2012 Golden Kite Competition Submission Information for individuals.
2. The Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards: http://www.moonbeamawards.com/. ”Designed to honor the year’s best children’s books, authors and illustrators. This year’s sixth annual Moonbeam Awards program is open to authors, illustrators, and publishers of children’s books written in English or Spanish and intended for the North American market. All 2011 and 2012 copyrights and releases are eligible. Presented by Jenkins Group and Independent Publisher magazine, the Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards are designed to bring increased recognition to exemplary children’s books and their creators, and to support childhood literacy and life-long reading. Awards are given in 38 categories covering the full range of subjects, styles and age groups that children’s books are written and published in today.” Click here to receive the 2012 Moonbeam Awards entry form and guidelines by email.
3. Mom’s Choice Award:http://www.momschoiceawards.com/. “The Mom’s Choice Awards® is known for establishing the benchmark of excellence in family-friendly media, products and services. This annual competition recognizes authors, inventors, companies, parents and others for their efforts in creating quality family-friendly media products and services. The Mom’s Choice Awards® is accepting entries. In most cases, decisions can be made in 8 – 12 weeks. Distinguish yourself and your work and join this prestigious awards program.” Click here for the
Not sure I’d call myself an expert after one round of book award contest submissions. But, I have learned a thing or two from the big leap. Which it was… I thought I could take a breather after my indie book, Sunbelievable, was published in October 2011. Wrong. I was already backing into award contest season, and the clock was ticking.
I started with a simple Google search for “children’s book awards.” Then the race was on! In writing this post, the content become more expansive with information about specific contests and the submission process. So, I broke the topic into several parts. Part One is a general overview of general considerations.
Part One: Children’s Book Award Contests — Tips for Independent Authors
2. Submission fees. Be prepared to pay a fee per contest as well as additional fees for more than one entry category. Many award contests offer multiple categories–for example, illustration, cover design, story, rhyme and character. The categories are clearly delineated, so it’s always helpful to consider where your book has the best opportunity for an award.
3. Submission guidelines:Each contest has its own set of guidelines and “rules.” Read these carefully, especially if running into the deadline. It’s always a good idea to set up a spreadsheet that lists each award, entry fees, deadline, date submitted, date of award. I’ll include a spreadsheet as an example in this series focused on keeping track of the award contest submission process.
4. Sending books to contest judges.Again, each award contest differs. It may be required to send at least one book if not many more, depending on the number of categories entered and the number of judges for each category. USPS Media Mail is a cost effective way to send books in 2 to 8 days, and it includes tracking.
5. Award cycles.For the most part, books published in a certain year–let’s say 2012, are eligible for contests specifically for that year. The award cycle generally begins in the fall, with deadlines through spring of the following calendar year. If at all possible, try to time the publication date of your book to align with
Two New Events–Website Redesign and Sunbelievable Book Review!
Just received this elegant review for Sunbelievable and wanted to share it along with the launch of my new website! It’s exciting that the two events coincide–I had many ideas for my first post on the newly redesigned website, but along came the review. So, welcome to my new site and enjoy the review!
Sunbelievable By Jo Ann Kairys, Daniel Kairys, Frank Thompson (illustrator) Story Quest, $15.95, 40 pages
“Sunbelievable is the story of two young sisters who are forced to abandon their playtime on the beach for their home when darkness falls and their bedtime nears. Indoors, they weave fanciful stories about the Sun and what he likes to do: everything from riding rollercoasters, to teaching fireflies how to shine so they can eat pizza—with sun-dried tomatoes of course!
Sunbelievable offers young readers the best of both worlds: an amusing story about a personified Sun and a page of true facts about the star we call the Earth’s Sun. While the Sun story will encourage readers to use their imagination to create even wilder stories about the Sun’s life, the page of facts will encourage learning about the Earth’s Sun. I wish there had been even more space dedicated to Sun facts or activities to complement the story. However, most teachers and parents will probably find many jumping-off points in the story to encourage factual learning…the seashore, fireflies, sunflowers.
There is also a sweet sub-plot of the family: the girl’s love for each other and their relationship with their parents. When, so often, children’s cartoons and books portray the relationship between siblings and parents as less than ideal, this is an encouraging detail.
The quirky illustrations of Sunbelievable not only burst with color, but also offer a “second-read” appeal. Young readers will discover new details in the illustrations each time they page through this book. The illustrations—like the book’s story—are an interesting combination of realism and fantasy. Although the girls, the beach, and their home are portrayed realistically, the illustrators added intriguing detail, such as sprinkles of fairy dust and mice wearing top hats. And the pages that feature the Sun’s life are unforgettable. You can’t take your eyes off of them!”
Hope you enjoy the review! I’m writing this at sunrise–perfect timing!
I’m happy to pair up with Ellie Hirsch at “Mommy Masters™” today. Ellie is hosting my 2-part post. Part One is an article called “The Magic of Children’s Books” in which I share thoughts about what makes a children’s book a magical, wonderful journey for children. Part Two is a special feature about childhood immunizations. What’s the connection? Head on over to Mommy Masters for the full story!
Mommy Masters provides parenting tools to create a flourishing family environment, ranging from parenting tips and tricks, to offering emotional support and reassurance to help build confidence. We are a community of strong, hard working and smart women, who are striving to master motherhood. By sharing our experiences, questions, triumphs and hardships, we can become even better women, enabling us to become better mothers, wives and friends.
Ellie Hirsch, the “The Mommy Master”™, is the mother of two adorable little boys and is expecting her third in March. Her children are her world and have inspired her to create Mommy Masters. In addition to Ellie’s online parenting resources, she has been working hard to bring you her unique children’s music, available to the public soon. Her songs are entertaining, educational, catchy musical rhymes that can help parents and children bond and spend quality time together. From cleaning up to manners to counting, her creations will provide hours of auditory stimulation and learning for children, and enjoyment for the whole family. The Mommy Masters brand is growing so keep in touch for the latest offerings at http://www.mommymasters.blogspot.com and http://www.facebook.com/mommymasters.
Together we can master motherhood!™
Head on over to Mommy Masters on Thursday, November 17 to read my guest post about THE MAGIC OF CHILDREN’S BOOKS. I’ve teamed up with Ellie because of her commitment to raising healthy children. In additon to the post, there’s a Q&A section written by a pediatrician about immunizations, a topic of great importance and interest to parents! Again, that’s http://www.mommymasters.blogspot.com. See you there!
I’d like to share this article published November 15 in the Dartmouth “D” News
By Leslie Ye, The Dartmouth Staff
Published on Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Every night when Daniel Kairys ’90 DMS’97 gets home, he sits down with his two daughters and son and conducts a science experiment with them or reads them a book. But before they embark on the night’s activity, Kairys asks them — in English, Haitian Creole or Spanish — where they are going to college. Every night, the answer is the same: Dartmouth.
Daniel Kairys’ multilingual daughters are the main characters in a new children’s picture book authored by Daniel Kairys and his mother, former DMS professor Jo Ann Kairys, titled “Sunbelievable.” The book, which chronicles the adventures of a magical anthropomorphic sun, was published in October and was awarded the 2012 gold award in the Mom’s Choice Awards “Imagine It!” category on Nov. 4, according to Jo Ann Kairys.
“Sunbelievable” is the first book in a planned series that will connect children with scientific content in a more accessible way, according to Jo Ann Kairys. To make “Sunbelievable” as scientifically accurate as possible, the Kairys consulted with Bobby Braun, their family member and an engineer at NASA. Braun authored a short piece at the end of the book about the real sun and its role in the universe, Daniel Kairys said.
“The book itself is a platform for what we call connecting children with science and nature,” Jo Ann Kairys said.
The proceeds from “Sunbelievable” will be donated to charitable organizations. The Kairys also plan to use the book in fundraising efforts with the Boys and Girls Club of America, and possibly Big Brothers Big Sisters, according to Jo Ann Kairys.
“Obviously you write because it’s a pleasure,” Jo Ann Kairys said. “It’s even more gratifying if your product can be helpful to others.”
Instead of following the traditional publishing process of hiring an agent and pitching the book to publishing houses, the Kairys chose to publish “Sunbelievable” through Jo Ann Kairys’ own publishing company, Story Quest Books. The Kairys published independently to preserve their editorial freedom and to retain the rights over the book’s illustrations, which feature photos of Daniel Kairys’ daughters that were digitally edited into an illustrated background, Jo Ann Kairys said.
“We wanted to maintain control over the actual photos through more than just copyright protection,” she said. “The girls always loved watching Dora the Explorer, and I realized these are real-life Doras — multicultural and multilingual. We did not want to characterize them as cartoon figures.”
In addition to “Sunbelievable,” Daniel Kairys has drafted five other children’s books, he said. The stories will focus on his daughters and will also incorporate scientific concepts, although illustrations are still forthcoming. He said that working with his mother has been very complementary, adding that she is the “brains of the illustration” while he provides the storylines.
For “Sunbelievable,” Jo Ann Kairys took the photos of Daniel Kairys’ daughters before the story was written. He then wrote a storyline that he felt fit the story of the pictures.
“Being closest to the girls, I try to keep it close to them and she builds everything around that,” he said. “It’s been great as a family. The girls love it.”
Many Kairys family members work in health-related or engineering fields, and Daniel Kairys’ nightly experiments are extensions of the family’s love of science, according to Jo Ann Kairys.
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This week was, for me, an almost nonstop 60,000 foot view of the social media landscape, with occasional hovering over content that caught my attention. I did everything online marketing experts advice against — spending too much time exploring at the expense of writing. My social media travels, however, did accomplish a few really important and practical goals:
