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Viewing: Blog Posts Tagged with: Star Bright Books, Most Recent at Top [Help]
Results 1 - 18 of 18
1. November is Native American Heritage Month!


Cradle Me, written by Debby Slier celebrates Native American families and shows how they carry their babies. It also encourages caregivers to teach children to say the words in their own languages.

“It is impossible for me not to have positive feelings when I look at the faces of babies. Debby Slier's Cradle Me had me happily gazing at the faces of babies from eleven different tribal nations in their cradle boards.” – Debbie Reese (American Indians in Children Literature)

In Loving Me, also written by Debby Slier, babies and toddlers will discover the importance of family relationships through the charming photographs of Native American families.

Cradle Me and Loving Me are available in Navajo English






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2. Laundry Time Turned Reading Time!



It’s always nice when we see our books being shared! Too Small
to Fail, an early literacy initiative of the Clinton Foundation posted a
video that shows children reading Red Socks (by Ellen Mayer,
illustrated by Ying-Hwa Hu) and having fun together in an unusual place,
a laundromat! This initiative turns an everyday task such as a trip to
the Laundromat to help lay a strong foundation for lifelong learning
that turns laundry time into reading time. This initiative will equip
5,000 laundromats in communities with resources for families
to engage in language-rich activities. Make sure to check out the video
to learn more! Our fabulous illustrator, Ying-Hwa visited the
laundromat and had a fun time reading Red Socks to children.  

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3. Story Time with Michael Gervais




On October 17th 2015, Green Light Bookstore, an independent bookstore in Brooklyn, NY, hosted an interactive story time with local author Michael Gervais. Gervais read aloud as children listened to his book The Barefoot Champion. In his book, a young boy in Harlem brings home a brand new pair of Nike Black and Red Double Dunks, and is already able to see his future as an NBA star. After the reading, children were able to draw their very own All-star shoes. This book evokes all youthful dreams that were able to be inspired at this event.

Thank you Green Light Bookstore for hosting Michael Gervais’s reading of The Barefoot Champion!

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4. How Constance Anderson’s book Smelling Sunshine supports California’s new law, Right to Dry

In Smelling Sunshine Anderson illustrates how clothes are being hung to dry in the breeze and sunshine around the world and how children everywhere revel in the fun of helping with the laundry.

Yet how many of us know that in many states across the county hanging clothes outside to dry is “illegal”? “Unsightly,” that is one of the reasons it is banned. But things are changing. The Governor of California has signed the bill to prohibit banning drying laundry outside and California becomes a “Right to Dry” state, where the very smell of the sun that inspired Anderson to create Smelling Sunshine.

Although Anderson says she claims no responsibility for the new law, her book, Smelling Sunshine is certainly an inspiration to many people to look at drying laundry differently and reminding them how enjoyable and communal it can be. Let alone saving energy.

We remember when we first received Anderson’s drawings of Smelling Sunshine, how extraordinarily beautiful it was that captures one of the most ordinary chores in our daily life, that is somehow lost in the electronic driven, over developed world we live in while it still exists in much of the world.

Editor of Nolo.com, Bray wrote a nice piece about the new law, quoting Anderson’s heartwarming message. “When we hung laundry together, we slowed down to take in the sights and smells and sounds of the world around us, which brought us closer. Then, at the end of the day, I would pull up the covers and that wonderful smell of the outdoors and its memories, what I call the smell of sunshine, was in the sheets.”
To read a full article of Bray, click here. http://blog.nolo.com

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5. Papa Gave Me a Stick reviewed by School Library Journal


Papa Gave Me a Stick has received a warm review from School Library Journal. Maria D. Salvadore, a former librarian of the District of Columbia Public Library and a current reviewer for the publication praised the book's illustrations, which "are soft, gently colored, creating a sense of place." She, additionally, mentioned the book's plot, pacing, and useful Spanish glossary as some of the book's other notable facets, all of which contributed to a story that had "the form and cadence of a folktale."

Star Bright Books would like to thank Ms. Salvadore for her kind and thoughtful review.

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6. Ellen Mayer Website Launch!

Ellen Mayer, author of the recently published Red Socks and A Fish to Feed and the forthcoming Cake Day and Rose's Laundry Day, has a brand new website! At ellenmayerbooks.com, visitors can learn about Ellen's career as a children's book writer, upcoming author events, parenting resources, and, of course, information regarding her wonderful new titles. With a number of different pages which host a whole collection of information accented by Ellen's charming creative flair, the website has something to offer anyone looking for an introduction to this talented author and her lovely books.

Here are just a few highlights of the website:

A wonderful introduction to the Small Talk Books collection, which highlights the series many benefits for parents, caregivers, and teachers. Links to more information regarding each book have also been provided.

Also included: just a few of the comments the series has already attracted from notable readers.


A very useful resource page which includes links to Dr. Betty Bardige's book Talk to Me, Baby! How You Can Support Young Children’s Language Development and to parenting organizations Too Young to Fail and Zero to Three. Dr. Betty Bardige's constantly-updating twitter feed is also included on this page.


For more information regarding Ellen Mayer and her books, please visit either her website or the website of Star Bright Books, starbrightbooks.com.


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7. A "Wild Kratt" Gets a Look at "What Animal"





Martin Kratt, co-creator of the hugely popular PBS series "Wild Kratts," was introduced to Star Bright Books at a recent performance. Kratt, along with his brother and show collaborator Chris Kratt, are currently on tour promoting the show, as well as their work in the field of wildlife advocacy. It was at a sold-out performance in Providence, Rhode Island that Nellie Gest (pictured above), the niece of What Animal Needs a Wig? writer and illustrator Abigail Fuller and Frances Baldwin, delivered a copy of the book into the hands of the television star. Martin Kratt was apparently very enthusiastic about the gift. 

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8. "What Animal" Makes Headlines Once Again!


It was just a few months ago that Star Bright Books had the opportunity to read about Neil Wollman and Abigail Fuller, the writers of the wonderful book What Animal Needs a Wig?, in an article that profiled both the title as well as its inspiration. We were delighted by the fact that someone found our title interesting enough to research and report on it; now, we are even more excited that it has happened for a second time!

In an article featured in the Journal Gazette, a news publication of Northeast Indiana, writer Jamie Duffy highlights not only the title, but also the interesting family dynamic that inspired the husband and wife to write a children's book. Having both worked as professors at Manchester University in Indiana, the dinner table was a place where Abigail and Neil, and their families, could turn knowledge into jokes and riddles. And with a lot of research, organization, and the illustrations of Fuller's sister Fran Fuller Baldwin, these dinner-table conversations became a 48 page, highly entertaining children's books, of which we could not be more proud.

We would like to thank Jamie Duffy for writing this wonderful article, which is available in its entirety here: http://www.journalgazette.net/news/local/schools/Family-finds-humor-in-animal-world-5829554

For the first article featuring What Animal Needs a Wig?, feel free to revisit our earlier blog post: http://starbrightbooks.blogspot.com/2015/01/star-bright-title-makes-headlines.html

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9. Another Exciting Event for Star Bright Books!


Star Bright Books would like to thank the Barnes & Noble of Holmdel, New Jersey for selecting Madison's Patriotic Project, Madison and the Two Wheeler, and Madison and the New Neighbors by Vanita Braver as advertised "Top Picks in Picture Books" (alongside the beloved classic The Giving Tree, nonetheless!). We are very excited that we have had the opportunity to work with Vanita  to share Madison's many thought-provoking adventures with the world, so we are touched to hear that people share our excitement.

Seeing our titles on display was just a small piece of this month's Barnes & Noble excitement, however; in addition to the display, Dr. Vanita Braver, a noted child psychiatrist and author of the "Madison" series, lead a workshop titled "Creating Confident Writers." By examining research-based techniques that enhance the writing process, Dr. Braver provided the audience with several tips and tools for early writing instruction. If the and excited and delighted smiles in the pictures below serve as any indication, the event looks like it was a huge hit!

Once again, Star Bright Books would like to thank the Holmdel Barnes & Noble for hosting this event. We, as well as Dr. Braver, would also like to thank anyone who came out to this event. Your attention, support, and laughs were appreciated by everyone involved.




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10. Harriet Can Carry It Launch Party: Part 2!

Everyone at Star Bright Books would like to extend our warmest thanks to anyone who attended the launch party for Harriet Can Carry It at the Old Town Newhall Library on November 1! To hear that almost 100 people were in attendance at the event is incredibly exciting and inspiring, and we greatly appreciate the support.

The event included a talk by the author about his journey as an author, the author's performance of his very own super-fun Harriet song, a silly auction, as well as the celebration of Harriet Can Carry It and all of its wonderful merit. For those who were unable to attend, no need to feel down; here are some awesome pictures of the event to lift you up!

Thank you Kirk Jay Mueller for putting together this awesome event and thank you everyone, once again, for your attendance and ongoing support of our book.





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11. More Exciting News for Harriet Can Carry It!

Online book reviewer Jen Robinson has written a wonderful review of Harriet Can Carry It on her website, jkrbooks.typepad.com. Newly available in both hardcover and paperback formats, Star Bright Books is very excited about the warm reception that Harriet is already garnering from readers. 
       
With careful attention to detail, Ms. Robinson highlights elements of the plot, the descriptive writing and vocabulary, the illustrations, and the book’s animal glossary as some of the book's best aspects.  Also commenting on the experience of reading Harriet, Ms. Robinson writes:  Harriet Can Carry It is an entertaining picture book that introduces kids to marsupials in a light, yet memorable manner. It would make a fun read-aloud for schools or libraries." 

Here at Star Bright, we are very delighted to see words such "memorable" and "fun" appear in reviews of this title. In addition to the lessons that we hope Harriet will convey to its young readers (one of which Ms. Robinson comments on in her description of "the idea that it is ok to say no when people are making unreasonable requests"), it is one of our deepest wishes that this book, and others, will inspire readers to pursue reading as an activity that brings enjoyment, fun, and happy memories. As a children's book publisher, this is one of our fundamental goals, and we thank Ms. Robinson, as well as anyone who shares their thoughts with us, for continuing to inspire our devotion to this goal.

The full review can be found at Jen Robinson's Bookpage, at http://jkrbooks.typepad.com/blog/2014/10/harriet-can-carry-it-kirk-jay-mueller-sarah-vonthron-laver.html

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12. Harriet Can Carry It Launch Party!

In celebration of  our BRAND NEW Star Bright title, Harriet Can Carry It, Star Bright Books welcomes anyone in the area to attend a launch party held by author Kirk Jay Mueller at the Old Town Newhall Library in Santa Clarita, California. The event, which will also include a signing by the author, will take place in the library's Community Room on Saturday November 1, 2014, from 2-4 PM. Full event details are available at the Events & Visits tab of the author's website, kirkjaymueller.com.

Here at Star Bright Books, we are incredibly excited for the impending publication of this book. Through every read-through and discussion of this story, our delight in experiencing the journey of Harriet, her little Joey, and the quirky characters that she meets has never weakened, owing in large part to the fantastic and imaginative storytelling of Kirk Jay Mueller. While this is Mr. Mueller's first children's book, he has told many stories throughout his life and career; as a teacher of 4th-6th grade students for thirty years, he made sure to set aside time every day to introduce his students to engaging stories, the writing process, as well as a song or two (Mueller is also a singer-songwriter). He now especially enjoys going into schools and classrooms, guitar in hand, to share his songs and stories with children.

For more information on the author, his work, and his future events and visits, please visit his website. For more information on Harriet Can Carry It, our other new and exciting fall titles, as well as the rest of our catalog, please visit our website, starbrightbooks.org.


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13. Summertime Stories

           
I started this post hoping to be able to report on any kind of literary celebration that was to take place/has already taken place at some point throughout the month of July. Having missed both Read Across America Day (though respects should be paid to the late, great Dr. Seuss every day of every month of every year), as well as National Poetry Month (April, for those who are so inclined), I was disappointed to find that there wasn’t any nationally ordained celebration of books during the month of July. Sadly, the only celebrations that I could find for July were ones of national independence (fun fact: Canada Day is July 1st, and Bastille Day (France) is the 14th), food (Blueberries and Ice Cream, the foods of summer) and good manners (National Cell Phone Courtesy Month: take note, dinner-table occupants). To some of these I say, frankly but fondly, bah humbug.

In opposition, I propose that we use this month to appreciate all of the books that make us feel warm and welcome, like nice weather or a day at the beach. I propose that we use some of our down-time to experience the books, whether newly purchased or plucked from a dusty shelf, that stick out in our minds and make us feel inspired, moved, or fulfilled. For the parents of young children, these are the days that count; fill them with memories and love and beautiful words and stories. Pick up a book and hunker down with your little one, whether inside or outside, under the sun or by a fire, and help them as they embark on adventures that, while imaginary, are everlastingly valuable.


Here are some summer stories, courtesy of Star Bright, that would make a great start!


Harriet Can Carry It
                by Kirk Jay Mueller
               Art by Sarah Vonthron-Laver
  
Follow Harriet the Kangaroo as she goes on an adventure to the beach with her little Joey. Looking for some time off after a long week at work, Harriet packs her little boy in her humongous pouch and sets off looking for some rest and relaxation. But appearances by her many marsupial neighbors make Harriet's journey both difficult and troubling, as Harriet tries to accommodate all of their requests to carry their things until finally....

Beach Socks
by Michael J. Daley
Art by Estelle Corke

No more shoes! No more socks! shouts the young boy in Beach Socks, a book by Michael J. Daley and Estelle Corke that mixes beautiful illustrations and charming descriptions in a delightful story of one child's day at the beach.


Visit our website (starbrightbooks.org) for these titles and more!





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14. Good Night, Little Sea Otter by Janet Halfmann [Book Review and Giveaway] plus a Sea Otter Craft

Getting the kids to bed on time sometimes seems like an impossible task. By the time we eat, finish with the baths, brush teeth and read a few books, it's already time for bed. Then the creative delays begin. "I need a drink of water. I need to say good night to the cat." Both kids have even tried to hide their blankies in an attempt to postpone bedtime. We're pretty firm parents and stall tactics don't work long here, but the minutes still add up and invariably time sneaks by. Author Janet Halfmann, with four kids and four grandkids, knows about all the bedtime tricks. In her newest book, a cute little sea otter tries to delay his bedtime, but eventually he drifts off to sleep.

Good Night, Little Sea Otter by Janet Halfmann, illustrated by Wish Williams. Star Bright Books (September 2010); ISBN 9781595722546; 32 pages
Book Source: Review copy from publisher

"Then it was bedtime, but Little Sea Otter wasn't ready to sleep."

Against a colorful sunset sky, Little Sea Otter and his mama prepare for bedtime. But before he falls asleep, Little Sea Otter must say goodnight to all the creatures above and below the ocean. First he speaks to the harbor seals, sea lions and a seagull and then he dips his head below water and wishes fish, sea urchins and others a good night. As the stars twinkle above and the sea sings a soft lullaby, Little Sea Otter says his final "Good Night" while his mom wraps them both in ribbons of kelp, anchoring them safely for the evening.

Reading this gentle and sweet story to a child is the perfect way to end the day. Little Sea Otter's pleasant waves of goodbyes, one after one, will relax and comfort readers like the murmur of sea waves. Wish Williams surrounds Little Sea Otter in a dreamy rainbow of sea colors. At one point, kids get a chance to point out orange, yellow and purple fish. His illustrations provide a lovely backdrop for the story. The beautiful sunset sky gradually darkens and eventually stars appear. The sea looks quiet and calm. I especially love that Janet Halfmann briefly mentions how Sea otters use kelp as anchors while sleeping. The brief educational moments paired with images of the adorable mama and baby sea otter make this a worthwhile and enjoyable bedtime read perfect for toddlers to early elementary-aged children.

Related Links:
Janet Halfmann - Author Website
Sea Otter Facts, Video and Sound on Defenders.org




♈ ♈ ♈ ♈ Sea Otter and Kelp Craft ♈ ♈ ♈ ♈

Earth Day is a good time to consider the consequences of our daily actions and to learn abou

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15. TTFN!

Dear Avid Blog Readers,

It is with great sadness that I inform you all that today is my last day as a summer intern here at Star Bright Books. It's been a fantastic summer - I've had so much fun getting acquainted with the ins and outs of publishing, as well as being introduced to the phenomenal books Star Bright publishes and getting to share them with you, my friends!

So as my farewell post (for now - you'll be hearing from me this fall and winter, I assure you!), I decided to treat you all to a special sneak peek - our upcoming title, Goodnight, Little Sea Otter!



Goodnight, Little Sea Otter is definitely my new favorite. A little otter and his mother say goodnight to the wonderful variety of underwater creatures who live in the sea: sea lions, sea snails, seagulls, seals, and sea urchins alike all say goodnight to the little otter and his momma. Wish Williams' illustrations are simply stunning and will wow grown-ups and children alike! And the story is sure to charm even the toughest little critic.



Goodnight, Little Sea Otter is due out September 30th.

And so I bid you all a fond farewell. Until next time, fellow book lovers!

Best,

En-Szu

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16. Trosclair and the Alligator



Fact: kids do not like doing what they are told.

Second fact: kids will hear you tell them to do one thing, and gladly do the opposite. Usually, this ends disastrously.

In Trosclair and the Alligator, young Trosclair is told by everyone to avoid Bee Island Swamp. A giant alligator named Gargantua has been roaming about and he is notoriously ferocious. But Trosclair really wants to visit the swamp...and it's only some quick-footed thinking that saves Trosclair and his poor dog, Ollie, from becoming dinner!

Trosclair and the Alligator is a fun read for the young and old alike. Everyone understands childhood curiosity and mischief - whether you're from the big city or Louisiana Bayou, kids get in all sorts of sticky situations from not listening. Hopefully this tale of a close call will teach your little one a valuable lesson!

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17. Kissing Skunks




People in love can be so silly.

You know how it is. You see it all the time: holding hands, nauseatingly cute nicknames, the goo-goo eyes and goofy smiles. They do things like buy ice cream cones and go for walks in the park, buy ridiculous trinkets for each other, call or text each other night and day for no reason whatsoever, and generally sicken everyone around them. But it's endearing, for the most part, because you either remember a time when you were also like that, or it gives you hope for having that someday for yourself.

In Kissing Skunks, a married skunk couple display such nonsensical affection for one another that it begins to border on the absurd. It is a funny and touching story that will appeal to kids and grown-ups of all ages (unless your child was like me, and thinks that boys and girls are full of cooties). Kissing Skunks captures the sweetness and adorable nature of two people in love, and you will most definitely find it impossible to read the book without smiling.

Most people think that books that deal with love are only suitable for Valentine's Day, but that simply isn't true - love happens year-round, not just on one day in February! Pick up your copy of Kissing Skunks today!

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18. Barnaby Bennett: A Kiwi Picture Book (now in the US!)


barnaby“Pooh-pooh on the blue,” Barnaby said.
“I’m Barnaby Bennett and I only wear red.”

Young children declare their emerging independence in many ways. They don’t cling to Mom and Dad so tightly. They insist on doing simple tasks by themselves. And they choose their favorite things—a huggable stuffed toy, a cherished blanket, or a bright, cheery color.

Come on, what kid doesn’t have a favorite color? Every morning my toddler asks to wear “pretty purple.” My Kindergartener’s closet is filled with “Shrek green.” So when we read Barnaby Bennett for the first time, we instantly understood Barnaby’s passion for pigment.

With a jaunty rhyme, author Hannah Rainforth dresses Barnaby Bennett in toe-to-head red. But there’s a problem: Barnaby wears the same red clothes every day. He loves them so much he won’t take them off. His shirt, shorts and socks get stinky. (Let’s just say we’re happy this isn’t a scratch-n-sniff book!)

Barnaby’s family tries to convince him to change colors. Dad thinks navy is nice. Sissy’s keen on green. And Bro? He’s mellow for yellow. But Barnaby is no chameleon!

Then Barnaby’s clever Aunt finds a creative way to break Barnaby of his crimson obsession. Does he become partial to pink? Go ga-ga over gold? Get smitten with silver? You’ll just have to read it to find out!

Ali Teo’s mixed-media illustrations combine quirky cartoon characters and photographed elements—blue jeans, fabric patterns, toys—resulting in something “real” to discover on every spread. The pages seem textured; alive. Even the words jump out with clever use of funky fonts. “Yanked” stretches across the page and “sludge” squirms.

Originally published in New Zealand, Star Bright Books recently brought this colorful Kiwi to the US. (Thanks, Star Bright!) This vibrant tale will knock your socks off, even if they aren’t red. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to jump into my cherry jammies and read Barnaby with the kids.

barnaby2Barnaby Bennett
Story by Hannah Rainforth
Illustrated by Ali Teo
Star Bright Books, November 2008
Want it? Get it!

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