Writers Wednesday -- A visit with a new work by Miriam Udel.

 

In HONEY ON THE PAGE: A Treasury of Yiddish Children’s Literature, Miriam Udel has compiled an exemplary collection of Yiddish children’s literature.

 

Drawing on works from Europe as well as North and South America, she has edited and translated poems and stories from the original Yiddish that offer readers not only the pleasure of the storytelling, but also a glimpse into Jewish history and culture. Udel is clearly a scholar, providing a depth of understanding in her Introduction, Notes to Young Readers and the succinct biographies that precede each author’s story. But don’t imagine for a moment that there is anything dry or stiff in this notable assembly of work. The stories and poems are charming and engaging and beautifully complimented by imaginative illustrations. The tone is delightfully conversational.

 The book is divided into eight thematic areas:

Jewish Holidays,

History and Heroes

Folktales, Fairy Tales, Wonder Tales

Wise Fools

Allegories, Parables, and Fables

School Days

In Life’s Classroom

Jewish Families, Here and There

 In her note TO THE YOUNG READER, Udel explains that her goal was to share stories that were appealing, but also teach readers about different cultures, places, and times. Her work takes the stories a step farther by also identifying shared ideas and experiences that readers would find relatable.

 A comprehensive Introduction provides a thoughtful discussion of Udel’s inspiration and methodology in selecting materials. She also takes care to ground the reader in the historic tradition of Jewish storytelling.

HONEY ON THE PAGE is an excellent resource for family reading because it will appeal to a broad audience from preschool to teenager to adult. Young readers will find enjoyable stories read by grownups.  Independent readers will find an immediate connection to some stories and, as they grow, have the opportunity to develop appreciation for others. Parents and librarians will discover a charming collection of new stories to share. Adults looking to widen their cultural experience or seeking to deepen their understanding of the rich tradition of Yiddish literature will find a well-researched resource here.

Versatile Blogger

I'm sending a heartfelt "Thank You" to Tammy Flanders from Apples with Many Seeds for recognizing me as a Versatile Blogger!

This recognition comes with three important responsibilities:

• Thank the person who nominated you and provide a link back to their blog. 
• Share 7 things about you. 
• Give this award to up to fifteen bloggers.  Contact those bloggers and let them in on the exciting news.

Here are 7 things about me as a writer.

1. I began my career writing for regional and national periodicals.

2. My work as a Library Media Specialist surrounded me with children's literature and eventually caused me to switch a portion of my writing efforts to children's books.

3. My family pioneered their way West by covered wagon to Arizona and I grew up surrounded by Western culture which is why it is often reflected in my work.

4. I feel a personal and professional responsibility to share what I know about my craft with my fellow writers.  With that thought in mind, I've co-chaired Young Authors Conferences, provided in-service training/seminars for teachers, and taught writing workshops for children and adults.

5. I'm passionate about doing research.  I have shelves and shelves of books on a variety of topics related to the craft of writing, history, folklore, etc.  I favor primary sources for history whenever possible and some of my books are from the 1800s.

6. Mark Twain and Ernest Hemingway have influenced me through their body of work, but also through their perspectives on the craft of writing.

7. One of my favorite quotes from Mark Twain is: "To get the right word in the right place is a rare achievement.  To condense the diffused light of a page of thought into the luminous flash of a single sentence, is worthy to rank as a prize composition just by itself . . . Anybody can have ideas -- the difficulty is to express them without squandering a quire of paper on an idea that ought to be reduced to one glittering paragraph. -- Letter to Emeline Beach, 10 Feb. 1868

I would like to recognize the following Versatile Bloggers -- listed below in no particular order:

Tales of the Rushmore Kid

The Miss Rumphius Effect

Teaching Authors

The Happy Accident

Adventures in Children's Publishing

School Visit Experts

The Librarian Writer

Jen Robinson's Book Page

Do You Have a Book to Sell? Part 4

Will your book make the cut when I whittle down my book purchase list to the Must-Haves? Today, I'll focus on the fiction portion of the collection: Easy readers, beginning chapter books, and fiction. Here are the goals I must meet as library media specialist:

1. Engage all the students as readers. I need books of varying levels -- titles to attract reluctant readers, high-interest, low-level books for my struggling readers, and challenging literature for my advanced readers.
2. Develop appreciation for literature. Provide students with exemplary writing by collecting both the classic children's books and the best new material by debut authors.
3. Support the curriculum: I want copies of the books that are excerpted in the language arts anthology or read by the teacher for class discussion. I'll also provide State Reading Award nominee books to read and discuss with the students in library as preparation for voting later in the school year.

When it comes to item three, those selections have already been made for me. So I will focus here on one and two for which the search process is the same.

My first choice when it comes to making selections is to read the book. I spend a lot of time browsing through bookstores and school book fairs. Does that picture book hold my interest to the last page? How will it sound read aloud? Does the first line, paragraph, or page of a chapter book hook me? Does the blurb on the cover intrigue me? I'd love to read everything that sounds promising, but I can't.

In order to sort through the hundreds of new books that are published every year, I read the reviews.

The Synopsis: Does the story sound engaging? How similar is the theme or premise to other books I have in the collection? This determination can work for or against a book. If it is something that the students are still eagerly pulling off the shelf, then another fairy book, sports mystery, vampire tale, or ? will provide additional reading options. On the other hand, if interest has waned then I don't need more of the same.

The Assessment: What does the review have to say about the writing - plotting, pacing, characterization, word choice, etc? How well does the book attain its stated goals and work for its intended audience? I'll look for key words and phrases.

• Pros: clarity, wit, fresh twist, rewarding choice, natural for book talks, adept pacing, well-drawn or memorable characters, genuine emotion, lively humor, original concept, honest, universal -- to name a few.
• Cons: flat, lecturing, intrusive narrator, heavy-handed, above its target audience, stretches credulity, tries to tell the story in rhyme, but doesn't succeed, stereotypical, forced, insipid, predictable.

If you are hoping for your book to make the cut then consider which of these remarks describe your writing. Library books generally have a much longer shelf life than books that are purchased for home use. The titles that make it to the collection must have enduring quality and themes that will remain relevant over time. I hope your book is one of them.

Here is the answer to Friday's Famous First: "Now, Bix Rivers has disappeared, and who do you think is going to tell his story but me?" From Newbery Honor Book The Moves Make the Man by Bruce Brooks.

Following Monday's post, I've been enjoying a lively discussion on the topic of who wields the most influence over the purchase of children's books -- the child or the adult?

Here's my take on the subject. Do adults lean toward books that stir warm childhood memories? Yes! Are children influenced by books with popular media tie-ins? Sure!

However, in my experience as a library media specialist and literacy advocate, I see quite an astute audience out there in the market place. I meet with hundreds of children every week. The vast majority are looking for quality literature and their parents are pretty savvy about new titles and authors. Parents usually want to provide the best reading material available and communicate with their children and literacy professionals like myself at school and public libraries as well as teachers to find material. In addition, I certainly wouldn't underestimate the impact of book reviews by the knowledgeable children's book bloggers in the Kidlitosphere. And there are Amazon. com reviews for that matter. The librarians I know make liberal use of the numerous professional reviews in Kirkus, Horn Book, School Library Journal, etc. in our quest for the best.

Last and certainly not least...word of mouth is always at work to elevate quality work or eliminate the inferior.

I see the child/adult issue as more of a collaboration than a contest. I've observed parents and children at countless book fairs and other book-buying venues. I see parents who are eager to introduce their favorite authors and stories to their children. And at the same time, most parents are not only willing, but eager to consider their child's suggestions with regard to new titles and authors and most often draw the line at purchasing based on the appropriateness of the subject matter and the quality of the writing. Best case...it's a win/win for both.

Poetry Friday Roundup is being hosted today by Great Kid Books. As a Mom to several canines and Foster Mom to a score more, I'm offering up "Stanza," a picture book in rhyme --written by Jill Esbaum and illustrated by Jack E. Davis. Stanza and his two brothers spend their nights harassing city folks, but once his siblings are asleep, Stanza secretly indulges his poetic side. Of course his secret is found out, but the turmoil over his double-life is eventually resolved and his bullying brothers, Fresco and Dirge discover their own artistic talents.

Friday's Famous First: Can you name the title and author of this children's book? "On the banks of the river Nagara, where the long-necked cormorants fish at night, there once lived a poor widow and her son."

It's Writer's Wednesday -- here some Helpful Writing Tips.

Children's magazines are great places to be published. You'll find up-to-date information on many of the best-known periodicals in the April 1st post titled Magazine Submissions at Pen and Ink. Susan Berger provides a brief summary for all of you with a poem, article, etc. that's looking for a home.

At Tales from the Rushmore Kid, the blog of Tina Nichols Coury, agent Mark McVeigh shared a Revision Tip of the Day. You can find more of Mark's wisdom at The McVeigh Agency Blog.

Writers are always urged to know the Children's Book Market. What better place to find information then at the Publisher's Weekly post on Children's Bestsellers 2009.

While we are on the subject of marketing, every writer must be prepared to get out there and talk to the public. For writers of children's books, that can often mean school visits. There is a great March 19th post on the topic by Jacqueline Vick titled The Challenges of Putting on a Children's Literacy Presentation at Writers in Residence.

This week's Poetry Friday Roundup is being hosted at Becky's Book Review.

If you are wondering if your child is ever going to tire of the series, genre, etc. that currently holds them in thrall, the answer is "Yes!" Today there's a wonderful post over at A Year of Reading, "Trust That Your Child Will Make It Through That Reading Phase," that is well work a look.

Friday's Famous First: Do you know the book title and author for this first line? "Garnet thought this must be the hottest day that had ever been in the world."

I'm passing along information from one of the many note-worthy posts at Jen Robinson's Book Page. She points out that Katherine Paterson, National Ambassador for Young People's Literature has an article in the New York Daily News on the impact of technology on reading. Both Jen's post and the New York Daily News article are definitely worth reading. Thanks, Jen.

Here's the answer to last week's Famous First:

"Give me a push, Beast," Emily called to her friend Richard Best." Fish Face (The Kids of the Polk Street School -- written by Patricia Reilly Giff, illustrated by Blanche Sims.

What Book Got You Hooked? That's the question at First Book. If you haven't cast your vote, it's time to get over there and let the world know what book from your childhood inspired a love of reading. Your vote will help determine which state receives 50,000 books for needy children.

Four days and counting. The opportunity to vote ends on September 30, 2009 at midnight (ET). First Book will publish the results of the vote and the Top 50 list of the books that got us hooked on reading in October.

Here are the new Famous Firsts. Yes, I know it isn't Friday. I was immersed in a new story yesterday and couldn't break the spell.

Famous Firsts

1. "Ma, a mouse has to do what a mouse has to do."

2. "Everybody knows the story of the Three Little Pigs."

Thanks to all of you who emailed me first lines from some of your favorite books. You'll be seeing more Famous Firsts each Friday. Answers are at the end of my post.

September is Library Card Sign-Up Month so here are five library related books I'd like to share. One of my favorite read-aloud books for my very young students is Book! Book! Book! by Deborah Bruss -- Left alone on the farm after the children go back to school, the animals decide to visit the library to find something to read. The story is simple but engaging as the various animals take turns trying to get library books and there is a surprise ending that always earns giggles!

For older readers, there is the lovely non-fiction book My Librarian is a Camel: how books are brought to children around the world by Margriet Ruurs. Bookmobiles are great, but how do you get books to children in remote parts of the world? Ingeniously is the answer and this book describes some of those methods including by camel, elephant and boat. A nice reminder that books are cherished and readers will find a way. This book always makes my students think twice about telling me that getting a library book is too hard.

Librarians wear several hats; they tell stories, educate, and manage the collection. Here are three picture book titles that take an entertaining look at the way librarians do their job. Library Lion by Michelle Knudsen is the tale of a Lion who wonders into the library and is allowed to stay, but only if he's quiet. He forgets to use his "library voice" but it turns out he had a good reason.

The Library Dragon by Carmen Agra Deedy is a very funny look at one well-meaning librarian's attempt to care for her collection with dire consequences for her patrons.

What makes a perfect librarian? That's the question in Our Librarian Won't Tell Us Anything! by Toni Buzzeo. New student, Robert has been warned about Mrs. Skorupski, but he soon discovers that although she won't hand him every book he asks for, she does something even better.

As Promised here are the title and author answers for last Friday's Famous Firsts:
1. "Claudia knew that she could never pull off the old-fashioned kind of running away. "
From The Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E. L. Konigsburg
2. "There is no lake at Camp Green Lake." from Holes by Louis Sachar
3. "The night Max wore his wolf suit and made mischief of one kind and another..."
Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak

When I look back, I am so impressed again with the life-giving power of literature.
If I were a young person today, trying to gain a sense of myself in the world,
I would do that again by reading, just as I did when I was young.
- Maya Angelou -

One of the on going conversations that I have with my students in library is the importance and value of being well read...to step outside the comfort of always reaching for the familiar author, or genre, or subject and explore something different. Our library is young, our school new, but nevertheless, the collection is diverse...and one of the saddest phrases a student can utter is, "I can't find anything to read." What the child usually means is that they can't find another book exactly like all the other ones they've read. I spend a great deal of time looking for ways to tempt my readers into new territory.

A favorite activity is something I call "Famous Firsts." I read the first line of a book to each class and challenge students to tell me the title and author of the work. Sometimes half the hands go up. Sometimes I'm lucky to find one or two students who know the work. Occasionally, I find a book that is totally unknown, in which case I'll read a few pages to tweak their curiosity. I'm no longer surprised by the sudden popularity a book attains from even so brief an introduction.

We're all about children's literature here so why don't you give "famous Firsts" a try?!

Can you name the title and author of each of these books? Resist the urge to Google. I'll list the answers on the next post.

1. Claudia knew that she could never pull off the old-fashioned kind of running away.

2. There is no lake at Camp Green Lake.

3. The night Max wore his wolf suit and made mischief of one kind and another...

I invite you to share the first lines from some of your favorite books.

As summer draws to a close, it is once again time to visit First Book and cast your vote in the "What Book Got You Hooked?" campaign. This annual event celebrates the books that we remember...books that fostered a love of reading.

Your vote will help determine which state will receive 50,000 new books for children in need. Voting is open through September 30th.

What was your favorite? Was it a series...Nancy Drew...or a trilogy...The Lord of the Rings? An author...Roald Dahl, Beverly Cleary, Dr. Seuss, Eve Bunting? Perhaps you remember a particular book...The Velveteen Rabbit, Shiloh, Sarah Plain and Tall, Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry, Island of the Blue Dolphin...there are oh so many.

You can vote daily so visit often and tell your friends. The winning state and the top 50 books will be announced in October.

My vote went for King of the Wind: the story of the Godolphin Arabian by Marguerite Henry. I loved the adventure of Sham, an Arabian Stallion, and Agba, the mute stable boy who cared for Sham all of his life. They were sent from the stables of the Sultan of Morocco as a gift to the King of France. Discarded and abused because of his small size, Sham ended up pulling a cart until his true value was discovered. He triumphed at last to become one of the founding sires of English Thoroughbred race horses. I was a horse-crazy little girl and read all of Henry's work...Misty of Chincoteague, Justin Morgan had a Horse...I always had a favorite book tucked in my school desk to read when my class work was done.

Follow the title/author links I've provided to learn more about the books and authors or find lesson plan links to some of the titles.

"Children are made readers on the laps of their parents." - Emilie Buchwald

This is one of my favorite quotes and something I believe. Reading at home with a parent is where a love of reading and the spoken and written word begins. I'm constantly surprised by the number of parents who believe that reading to their child is unnecessary or unwelcome once a child begins to read independently.

On the contrary, this is a time when a parent can continue the reading adventure by selecting books beyond their child's current reading ability. Reading aloud with your child is a great incentive -- children look forward to the time when they can read the book on their own. Hearing stories read aloud builds vocabulary and develops an ear for language. Best of all, it is a special moment with a parent.

First as a parent and now as a writer and school library specialist, literacy for children and adults is a cause near and dear to my heart. I'm always happy to lend my time and energy to school and community events that promote reading and encourage parents to visit their school and public library. With that thought in mind, I'm going to post information on some of the favorite books among my students. I'll include picture books, chapter books, poetry and some non-fiction from time to time.

For more information about reading aloud with children check out: the website of Jim Trelease, author of the best-seller, Read-Aloud Handbook. Teachers, librarians and other literacy professionals should take a look at Rob Reid's Reid's Read Aloud: Selections for children and teens, published by ALA (American Library Association). Reid has collected read-aloud passages from 200 high-interest titles and included a bibliography along with subject and grade-level indexes. By the way, ALA now has a special site for parents: @Your Library.

Check out Wendell Dryden's thoughtful post "Readability - Form and Substance" on his blog: qualities - communities - literacies. Wendell raises an interesting point about how the readability of a story is aided or complicated by decisions regarding the way words and letters are displayed on a page. He uses newspapers, Green Eggs and Ham and My Car as examples to compare and contrast word alignment in the text and various writing conventions. He goes on to discuss how editorial choices influence the success of both youth and adult readers.

As a writer of children's books -- picture books in particular -- I'm always very conscious of word choice. How does each word best convey my story? Does the reading level meet the needs of my target audience? I read everything out loud, more than once, to check sentence fluency - the way words and phrases flow together.

As a library media specialist, I'm concerned with finding books with an appropriate reading level for each student on a daily basis. Wendell shines a light on another component to consider.

I've been meaning to start this blog for a while...quite a while actually, but there was always an excuse to wait. A manuscript to submit, or revise, or write. A new idea for a book that needed researching or outlining. The next project that I wanted to undertake as Library Media Specialist. Book signings to attend, writing workshops to give, literacy events to support with my time and energy. Finally one of the those little voices in my head shouted, "Enough!"

The light came on...Why do I do all that I do?

My passion for words and the music of language? Maybe it's being Irish -- that ancient Celtic tradition of storytelling when the bards could weave spells with their words. No doubt that's part of it. But not all...

There are the children I will see this coming school year as Library Media Specialist - the eager primary students, the third and fourth grade children - so curious and ready to explore, the fifth and sixth graders looking for a challenge. And always, sadly, the students who regard books with disinterest or worse - dread. And there are the educators, parents, and community members that I work with in our continuing goal of making literacy a fact for everyone.

Ultimately, the why is about sharing the passion, the magic, the eagerness, the curiosity and the challenge.

It's all about the books. Yes. That's why I do what I do. I read for the magic that is a storyteller's art. I write because I have to tell the stories. But the greatest joy for me is in the sharing. And now this blog will let me share with all the readers and writers I've had the good fortune to know and perhaps with a few new folks as well.

Wow! Look at the time. I'll be blurry-eyed tomorrow - no - today, but I did it! You all know that quote about the long journey. This is one more step.