Nancy Stewart Presenting at Illinois Reading Council Conference

It is my distinct pleasure to be a presenter for the second year and a featured author at the Author's Luncheon at the Illinois Reading Council Conference in Springfield, Illinois, March 15 to 17.  I'd like to thank the organizers publicly for this honor.

The title of this year's conference is:  Literacy in the Land of Lincoln.  It should prove to be another successful event where teachers, librarians, authors, editors and publishers come together for the greater good of children's reading, from enhancing their skills to pleasure in enjoying their favorite books.

The title of my presentation for Friday, March 16, is: Kids Can (Write a Picture Book!).  I will present a power point and discuss how kids can plan, research, write and assemble their own picture book and have fun in the doing! 

Nancy Stewart and Jane Yolen
IRC Booth, 2011

Several of my writers' critique group, Bookends, will again organize and run the SCBWI (Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators) booth.  I look forward to seeing what visual treats are in store for us this year!

September is Children's Book Month! Are Kids Reading More?

Many young children are getting a head start on acquiring the skills needed to read, as family members take time out of their day on a regular basis to read aloud with them, the U.S. Census Bureau has reported (August 11, 2011).  In 2009, half of children age 1 to 5 were read to seven or more times a week by a family member.

(Please take a look at the video at bottom of post.)

While reading interactions are more frequent among families above poverty, reading interactions among low-income families have increased over the last 10 years. In 2009, 56 percent of 1- and 2-year-olds above poverty were read to seven or more times a week, compared with 45 percent below the poverty level. However, while parental reading involvement for children above poverty was not different from rates in 1998, it rose from 37 percent for those below poverty.

In fear of being redundant, many studies have shown the more kids read, the better they read and the more pleasure they get out of reading. Unfortunately, the reverse also holds true: children who read very little usually have poor reading skills. Reading is a struggle for them, and they avoid it whenever possible.

Let's all try to make September more than a pleasant autumn (spring, of course, for our friends in the southern hemisphere), month.  Here's to reading involvement with our kids and grandkids!

The Reading is Fundamental Organization, (RIF), suggests tips for encouraging a child to read:

1. Scout for things your children might like to read. Use their interests and hobbies as starting points.

2. Leave all sorts of reading materials including books, magazines, and colorful catalogs in conspicuous places around your home.

3. Notice what attracts your children's attention, even if they only look at the pictures. Then build on that interest; read a short selection aloud, or simply bring home more information on the same subject.

4. Let your children see you reading for pleasure in your spare time.

5. Take your children to the library regularly. Explore the children's section together. Ask a librarian to suggest books and magazines your children might enjoy.

6. Present reading as an activity with a purpose—a way to gather useful information for, say, making paper airplanes, identifying a doll or stamp in your child's collection, or planning a family trip.

7. Encourage older children to read to their younger brothers and sisters. Older children enjoy showing their skills to an admiring audience.

8. Play games that are reading-related. Check your closet for spelling games played with letter tiles or dice, or board games that require players to read spaces, cards, and directions.

9. Perhaps over dinner, while you're running errands, or in another informal setting, share your reactions to things you read, and encourage your children to do likewise.

A Giant Called Jane

This weekend at the Illinois Reading Council Conference in Springfield, I met a giant.  She was frightening only in her gravitas and great gift as a poet and writer.  Her books are three hundred strong and cover the gamut of genres from poetry to children's books to her new graphic novel.

Yes, the giant can only be Jane Yolen, and it was my honor and privilege to meet and have the opportunity to talk at some length with her.  She spoke of poetry, her home and her husband who  died five years ago.

One would never know this tiny person, this literary giant who has helped stitch together pieces of the American fabric like a consummate quilter, could be so funny, warm and caring.  But she is.

I know we've all read of Ms. Yolen's mega-accomplishments, among which are the Caldecott Medal, two Nebula Awards and two Christopher Awards, to name but a very few.  And I know we have been touched by her significant works such as The Devil's Arithmetic and Owl Moon.  And, of course, so many many more.  But when she was asked which book was her favorite, she answered, "The one I'm working on now.  The others are in the past.  This one is in the present."

I have a suspicion this is how giants succeed.  Never looking back at past laurels.  Always forging on, setting goals and accomplishing them.  And never forgetting who they are and what their purpose is in life.

Yes, Jane is first among equals as far as giants go.  For me, meeting her was monumental.  Oh, and I look forward to her next three hundred books.

Power Point Presentation Now Available On My Web Site for Illinois Reading Council Conference

Trailer for "One Pelican at a Time"

I am presenting a talk to the Illinois Reading Council Conference in Springfield, IL on March 17, 2011.  I've made Power Point slides to augment the presentation which is titled, Literacy Through Green Colored Glasses-Picture Book Activities to Help Kids Save Their Planet.  There are some great activities for children to do, all the while empowering them to care for and nurture their planet and have fun at the same time!

I'm making the slides available here and on my web site:

http://www.nancystewartbooks.com/IRC/LiteracyGreenColoredGlasses.ppt. 

http://www.nancystewartbooks.com/  

It is my hope they may be useful to teachers, librarians or anyone else who would like to show them in pursuit of a greener and healthier earth.

My children's picture book. One Pelican at a Time, is now available through:  http://www.amazon.com/, http://www.barnesandnoble.com/, http://www.indiebound.org/ and http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/

One Pelican at a Time is the first US children's book to address the Deepwater Horizon oil spill of April 20,2010.  The book features Bella and Britt and their heroic efforts to save their friend, the old crooked beak pelican, whom they've known all their lives. 

An author's page gives facts about the spill as well as some green tips on how to save energy and make us less dependent on fossil fuel.  Britt and Bella lead us all by example. 

Britt, Bella, Pelican and I will be on tour virtually all over the blogosphere in April and May, with Pump Up Your Book.  Please watch for dates!