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Mary Lee of A Year of Reading is going to help me out this spring and take over the Poetry Friday scheduling through February, March, and April. If you're interested in hosting, please do let her know.
I'll be back in action in May, and hopefully will begin posting on Fridays again soon.
(P.S. This past week's PF roundup will take place on Wednesday and Thursday of this week. So many good posts, I want to comment on them all.)
0 Comments on A (Major) Poetry Friday announcement as of 1/1/1900
Last Friday we hosted Elizabeth Alexander at my school and I did a post about it earlier this week: http://medinger.wordpress.com/2009/02/07/a-glorious-day-with-elizabeth-alexander/
Sorry for the confusion this morning. I jumped right in without checking here. My face is a little red, but there is no permanent psychological damage. Stay in touch about the roundup schedule.
I am joining Poetry Fridays for the first time over at My World/Mi Mundo. I am very excited. Thanks for making this happen! http://learnlovegrow.blogspot.com
Hi there, I guess I stayed off topic- I didn't write about Valentine's or Friday the 13th. Instead, I reviewed Yvonne Trainer's poetic biography of Tom Three Persons.
Hi and thanks for hosting! Today is Eleanor Farjeon's birthday (1881), so I've included a couple of her poems at my site: www.marthacalderaro.wordpress.com She wrote a lot during her life! Anyone with special recommendations for further reading (pieces by her or about her)?
I have two posts, the first celebrating Charles Darwin in poetry in honor of his bicentennial -- part of a poem by his famous grandfather, Erasmus Darwin, and poems about him, including the new volume by his great-great granddaughter,
Thanks for hosting, Kelly. I've posted an original poem written in response to one of Tricia's (The Miss Rumphius Effect) poetry stretch challenges. It's called "Diminishing Returns," and you can find it at The Drift Record
Please welcome Mary Pope Osborne to Big A little a.
Kelly Herold: Thank you for speaking with me, Mary. It is a great honor to talk with you!
Let me start by saying that Tales from the Odyssey is one of my 7-year-old son’s favorite series, so thank you for writing it.
Now on to the interview:
KH:The Magic Tree House series has become a staple in the lives of readers just beginning to read independently. Boys and girls love them for their entertaining storylines, for their use of history and myth, and for Annie and Jack as characters. Were you surprised by the level of success The Magic Tree House has seen?
Mary Pope Osborne: My success as a children’s book author has been the opposite of “overnight.” I published more than 20 books before I started the Magic Tree House series. And the series has grown so gradually in popularity over 17 years, that I don’t think of myself as being greatly successful. But if I am, I wish someone would tell my 3 dogs. They don’t give me any respect.
KH: It is obvious from The Magic Tree House series and from your retellings and nonfiction books, that you really enjoy research. How do you begin researching a project? Do you begin with the idea first, or do you like to browse widely before deciding on an historical era or theme?
MPO: I poke around at lots of different ideas, buy books, look on the internet, talk to kids. Eventually one idea or another takes the lead, and then I really bare down on it. I gather lots of books (a ridiculous amount of books actually) on the subject and start taking notes, and then my story more or less starts telling itself to me. I often feel as if I’m trying to decipher something that already exists.
KH: Tell us, please, about your involvement in The Magic Tree House: The Musical.
MPO: Ah, my favorite subject these days. Four years ago, my husband Will and one of our best friends, composer Randy Courts, started working on a musical based on my book Christmas in Camelot. They took out Christmas so it wouldn’t just be a seasonal show, and they focused on Jack and Annie’s quest to Camelot and the mysterious realm of the Otherworld. Now, Magic Tree House: The Musical is traveling the country on a national tour; It’s a full Broadway-style show with two-story high dragon puppets, over 20 life-size human puppets, Irish dancers, beautiful songs, Knights of the Round Table, Arthur, Merlin, Morgan le Fay, and of course, Jack and Annie.
Will and Randy took my story and made it better. They expanded and deepened it and developed the adult characters, so that grownups can enjoy the show as well as kids. My main “involvement” is that I slip into theaters in different towns and watch it from the back.
KH: Back to Tales from the Odyssey: I’d like to hear your thoughts on the value of retelling classic myths and stories for young children.
MPO: Along with Tales from the Odyssey, I’ve also published Favorite Greek Myths, Favorite Norse Myths, Favorite Medieval Tales, Mermaid Tales from Around the World, and American Tall Tales. And next fall my sister Natalie and I have a book coming out titled The Random House Book of Bible Stories.
So, obviously I think it’s important to expose children to the great stories of the world. I’m amazed and distressed whenever I learn that many children are not familiar with Bible stories. Whether a family is religious or not, children should know the stories – otherwise, it would be impossible to comprehend the countless references to them in our daily lives. Not only do ancient stories link us to one another, but they enrich our imaginations as well. My deep involvement with retelling so many old stories has greatly informed my work on the Magic Tree House series.
KH: You mention on your website that you enjoy school visits. What do you like most about talking to children about your books?
MPO: Sadly I’m so busy these days, producing Magic Tree House: The Musical and trying to make my book deadlines, that I’m not able to make many school visits anymore. But early on, in the first years of writing the series, I visited schools all over the country, well over a hundred of them, and I learned so much. I learned about kids are interested in, and I learned about all the good work that teachers and librarians do. Today, we have a Magic Tree House Teachers’ Club at Random House with over 29,000 members – and every year we give a Magic Tree House Teacher of the Year Award. I credit teachers with doing all the hard work of teaching kids how to read…so that authors like me can do the fun work of writing books for them.
KH: I think my readers would like to know about your writing process, given that you are so prolific. When and where do you write? What is your daily schedule like?
MPO: Since the adventure of laptop computers, I’ve been able to write any place and any time. I love working on Magic Tree House books so much that it’s hard to keep me away from my work. But I take lots of breaks. Whenever I’m working, if I get frustrated or stymied, I get up from my chair, walk a dog or make a cup of tea or look in the fridge or chat with Will…and when I come back to my writing, the problem is usually solved. My unconscious often takes care of problems when “I” get out of the way.
KH: Finally, Mary, I’d like to know a little bit about what you are writing now.
MPO: My next book coming out in March ’09 is called Moonlight on the Magic Flute. Jack and Annie go to Vienna in 1762, and help a six-year-old Mozart give a concert at the palace of the Empress of the Austrian empire. I’ve also completed a book coming out next summer called A Good Night for Ghosts, in which Jack and Annie visit Louis Armstrong in 1915 in New Orleans and help him get on the path to becoming the “King of Jazz.”
Now I’m collecting research to work on a book tentatively called, “Leap Year With Leprechauns” in which Jack and Annie visit the west coast of Ireland in the 1860’s, and make friends with a girl named Augusta, who later became the Irish writer, Lady Gregory, who collected folk stories throughout Ireland and was one of the founders of the Abbey Theater in Dublin. As you might imagine, I’m having a great time collecting information about life on the west coast of Ireland in the late 1800’s, as well as reading folklore about fairies and leprechauns.
You can catch the rest of Mary Pope Osborne's blog tour at the following fantastic sites:
I'm not sure I've ever read an interview with Osborne--and you're right that your readers would be interested in finding out more about her process. I admire the level of quality she keeps up while being so prolific.
I'll be particularly looking forward to the book of Bible stories; I completely agree with her that it's a shame how many children don't know them.
I remember sitting in a production office reading her first book "Run, Run, as fast as you can" and thinking, wow. This person is something! She really is. Great interview.
Hi Kelly! It’s great to be recognized on your blogroll! I’m dropping in to let you know that I have moved to a new address. You’ll now find Audiobooker on the Booklist Online website. I’ll be adding content from Booklist Magazine’s thousands of reviews to my reflections on all things audiobooks, with a sprinkling of digital media and random musings. Stop by and see what’s new!
That was great. A man about 60ish brought Twilight for himself. I almost wanted to tell him, sir I don't think you're going to like that but maybe he has an inner girl to appease. A co worker who enjoy the Twilight saga, hated the movie
We all have role models. We all have heroes. But, it's not often we get the chance to talk with one of our heroes, is it?
I was on the road when I received an e-mail about Judy Blume's blog tour. And, you'd better believe that I found the nearest internet cafe, in the middle of the night, to send in my questions.
I've admired Judy Blume since I was in the third grade and checked out Are You There, God? It's Me, Margaret from the school library. After Margaret, I read everything available to me as a child growing up in the 70s: Blubber, Deenie, Otherwise Known as Sheila the Great, Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing. And, let's not forget Forever, an honest book about teen love and sex that was restricted in (at least) my school library.
I love and respect Judy Blume's work for its truth, and its soul-shaking honesty, for its clarity and its pitch-perfect dialogue. And, now as an adult, I see that her work for younger children is equally as strong.
Judy Blume is on tour because her latest The Pain & the Great One title has just been released--Going, Going, Gone! with the Pain & the Great One. Most of my questions concern this fantastic series for newly-emergent readers. (Here are my reviews ofSoupy Saturdays with the Pain & the Great One and Cool Zone with the Pain & the Great One.) Here we go...
Kelly: Where do you get your ideas? No, just kidding! My first question really concerns writing for different age groups. I suspect the story you want to tell leads you to your audience. But…is writing for one particular audience more difficult than writing for another? I've always imaged that writing for the newly-emergent reader as you do with The Pain & the Great One series is more difficult than writing for the Superfudge audience. What do you think?
Judy Blume: I find writing for any audience hard! Really hard, especially during the first draft. I dread first drafts. Second and third drafts are easier. After that it's usually fun. Doesn't matter what age group I'm writing for – it's equally difficult for me. I'm not a natural short story writer (though I enjoy writing episodic fiction) and I had to come up with 28 stories for the Pain & the Great One books over a couple of years. This was a real challenge. But publishing is like giving birth – once the baby is born you forget the pain and struggle. Okay, so that's not always true – I vowed after Summer Sisters I was never writing another book. The pain! The struggle! But looking back, I'm so glad I wrote it, and probably I will do it again.
KH: While you've written for audiences of all ages, you've always remained in real life writing realistic fiction. Do you read fantasy or science fiction?
JB: Good question. Actually I think we tend to write what we like to read and I like realistic fiction. I've never been drawn to fantasy or science fiction (though I did read all the Oz books when I was 8 or 9).
KH: The Pain or the Great One--who is your favorite? Really, I do want to know, because I can't tell when reading The Pain and the Great One stories!
JB: Well, that's good! I mean, I'm glad you can’t tell which character I prefer. I don't think I prefer one over the other. I'm like a mother – I try to see both sides.
[Editorial note: I was so The Great One as a child. And my sister was the Pain. We even called each other by these names. Thanks, Free to Be...You and Me and Judy.]
KH: One of my favorite stories in Soupy Saturdays with the Pain & the Great One concerns Abigail (The Great One) and her inability to ride a bike. I love the chapter "The Great Pretender" (told from the Pain's point of view) when the Pain learns he has something over his sister. Not only can he ride a bike and he's 2 years younger than the Great One, but she's been lying to her friends about her bike and why she can't ride it! Then when the Great One tells her tale of finally learning to ride on her own in "Weirdo on Wheels," we're all on her side, cheering her on. Even the Pain (Jake) shows his admiration or, at least, Abigail thinks he does. Hmmm...where's my question? Okay, here it is: What's interesting about Abigail's learning to ride a bike is that it takes a new member of the family--a new Uncle--to teach her. Mom couldn't teach her, Dad couldn't teach her--only Uncle Mitchell could. I found this scenario to be so true. Why do you think children find it easier to learn from near strangers?
JB: Sure, I think it's easier to learn from someone you're not trying to please, or from someone who won't be judgmental. That's why we have Driver's Ed, isn't it? There's so much else going on in the parent/child relationship. Kids don't want to disappoint. Parents' expectations can get in the way. That's why so many kids write to me about their problems. I'm safe. They don't have to get up the next morning and face me at the breakfast table. Parents shouldn't feel threatened by this. It's good for kids to have other adults in their lives – parents of friends, teachers, and yes, uncles like Mitch, who can teach a reluctant learner how to ride a bike. KH: In Cool Zone with the Pain and the Great One, the Pain is victim to a bully and the Great One leaps to his defense, tackling the bully after he steals the Pain's brand new Science Center magnifying glass from grandma. Then the kids learn from Mom and Dad that it isn't always best to confront a bully on your own. The next time the bully attacks--worms on the Great One's head--Jacob tells his teacher and his sister's teacher about the incident. The teachers are remarkably respectful and responsive to this situation. What would you say to children who aren't so lucky with adult authority figures?
JB: This is a tough question, one I asked my best friend, Mary, who's a first grade teacher. She says the child should always tell his/her teacher, and parents. If that doesn't work, the parent can go to the principal or the school counselor (if there is one) to discuss the situation. There are some non-fiction books on bullying written for parents. And Pat Scales, educator extraordinaire did a guide for adults and older kids, available free from Random House. In it, she and I do a Q&A about bullying based on my book Blubber which takes place in 5th grade.
When I look back at the books I read as a kid, many of the ones that really stuck with me are Judy Blume's. Thanks for the interview! I'm looking forward to reading the others over the next couple weeks!
Happy Thanksgiving to all you who celebrate. I've taken the non-traditional route of a road trip with the kids and my sister this year and, so far, so good.
I had a traditional Thanksgiving this year (i.e. I cooked my brains out and then collapsed in a stupor.) Last year, my friend and I left our husband and kids behind and took a week-long trip to Peru. We celebrated Thanksgiving at a chi-chi seafood restaurant in Lima where, for the price of a trip to Applebees, we had a feast of fabulous quality. Did we feel guilty? Yes...but we didn't dwell on it. And the boys all had a grand time without frantic mothers obsessing over the turkey... :-)
Hi Everyone! It may seem like I've fallen off a cliff, or something, but I'm feeling better and will be back to regular posting this weekend. In the meantime, two pieces of news:
1. Poetry Friday is held this week at Yat-Yee Chong's place. Head on over and leave your links! 2. As of this morning, I have entered a new phase of life. I am now the mom of a teenager. Wish me luck.
Yes, we've missed you, but I'm glad to hear that you are better.
As for entering the teenage years, I'm not even close, so no wisdom or advice. I will, however, share the note that my sister gave me when William was born. It is what gets me through difficult days of parenting. It reads: "You don't have to do this like anyone else." That's my mantra. Do whatever you feel is right for your family and you'll be just fine.
Actually, I am loving the teen years. It's a whole new level of parenting, great discussions and the marvel of watching your years of labor start to gel into something amazing.
Happy Birthday to your daughter. Good wishes to you. We're not at the teenage part, but you wouldn't be able to tell given (a) the messy room (b) the sleeping-in on weekends and (c) the giggly getting ready for a middle-school dance.
Ah good luck... I've got less than a year until I hit that stage, but I have to admit that it doesn't seem so ominous now. In fact, I'm finding that I kind of like this person my daughter's becoming. She's interesting and fun to talk to. Maybe teenager-dom won't be so bad after all? (One can always hope...)
Yes, good luck with the teen years. I've actually found them with child #1 to be far, far better than the immediate pre-teen years. Child #2 is still deep in pre-teen, so we'll see...
I'm always glad to see a new Big A little a post. :)
I don't have any children of any age living in my house, but I just love the teens I interact with here in the library. They can be exasperating at times--and I do see them say some truly shocking things to their parents from time-to-time--but generally they're such interesting, energetic, and enthusiastic people. It seems to me that they life life in a very all-out way. It's a great energy to be around.
Welcome back, Kelly. I'm glad that you're feeling better. As for the teen thing, well, two of our nieces just turned 13 this year, and I still find them wonderful and interesting. Of course, I'm not the one who has to get on their case about the number of text messages, or clothes, or whatever...
I'll comment from the other side of the teen years, as mine turns 19 next week...
The thing that worked for me was honesty honesty honesty -- teens spot B.S. a mile away. That meant 'owning' the times when I was cranky, tired, distracted, etc., even if I didn't realize it at first and had to own it later, as in "I'm sorry I was crabby earlier." That also meant acknowleging when, say, a teacher was being unreasonable (and perhaps coming up with a strategy to deal with it, or at least commiserate about it...since bosses aren't always reasonable either!) The more honest I was about what was right in front of us, the better.
Having said all that, I'll echo the thoughts of those who are loving the teen years -- it really is remarkable to see your kids become adults. Very cool. And for the most part, really fun.
I am well past the "mother of a teenage girl part of my life." I will admit that there were times when my teenage daughter tested my patience and set my eyeballs to spinning in their sockets. My Sara is now twenty-eight and works for the Department of Children and Families. She is a dedicated social worker. We get along really well now--and I am so proud of her.
Good luck--and my the goddess of patience shine her light down upon you.!
Hey Kelly! The teen years aren't bad. My oldest son is 15 and the next son will be 13 soon. Boys are easy. My girl (now 9) will be a different story. All I can say is, enjoy. It won't last forever.
I'd like to introduce myself and the brand/label I represent under the large genre of e-learning.
http://www.clipounets.com/ is our 2 broad casting website and
http://www.musicreche.com/ our online boutique for our products and downloads. We specialize in 'language awareness' through songs for kids. We make learning for toddlers interactive, fun and something that can be shared with the family.
Have a look!
Please do not hesitate to email me at [email protected] for further information regarding us.
Sophie http://www.clipounets.com/ http://www.musicreche.com/ Paris, France.
I'd like to introduce myself and the brand/label I represent under the large genre of e-learning.
http://www.clipounets.com/ is our 2 broad casting website and
http://www.musicreche.com/ our online boutique for our products and downloads. We specialize in 'language awareness' through songs for kids. We make learning for toddlers interactive, fun and something that can be shared with the family.
Have a look!
Please do not hesitate to email me at [email protected] for further information regarding us.
Sophie http://www.clipounets.com/ http://www.musicreche.com/ Paris, France.
I'm stopping by to say Happy Thanksgiving. I hope you and yours are well.
Congrats on being the mom of a teenager, too. I'm hoping the EXTREME contrariness of my three-year-old is not a permanent personality trait -- and that it's just a three-year-old thing. If it's a permanent trait, oh lordamercy, I'm so screwed for the teenage years.
---------------- And speaking of the New York Times,Judith Warner's column on Obama's win and why it is important to people who came of age in the Reagan era is the best (or most personally-relevant) analysis I've read on the events of this week to date. (That Reagan story happened to me too, only in California and I was in 7th grade, not 10th.) And, don't miss the photo posted towards the end of the column.
0 Comments on Weekend Reviews: Early Edition as of 1/1/1900
fran manushkin said, on 11/8/2008 12:04:00 PM
I'm beating the drum for children's Inauguration activities! Please Read this and send in your ideas! http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/blog/1790 000379/post/1970036197.html
Thanks for the link to the NYT from me too-I cried all over again. I was in eight grade in 1980, and I remember my mother voted in the Repulican primary for the first, and last, time in her life to try to keep Reagan off the ballot...
Great article! Thanks. I was too young to remember the 1980 election (only 3), but I sure do remember how upset my mom was in 1984 and how much she had hoped Mondale/Ferraro would win. Meanwhile, my dad was a staunch Reaganite...who learned his lesson during the past 8 years and voted for Obama. :)
What would I do with your vigilance in pointing me to links like New York Times Children's Book Special. Thank you so much. I never would have come across it.
I've been a bad, bad blogger. But I'm turning a new leaf now that The Cybils review copies have been ordered.
Poetry Friday roundup will be up tomorrow. Many great entries, including some first timers this week.
Against all my better judgment, I'm joining Jennie of Biblio File (Smalltown alum!) for NaNoWriMo. Yes, I should be working on editing other things, but I have a new story to tell. Adult, or at least teen, this time.
Okay, apologies over, short and sweet. Let's just get to this weekend's reviews:
Wow, I've heard about so many people doing Nano this fall! I was thinking about it but am going to instead try and finish a draft of something I'm already working on. Good luck and have fun!
Yay! I have 3 papers and a presentation next month. Plus work.
And yet, 50,000 words about princesses? Why not? Although Cinderella might take up intellectual freedom in American public schools as a cause. With a 20-25 page monologue about it.
Secondly, thanks for all the goodness here. So many titles to hit up at the library. As always, I love your weekend reviews, no matter what day they fall on.
Hi. I teach 4th grade here in Madison, Indiana. I spent a good amount of time broswing your site. Thanks for your words. My site has many issues like yours. I hope to come back soon and read more. Have a good day.
Good morning, Kelly! Thanks for hosting. I've posted a review of Linda O. High's PLANET PREGNANCY, a novel-in-verse. http://poetryforchildren.blogspot.com/
Hope you finished grading -- or at least you've come to a breathing spot. I'm in this week with Our Lady Jane Yolen's Once Upon. Thanks for continuing the whole poetry thingy, and for hosting this week.
I'm in with "Understanding" by Sara Teasdale, and the prayer of St. Francis. ("Grant that I may not so much seek to be understood as to understand...")
Thanks for hosting, Kelly. Maybe this will be distraction enough to help you get over PR ;)
With the days getting shorter, temps getting cooler, and kids getting grumpier, I found Cheerfulness Taught By Reason by Elizabeth Barrett Browning to speak to me.
Thanks for hosting, Kelly. I've posted a small poem by Valerie Worth called "bell" - a perfect description of why we write. It's over at THE DRIFT RECORD: http://julielarios.blogspot.com/
The 'pooter blew up, but I'm here with an original contribution, an early attempt at kidlit (with illustration!): http://brimstonesoup.blogspot.com/2008/10/poetry-friday-princess-pia-original.html
It was sad to get home this evening and realize there was no Project Runway awaiting me. (This moment was especially poignant when I realized we have no idea when PR will return. Or where. [Please, don't let it be on Lifetime. I'll have to get over serious issues to watch it on Lifetime.]) Then I remembered we hadn't yet discussed the finale, so I could at least blog about it here.
Okay, so first and foremost...the editing? Nightmarish. It seemed as if Kenley had a chance of winning the whole thing, even though you and I watched the whole season (along with Michael, Nina, and Tim) and knew, just knew, she would be third. And, of course, she came in third. Come on, people, we're not stupid!
Leanne? Total winner. This was my favorite dress in her collection (to the right). Gorgeous, unique, and new. (Those of you who know my book tastes know that risk-taking is always rewarded.)
And, her win proved to me that Project Runway, over five seasons, has mostly gotten it right. Let's break it down:
Season One: Jay? Yes, even though Kara Saun was a close second. An awesome season overall.
Season Two: All of them failed in my opinion. Daniel's collection was awful, Chloe's was weird, and Santino's poorly crafted. I would have picked Santino for the win (I did like his California Golden Girl dresses best), but understood why the judges chose Chloe. She had a collection. It just happened to be ugly.
Season Three: Okay, this was the season that upset me most. I was 100% behind "Bad Mommy" (Laura) from day one. I liked her clothes, I liked her attitude, I liked her snark. Jeffrey's Gothic Lolita look (which won) seriously got me down. Oh, and Mychael Knight? Nice Guy, horrible final collection.
Season Four: Three great people in the top three--Rami, Christian, and Jillian. Christian totally deserved the win, however.
Season Five brings us back to Korto...the best second-placer ever.
I'm sorry, but this is one gorgeous dress. (Even though the ProjectRungay guys accuse it of titscrepancy.) Everything in Korto's collection was beautiful, the colors were brilliant, and normal women could wear her clothes. But she just didn't reach the same level of innovation as our sweet nerd girl Leanne did.
That being said, I'd buy clothes from Korto. (Especially this particular dress.)
What say you...about Project Runway Season Five? About Project Runway in general? About the end of Project Runway on Bravo? (Tim doesn't want to move to Los Angeles. I think we should support Tim, because he's the best thing about Project Runway, hands down.)
0 Comments on This Week in TV--One Week On as of 1/1/1900
I love PR as do many of my co workers. Though Season One is still my favorite. I am hoping it stays on Bravo. I wouldn't mind the move to L.A. Maybe Tim Gunn can be bicoastal. How many months make up a season of PR? I must admit I was tricked by the editing of the last show. I am upset Korto didn't win but Leanne did a great job as well. She had a very cohesive line. I loved Korto's use of color and accessories. What are your issues with lifetime?
See...I was behind Korto because her clothes WERE buyable/wearable. I could even wear that beautiful green dress (though it would drag on the group because of my 5 ft frame)... Leanne's were all skin-tight, bland colors, and almost too much invention. Normal girls won't buy her stuff.
I love talking Project Runway. My hubby just won't watch it...
Leanne's clothes were innovative and well-made, but they were ugly. I'm sorry, that wave skirt? Made boy models look too hip-y. NO ONE would look good in that--her clothes didn't compliment the body!
I think Leanne's work is less fashion and more sculpture that happens to use fabric. I think the criticism of her being a one-trick pony is valid. She likes the sculpture details and in the wave thing it worked, but it's failed horribly so many other times during the season.
Korto should have won!
I, too, was sad on Wednesday when I realized there was no PR. :(
I agree with the Korto love. Her clothes could be worn by women of many shapes, whereas with Leanne's you'd have to have no hips, as Jennie said.
I also thought Korto had the best collection--not just individual pieces, but the collection as a whole. Leanne's was boring, with the same look just duplicated over and over.
I have issues with Kenley's attitude (big issues--she needs to grow up quite a bit), but I thought some of her dresses in that collection were beautiful. Didn't care for the second dress with the big sleeves, though. Uck.
Kelly, thanks for letting us talk about this. It's a nice distraction from political blogs, although those all seem to be about fashion these past few days, too!
I've stayed away from politics on the blog during this oh-so-very-long season. But, I just have to link to Callie Shell's photographs of Obama. They are stunning. Enjoy.
(Keep clicking on "show me more images." The best ones are behind the first page.)
Thank you for this link. I burst into tears on the second page when I saw the looks in those two little boys faces. We may have to break down and slip a tiny bit of politics onto our blog...
I KNOW, Mary Lee. What a photo. Also, I loved the one with the Mother in Iowa (whose son had died in Iraq.) The look on Obama's face. Real compassion.
Rebecca said, on 10/23/2008 7:12:00 AM
Glad I'm not the only misty-eyed person looking at these photos! Unfortunately I can't vote for Obama (I'm Canadian and live in Canada), but I would if I could. He has many supporters north of the border and in other nations around the world. Hopefully those international good vibes will help on November 4th!
Obama has many supporters all over the world. I just hope he has enough here, in the U.S. I've already voted, but, man, this is going to be a long 12 days!
I've got a little video on my blog that should up your energy level too. I've watched it four times today and each time I feel just a little more hopeful.
Great photos, Kelly - I love the one of him in the stairwell by himself. Can you imagine giving up that kind of quiet, reflective time and becoming a totally public person? A couple of my other favorites have been mentioned already, but how about the one of him cleaning up after himself in the ice cream shop - just a small, small gesture, wiping down the counter with that napkin, but it shows his mind-set. I think he'll win if the election is honest & the voting machine tabulations can be trusted. Fingers crossed.
Anonymous said, on 10/29/2008 1:29:00 PM
Made me teary too. I'll be glad when the election is over! At least, I hope I'll be glad...
Hookay. The Telegraph? Needs to take a little lie down, and perhaps an aspirin or two. Could they BE more... pointless? Or is it still a case of adding those two magical names to a piece and getting more reader attention?!?!
I've had blogging malaise lately. Heck, I've had life malaise. Maybe it's the change of seasons, the loss of summer. Maybe it's the LONG Cybils lists or the endless grading. End result? Slow blogging and slow reading.
But...I'm trying to pull myself together and write the super-huge weekend reviews post and then order the Cybils review copies. In the meantime, I turn to you to entertain me, people. Here's what I want to know: Which ill-advised pop song do you love even though you know you shouldn't? You know, this song shows your lack of taste and discernment, but you love it anyway.
I'll put my answers in the comments, though the image is a hint. Tell me the truth, and you know you'll feel better.
(I am also majorly behind in my critique groups, so I have my work cut out for me!)
0 Comments on Majorly OT: Entertain me, people! as of 1/1/1900
I bet nobody can come up with a cheesier song or band than "The Way I Feel Tonight" by Bay City Rollers. What can I say, I was a sappy tween with no taste.
Firefox crashed on me the first time I tried to post, but I'm ignoring the sign that's telling me I shouldn't admit to loving Justin Timberlake's "Sexy Back" and New Kids on the Block's "Summertime." While I'm being pathetic, I might as well admit that I saw NKOTB in concert a couple of weeks ago and absolutely loved it.
I can never pull song titles out of the air when asked. But I do have 99 Red Balloons on a 45 and converted it to digital so I can listen to it on my computer. Does that count. Oh - and I like the German version better (I have that one too).
Rock Me Amadeus by Falco Get Low Several Britney Spears songs (I'm particularly fond of "Toxic", however.) The entire soundtrack to Music & Lyrics. And more.
My kids made me listen to the Jonas Brothers, and a couple of their songs actually stuck themselves into my fifty+ year old brain. Love Bug and the one about going to the year 3000: "Not much has changed, but they live underwater."
I saw the Bangles as well. Love them! Even if they are ill-advised. But what pops in my headthis minute is "Walking on Sunshine" by Katrina and the Waves.
'Let the Music Play' and 'It's Raining Men' are classics! It brings back memories of dancing at frat parties. Here's another classic, 'Tempted' by Squeeze.
As for more contemporary music, I'd go with Miley--I like Breakout.
I'm always happy to receive a package from Lee & Low Books. They publish some of the most interesting and joyful children's books around. Sally Derby's No Mush Today, illustrated by Nicole Tadgell, is no exception. This story of a girl who just doesn't want to eat mush for breakfast brings light and fun to a familiar domestic battle.
The heroine of No Mush Today sets out on her own after refusing to eat the cornmeal porridge set in front of her: "Puttin' on my shiny shoes,/goin' over to Grandma's./No mushy mush at Grandma's house./No bawlin' baby there." Because, you see, it's not just the mush that's at issue in Nonie's world--there's the new baby brother, as well.
Nonie thinks a permanent move to Grandma's might be in order. But, then, there's a picnic and Grandma doesn't really want to run around, but Dad does. And, it turns out that Mom and the baby brother miss her, so Nonie thinks she just might give her family another try. Sally Derby's text is fast-paced and childlike, while Nicole Tadgell's lovely, warm illustrations--with greens, blues, yellows, and browns at their heart--bring life to Derby's minimalistic text. Take a look at Tadgell's rendering of Nonie's homecoming. The most hardened six-year-old will be unable to resist that beautiful baby in green--even if you've given him your favorite stuffed animal.
No Mush Today is best suited for children ages three to seven. I recommend it particularly for all first children and for children who really hate breakfast.
Kelly: Tell me, Nicole, about working with Lee & Low.(I think they're a fantastic house.)How were you hired?How did you team up with Sally Derby for No Mush Today? Nicole: I had done work with Bebop Books, an imprint of Lee & Low for Moving Day Surprise a few years ago. Knowing Lee and Low's reputation for quality multicultural books, I had been wanting to work with them for years. My agent and I regularly sent updated portfolio pieces to them, and with luck, there was a manuscript they felt I'd be a good fit for. As with most publishing houses, the author and illustrator don't actually work together during the book process.
Kelly: As an artist, how did you know illustrating for children's books would be a good move for you?
Nicole: It's natural for me. I've always been sort of child-like in how I see the world, and I still remember what it was like to be little. I enjoy drawing things that children like to see, quite simply!
Kelly:No Mush Today centers around a sibling relationship. Do you have a sibling? Did this change the way you illustrated the book?
Nicole: Oh, yes! I have a younger sister and brother, and I recall how it was very disruptive in my world as a child. I'd say it influenced the way I illustrated the book, because I knew from experience how Nonie felt.
Kelly: What do you think about the state of multicultural picture books in the U.S. today?
Nicole: I think there are so many lovely books out there I've seen, and there must be hundreds more that I haven't seen!
Kelly: Tell us a little bit more about you. Where do you work and live? How do you spend your days?
Nicole: I work as a graphic artist in Worcester, at Davis Advertising for 15 years. I do my illustration work in the evenings and on weekends. It's sometimes challenging to balance both, and sometimes the dust bunnies seem to take over when I get busy! I live in Central Massachusetts, and I love New England - especially this time of year when the leaves are brilliant and the air is crisp.
Kelly: Thank you so much, Nicole, for stopping by.
0 Comments on A talk with illustrator Nicole Tadgell as of 1/1/1900
Hey, *great* interview, and agreed: the piece in the Guardian is distressing. Whenever I am dismayed at the small number of books for multicultural audiences here in the U.S., I am comforted by the fact that "at least there's Lee & Low!" and so many others are trying. We have a long way to go, but we're not as color-impoverished as we could be.
I also love that this is book is about MUSH. Not oatmeal. Not Cream of Wheat. Not even grits. MUSH. It sounds as bad as she thinks it is.
Great interview Kelly, and thanks for the shoutout to Lee & Low. Glad you liked the book as much as we do! (And just FYI Doret, it is out now: http://www.leeandlow.com/books/180/hc/no_mush_today)
Umm, Kelly, the Guardian is an UK newspaper so the situation may be different for multicultural books in the UK. I'm not familiar with the state of their publishing industry.
As for US multicultural books, there are indeed some wonderful ones out there. BUT, are they getting into the major bookstores? I was eyeing some great multicultural picturebooks on a table at a book fair recently that I'd heard of but never seen in a bookstore. They are planning to establish a multicultural children's bookstore in the Chicago area to sell books and I hope it will be easily accessible. There's a definite need!
Thanks, everyone, for stopping by. Yes, Jenny...I know the Guardian is U.K., but, still, that article was a strange one. And, yay, for the new bookstore in Chicago!
Hannah: I'm glad you found the post.
Doret: There is an explanation of what mush is in the beginning of the book. Basically, cornmeal porridge.
I enjoyed this post very much. Great interview as an extra treat! I think my boys would love that book and I am going to look for it. We are fortunate enough to have grandparents living close by so they can "escape" each other for special days...
I've been going through the Cybils 2008 nomination lists this evening and considering what is missing. I've been holding my votes until the very last day, and here are some titles I'm considering:
Another category I follow carefully is poetry. I was happy to see that Imaginary Menagerie was nominated (and early!). I also really liked this year (and they're still not nominated!) J. Patrick Lewis'sThe World's Greatest: Poemsand Pam Munoz Ryan's Our California. Hmmm...what to do? Someone help me out here, okay? In 2008 there was only one Graphic Novel for me--Joann Sfar's Little Vampire--a book I loved and one I return to frequently. My heart remains true to the little vampire. Why? Because Little Vampire is a graphic novel children as young as six can read and one adults will enjoy as well. Little Vampire is about love and loyalty--to family, to friends, to monsters. My graphic novel nomination is a no-brainer.
The last category I am following carefully is the Middle Grade fiction category. I'm a judge this year (yay! I decided working with the publishers was not enough for me...), so I'm excited by which five-to-seven books will come my way in early 2009. My favorite book of the year (besides Little Vampire) was Frank Cottrell Boyce's Cosmic, but it has been nominated. So I think I'm going to nominate Judy Blume's Going, Going, Gone! with the Pain and the Great One. I know this isn't an original or an out-of-the-box choice, but I love the Pain and the Great One books and they should be recognized--even if Judy Blume, the Queen of Children's Fiction, wrote them.
--------------------------- Two other links of notice today:
2) Need a calming waste of time? Then don't miss This is Sand. Man, many minutes have gone by today creating sand art for me. Notice the passive? Wonderful.
0 Comments on What's Missing? 2008 Cybils and More (Links) as of 1/1/1900
Do the Cybils have rules about dates of publication? I too adore the Little Vampire books, but two of those in the new collection were published here a few years ago.
Hey, Kelly, I keep meaning to tell you that I did wind up downloading/listening to Cosmic, and there were times I had to pull over my car, I was laughing so hard. I think you still can't get the paper book in the US, though, can you? Am I missing something? I'm dying to get a copy for my library.
My blogging has been on the slow side lately. Work has been insane, this political season has got me down, and the Cybils are in full swing.
But here's the good news: I voted today! For President and all the rest of it. And it felt good. I've done my duty and now I can just hope for the best.
Speaking of voting...there are only two days left to nominate your favorite children's books of 2008 for the Cybils. I'm headed over there right now and will do a 'what's missing' post tomorrow.
0 Comments on I voted. Now it's your turn! as of 1/1/1900
Whatever the outcome this year (and yes, I have a distinct preference, but that's not the point right here), I hope we see record numbers of voters actually participating.
Like you two, I have a definite hope for the winner of the election but am encouraging everyone I can! AND I nominated (for the first time) for Cybils! Hooray! I feel so accomplished. :)
Well, that was one sad Project Runway episode for me. Jerrell was a designer whose clothes I never really liked, but I enjoyed him as a person. I'll be sad to see him go. Seriously, though, his dress was fug. There it is to the right. It looks like it's smoldering. Not a good sign for a wedding, wouldn't you say?
Complicating matters from an emotional point of view for this Project Runway viewer was that my favorite remaining designer--Korto--turned in what I thought was a much worse dress than Jerrell's. They kept her, I think, because her final collection is very good and over the course of the season she's done extremely well.
But, still--take a look to your lower left. Korto made a skinny girl look heavy. On her wedding day. In taupe. TAUPE. What was she thinking? I get the whole non-traditional approach to a wedding. But go with red, then, or pink--not brown! I know what I'm thinking: There's no way Leanne isn't going to run away with Season Five. Her dresses were great and she's the only contestant who doesn't falter with gigantic misses like these two entries. She has a unique point of view and is steady. No surprises here.
--------------- ETA: The good in this episode? The always marvelous Tim Gunn. Talking to the designers and tearing up. All teachers know that feeling. You have a great group of students and you're sad to say goodbye, but proud of them at the same time. And Tim on a tandem bike with Leanne in Portland? A moment to cherish.
0 Comments on This Week in TV: What Can You Do? as of 1/1/1900
I am looking forward to seeing the final collection. I haven't looked ahead yet. I very happy Korto made it to the final three. But Leanne seems like the little designer that could. She started off slow but each week she got better. I first started paying attention to Leanne after the drag queen episode. Though I still think Korto will win
Doret: We'll see, won't we? Like you, I like Korto too. But, this might be because of my age and life experience. Her final collection is beautiful and has color. But, yes, Leanne is the little designer who could. It's really between the two of them.
Anonymous said, on 10/14/2008 5:28:00 AM
I think we'll all be surprised and Kenley will win. If you have an American Express card the after show on bravotv.com is really fun. You can also watch it the next day. SP
There's the Thanksgiving spot remaining. A few of you mentioned that you'd take any spot, but I wasn't sure that meant the Thanksgiving one. So, if you offered to host and don't see your name on this list, pick another one in the comments.
(Jim D and Lisa--your dates were already taken by the time you left your comments. Please choose another date!)
7 Comments on Poetry Friday Schedule, last added: 10/24/2008
Hi Kelly--OK, I haven't volunteered before because I don't know how to use Mr. Linky. But it's time to learn! So I could take Jan 9 or 16, if you like.
OK, I'm not usually so scatterbrained. But I just realized there's a very small chance I'll be out of town during that time in January, so I shouldn't commit to the 9th or 16th. I could take the 23rd, though, if it's still open.
Very sensible of you, Kelly.
Big hugs.
Thanks, Kelly. I need the help.
And, thank you, Mary Lee!! I owe you one :)
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Glad to help. It's a little thing I can do.
Take it easy Kelly and God Bless!
Good for you for learning the definition of the word "delegate!" Look forward to having you back in whatever capacity you choose.
We will miss you but anyways you will come back and that's all that matters.
Thanks for all the hosting, coordinating, and delegating. Enjoy a well-deserved break!