 |
| Group photo with the 2012 LAL State Winners! |
Letters About Literature is a national reading and writing program of the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress, presented in partnership with Target and supported locally by RICB.
60,000 young readers from across the country participated, including nearly 800 Rhode Islanders. Students were asked to submit letters describing how an author's work -- novel, non-fiction, poetry -- changed their view of the world or helped them realize something they didn't know about themselves.
With a focus on reader response and reflective writing, one winner and several honorable mentions were chosen in three competition levels, ranging from grades 4 through 12.
I had the chance to read the winning letters beforehand, and heard them read-aloud by the winners at the event. All of the letters had a powerful narrative voice and displayed a talent and wisdom beyond the young writers' years.
It was honor to present the students with their awards, and an inspiration to hear their words. All in all, it was evening I won't soon forget.
Click here to learn more about Letters About Literature and Rhode Island Center for the Book.
Below is a transcript the address I gave to the students, their families, and members of RICB.
by Anika Denise
Rhode Island Center for the Book Annual Meeting and Letters About Literature Awards
Williams Hall Library, Cranston, Rhode Island
June 4, 2012
Good evening, everyone. First, I want to say thank you to the Rhode Island Center for the Book for inviting me here to speak to you tonight. It’s an honor and a privilege. Not to mention, great fun to be spend an evening celebrating reading, writing, and the books that inspire us! So thank you, for including me in the festivities. There's even balloons... it's a party!
By: Anika Denise,
on 9/20/2011
Blog: Anika Denise - Children's Book Author (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: General News Updates and Events, Author Events, Add a tag
Back-to-school means more time for writing. Sort of. My 6 1/2 month old who is currently napping as I sit tapping doesn't exactly conform to a set writing schedule, but at least I have these stolen moments to stew in my creative juices, to brainstorm, to ponder to... to... procrastinate.
Yes, the more time I have, the more creative ways I can find for procrastination - a common hazard of the self-employed.
Here's something fun to mention while procrastinating... I have added a few autumnal book signings to my website. Click HERE for the schedule.
Ooooh, and I've also at last created a facebook page for my books HERE. Please stop by and click the like button if you want another way to know what I'm up to, as I'll be making event and book announcements there too.
Now, back to those creative juices. That reminds me, I'm thirsty. And hungry. I think it's time for a snack break. ;-)
By: Anika Denise,
on 12/10/2010
Blog: Anika Denise - Children's Book Author (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: General News Updates and Events, Bella And Stella Come Home, Author Events, Books of Wonder, Tad Hills, Maira Kalman, Bob Shea, Laurie Keller, Where the Sidewalk Ends, Jane Dyer, Chris Raschka, Add a tag
Bob Shea is leading the kids through some truly stellar dinosaur "roars" during a read-aloud of his new book "Dinosaur vs. Potty," a hilarious play-by-play of one little dinosaur's battle to resist going you-know-what, in the you-know-where. The story bounces along with Bob Shea using his best boxing ring announcer's voice to repeat the refrain, "Dinosaur wins!" at the end of each spread. Kids roar, and giggle, then roar some more - and the book concludes.
That's when Chris Raschka, Caldecott medalist and all around cool dude, leans over to me and whispers, "So, who wins? I couldn't see the pictures, is it the dinosaur or the potty?"
"I think the Dinosaur went in the potty... so I guess they both win," I say.
"I should save my questions till the end," says Chris with a wry grin.
"Yeah, we should probably stop all this potty talk," I say.
 |
| Left to right: Chris Denise; Anika Denise; Chris Raschka |
What struck me (besides the fact that all these authors are amazing, talented folks and I was honored to be counted among them) was the palpable appreciation for one another's work. The authors were clearly having just as much fun as the audience during the read-alouds.
Equally cool was hearing all the behind-the-scenes chatter about everyone's book projects, how they developed, where they are doing signings, what other artists they admire, how they promote their titles, etc. For me, an author relatively new to the industry, it was a fascinating and fabulous experience.
Next signing stop: Tomorrow! Saturday Dec. 11th: Where The Sidewalks Ends in Chatham, MA (on Cape Cod) 10a - 12p. Big Stella will be joining us (and rumor has it the mouse from "If You Give A Mouse A Cookie" will be in the house too); they'll be a holiday stroll going on, hot chocolate, a cozy fireplace, and of course: books, books, books. Come see us!
By: Anika Denise,
on 11/24/2010
Blog: Anika Denise - Children's Book Author (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Author Events, General News Updates and Events, Add a tag
Well, the official launch date for Bella and Stella Come Home has arrived! Look for our all-new book in stores now! (Also available online at Barnes & Noble and Amazon.com.)
401-245-7925
By: Anika Denise,
on 10/15/2010
Blog: Anika Denise - Children's Book Author (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Book Reviews, General News Updates and Events, Add a tag
The first early review of Bella And Stella Come Home is in!
Here's what critics at Kirkus Reviews have to say about our new book:
 |
| ISBN:978-0399242434(Philomel) November 24, 2010 |
Coming soon...
- A FREE downloadable teacher's guide for the book at my website www.anikadenise.com
- Book trailer
- Book Launch Party: Saturday, November 27th from 1-4 at Barrington Books!
Fantastic!!! And those kids make you look tall!
Ha! I'm in the front row, with the 4th and 5th graders... that's why I look tall! ;)
Oh dear one, this was beautiful. Thanks so much for sharing it.