It’s hard to believe that Toronto is even considering library closures! When students like fourteen year old Anika are begging to keep our libraries open, it’s a very sad day. Thestar.com – VideoZone – Student Annika Tabovaradan makes tearful plea.
The importance of Public Libraries: Student Annika Tabovaradan makes and impassioned plea
30 Jul 2011 Leave a comment
in For Educators, News Tags: The importance of public libraries
Sci/Why: a science blog for kids and Adults
30 Jul 2011 2 Comments
in Events, For Educators, News, Publishing News, Reviews Tags: science for kids and adults
As a former science teacher, I love catching up on what’s going on in the world of science, so it was a treat to hear about a relatively new science blog launched by a group of writers who specialize in science for kids. It’s called Sci/Why, and it’s fabulous. At Sci/Why, you can get questions answered, read book reviews and articles, and catch up on resources for kids and adults. The articles are as diverse, covering a variety of science topics that include: geology, dragonflies, eyesight, and dinosaurs to name just a few. The common thread (aside from science) in all the articles was that each was engaging, informative, assessable, and well written. Bravo to the creators and contributors of Sci/Why. Be sure to check them out.
Writer’s Digest contests
27 Jul 2011 Leave a comment
in Help for writers, News Tags: writing contests
Do you write thrillers, romance, mysteries or for the young adult market? Are you a writer dying to get discovered? If so, check out
Writer’s Digest who just happen to have a series of contests coming up. There are other contest categories too, so don’t miss out.
Sidney Youth Arts and Culture Festival featuring Nikki Tate
25 Jul 2011 Leave a comment
If you happen to be anywhere the south end of Vancouver Island on Wednesday July 27, don’t miss Nikki Tate. Nikki, a writer, storyteller, and broadcaster, will be telling stories from 10-11:30 at the Mary Winspear Centre (2243 Beacon Ave, Sidney, BC) .
Nikki brings a blend of humor and exuberance to a high energy performances as she tells tales about the daring (mis)adventures of the Knights of Camelot, traditional stories from the far reaches of the world, and modern twists on old favourites. A short Q & A session will follow Nikki’s presentation
This performance is part of Sidney’s Youth Arts and Culture Festival and is suitable for audiences from 8 to 88.
What authors do when they aren’t writing
22 Jul 2011 Leave a comment
in News, Writing Life Tags: wedding favors, what authors do when they aren't writing
It’s starting to seem like summer. Yesterday I made 15 jars of raspberry jam to add to the 24 jars of strawberry jam I’ve made so far. The goal is 100 jars of jam which I and Ali are making for wedding favors for Cloe’s wedding. Ali will make 1/3 and I will make the other 2/3, so only 39 more jars to go. I’m thinking blueberry will be next, then apricot. The last jam to jar will, of course, be blackberry. Too bad you can’t taste it!
Laurel Snyder’s Bigger Than A Breadbox Skype Tour
20 Jul 2011 2 Comments
in News, Publishing News Tags: children's books, For Teachers, Skype Author Tour
Are you a teacher looking for a great deal? Well Laurel Snyder has one just for you…she’ll be doing a Skype tour of 100 schools in 100 days, and it’s FREE! Yep, you read that right. FREE!. And, the icing on the cake is that the first 30 schools who sign up will get a free copy of her new book, Bigger Than A Breadbox. It may sound crazy, but Laurel is serious, so don’t delay, sign up for her “Bigger Than A Breadbox Skype tour” today.
An I Can Read app for Free!
19 Jul 2011 Leave a comment
in News, Publishing News Tags: apps, children's books, Dixie by Grace Gilman & Sarah Mcconnell, HarperColllins, I Can Read series
Hey are you a teacher or parent in the market for a free easy read book? HarperCollins is launching apps of their I Can Read series. And, to kick of the celebration, they’re offering Dixie by Grace Gilman & Sarah Mcconnell as a FREE download for your i-Phone, i-Touch, or i-Pad, so check it out.
Dixie
by Grace Gilman & Sarah Mcconnell
Thanks to Cynthia Nugent for the heads up on this free app.
PIcture Book Webinar with Mary Kole
17 Jul 2011 Leave a comment
in Help for writers, News Tags: kidlit, Mary Kole, picture book webinar
On Thursday July 28, Mary Kole is offering a Picture Book Webinar. Mary is an agent with Andrea Brown, teaches webinars for Writer’s Digest, and hosts a fabulous blog. If you’re trying to break into the picture book scene, you won’t want to miss this one, especially since she’s offering a picture book critique for no extra cost. It’s a steal people!
Vancouver Folk Music Festival
15 Jul 2011 Leave a comment
in News Tags: Vancouver Folk Music Festival
Today I’m off to pick up my wayward youngest daughter Katie who has been traveling in South East Asia, New Zealand and Australia for the last eight months. I’m so excited to see her. The other wonderful thing is that she just happens to be coming home on the weekend of the Vancouver Folk Music Festival. Some of the highlights will be Rosanne Cash, Dan Hicks and the Hot Licks, and Joel Plaskett Emergency. Going to this three day festival has been a family tradition since my girls were babies, so I’m thrilled that Katie will be joining. Unfortunately, one of my girls won’t be able to make it for the whole weekend as she’ll be at Children’s Hospital putting in a couple of twelve hour shifts; but we hope she can make it down for a few of the workshops so we can all be together. If you haven’t been, you don’t know what you’re missing!
the girls & I at a previous folk music festival
All we’ll need is a little sunshine to make the weekend perfect.
Sheryl McFarlane 