Happy St. Patrick's Day!  May the luck of the Irish be with you all...in writing and in life:)

New Releases

Congratulations to all the authors and illustrators of Guardian Angel Publishing's newest releases. 

EARTHQUAKE! SECOND EDITION
Academic Wings
Author Sue Berger, illustrator Eugene Ruble
Introduction to Earthquakes-Empowering and educational earthquake preparedness for kids. What causes them? Can we predict them? How are earthquakes measured? How do we prepare for them? Second Edition Updated!
http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/earthquake.htm

LITTLE BUNNY YOU BELONG
Author Arianne Brynn,, Illustrator Kimberly Merritt
Little Bunny is adopted and feels alone. Just a few hops until she discovers just how wrong she is. She’s not alone. She is loved, and she belongs!
http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/you-belong.htm

KATIE THE HEAVENLY HOUND
Wings of Faith
Author Emma M. Glover, Illustrator KC Snider
A Guardian Angel rescues Katie, an abused abandoned dog. From the angel Katie learns about the forgiveness dogs give to humans with unconditional love.
http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/katie-hound.htm

FREDDY, HOPPIE AND THE EYEGLASSES
Health & Hygiene
Author Michelle Nott, illustrator Robert Lee Beers
When Freddy realizes his friend Hoppie can't help him forever, Freddy must find the courage and the words to tell his mom about his problems at school.
http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/freddy-hoppie.htm

Author Visit

Thank you L.B. Williams Elementary! I had a wonderful time visiting with you all today and appreciate being part of your Read Across America festivities.

You kids rock! Keep reading and follow your dreams.

Announcing January 2016 Guardian Angel Releases

Read all the newest Guardian Angel releases.  Congratulations all!

I HAVE A VOICE
Health & Hygiene
Authors: Joni Klein-Higger and Dr. Flora Zaken-Greenberg, Illustrator: Eileen Goldenberg
Jamie, a soon-to-be kindergartener, meets Dr. Faye, a feelings doctor, who helps her
overcome her fear of speaking.
http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/voice.htm

 

KISSES FROM HEAVEN
Wings of Faith
Author and illustrator Nancy Rogers Schacht
A must-have heartwarming children’s devotional for the little ones in your life. Each page is filled with precious rhymes, whimsical illustrations, and Bible verses.
http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/kisses-heaven.hm

BARRY SWEETS AND THE CANDY CANE FACTORY: A Children’s Christmas Musical
Angelic Harmony
Author: Dixie Phillips, Sharon Phillips, Lucy Robbins, Leslie Trettin
Even though business is booming at the candy cane factory, Barry Sweets isn’t satisfied. Greed has robbed him of a “sweet” disposition, but Granddad refuses to give up on him.
http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/barry-sweets.htm

Listen

Do you listen to the voices around you? Or to the ones in your head? And, yes, I have voices in my head spewing ideas for stories or lines or characters, etc.  Do you?

The quote in my planner this week is from Ernest Hemingway.  It says...

"I like to listen. I have learned a great deal from listening carefully. Most people never listen."

How true that is.  I find this especially necessary for those of us writing for children--whatever their age.  The language used for little ones is different than that for elementary kids, those in middle school or even those in high school.  Paying attention to the children around and how they speak to peers, parents and their siblings can help inspire and write stories that feel true and authentic.  I know for myself that I tend to gravitate to writing for the age range in which I either am involved work wise or at home with my kids and their friends and drawing on the language and interactions I see and hear helps tremendously. 

For you kid lit authors out there, do you listen and use what you hear? From where do you draw your inspiration and best ideas? I love to hear what works for others if you are so inclined to share your thoughts.

May your day be filled with love, laughter, happiness, peace and joy whether celebrating with loved ones or snuggled up with a great book alone.  Enjoy!

Hola

As you read this, I will be basking in the sun and sand of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.  Hopefully,  I will also be generating some new ideas for books and/or stories.  The lively Mexican children, beautiful scenery, whales spouting in the distance and just plain rest and relaxation of vacation tend to foster my imagination.  I will be checking in post vacation.

Happy writing!