Getting Ready for the 2014 Caldecott / Newbery Announcements

In American Libraries' 2014 preview of the midwinter convention Jacqueline Briggs Martin's Snowflake Bentley was featured with a comment by the Caldecott Award winning illustrator for that book, Mary Azarian-- 

Each year the American Library Association honors books, videos, and other outstanding materials for children and teens. Recognized worldwide for the high quality they represent, the ALA Youth Media Awards, including the prestigious Newbery, Caldecott, Printz, and Coretta Scott King Book Awards, guide parents, educators, librarians, and others in selecting the best materials for youth. Selected by committees composed of librarians and other literature and media experts, the awards encourage original and creative work in the field of children’s and young adult literature and media.
The 2014 Youth Media Award announcements will take place during the ALA Midwinter Meeting & Exhibition at 8 a.m. ET, on January 27, from the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia. The ALA also will offer a live webcast of the 2014 announcements.

McBookwords arranges appearances by authors/illustrators in libraries, school, other literature forums. We are now booking appearances for the rest of 2013-2014; and for 2014-15. McBookwords has a dozen or more authors that speak with young readers. If you would like to investigate having any of our authors visit your school or library -- for an author appearance please contact us via e-mail at McBookwords. Each of these authors often speak in schools with young readers, and at all types of groups that are interested in literacy and books. Authors/illustrators can provide so much in terms of background and inspiration for reading and writing. smc

New Home for Author/Illustrator Papers

Sharron L. McElmeel Research Papers at the University of Iowa Special Collections

I have written over 35 books, all dealing in some way or another, with authors and illustrators of books for children and young adults.  In the process, I interviewed and corresponded with hundreds of authors and illustrators.  My files contain many of those hand-written letters, e-mail correspondence, notes from conference speeches/presentations, and many photographs of over 300 authors/illustrators.  I am pleased to announce that the files have been donated to the University of Iowa and will be housed in the University's Special Collections Area in the University's main Library.

Right this minute (December 2013) the 20 plus boxes are packed with hundreds of files which will eventually be placed on the shelves in the special collections section of the University of Iowa's Main Library.

The special collections area is beginning to create an emphasis in children's literature and I am very pleased to be among the early contributors to this collection; a collection that is already rich in material from other Iowa Authors.

Patrick Olson, special collections librarian, facilitated the donation and was there to receive the file-filled boxes of research material.  When I delivered bound copies of the books that were the result of the research represented in the papers, he graciously gave me a tour of the facility.  After the papers are processed and placed in the collection they will be available upon request for researchers.
I am pleased to have one more connection to the University of Iowa.  My graduate work in Library Science was completed at the University of Iowa, my daughter - Deborah McElmeel, completed her undergraduate work in anthropology there and earned her Masters of Teaching Science at the University.  One of my sons, Steven McElmeel, earned his degree in Civil Engineering at the U of I.  I am glad to make this very special connection.

One of the outgrowth of all of this research has been the many books I've written as well as the passion about surrounding young readers in literacy.  One of the activities that does much to promote a positive attitude about literacy is author appearances. 

McBookwords arranges appearances by authors/illustrators in libraries, school, other literature forums. We are now booking appearances for 2013-2014. McBookwords has a dozen or more authors that speak with young readers. If you would like to investigate having any of our authors visit your school or library -- for an author appearance please contact us via e-mail at McBookwords. Each of these authors often speak in schools with young readers, and at all types of groups that are interested in literacy and books. Authors/illustrators can provide so much in terms of background and inspiration for reading and writing. smc

It was a very good party - Farmer Will Allen and the Growing Table by Jacqueline Briggs Martin

How to Launch a Book in Style

Introducing Farmer Will Allen and the Growing Table by Jacqueline Briggs Martin involved two great days and two great parties.  It's always interesting to me how setting (as in books and real life) really does have an impact on the events that take place.

Farmer Will Allen and the Growing Table is now available to purchase.  Since the time the book parties were announced this book has received a number of great reviews and accolades including a great review from Kirkus Reviews "This worthy collaboration reveals how one man’s vision of food for all has inspired an amazing life of service," and a starred review from Booklist.

Eric-Shabazz Larkin has created a video and posted it on Vimeo.  He takes viewers on a picture walk through the book and shares his thoughts about what he likes about the book and makes some comments about his own illustrations.  You can view this video Farmer Will Allen and the Growing Table - Book on Vimeo at http://vimeo.com/70377470.

But back to the parties -- the first one was held on Saturday, October 13 and took place at the New Bo Bookstore in the New Bo District (The Czech Village/New Bohemia Main Street District) in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

There were books and cake and interested young readers and many adults present -- all to cheer on the new book about a man who began a movement to farm in urban areas.  He began his work in Milwaukee, and his daughter supervises another urban farm in Chicago.  Allen has traveled across the country and to other countries to share his ideas.  On this day, during this party, Jacqueline was able to talk to young readers (and their parents and friends) about this man through her book Farmer Will Allen and the Growing Table.  

Jacqueline read the book to eager listeners and then shared an idea for a mobile that children could make to show off the vegetables that could grow in their own gardens.  After the children made their mobiles, and the adults had a chance to talk about the book.  We all enjoyed a piece of the cake, collected Jackie's autograph on books sold, and talked about books some more.

Enjoying the cake -- the first pieces.

Fellow book writers and illustrators: Claudia McGehee, Jackie, and Jeni Reeves

Posing for a picture after getting an autograph.

Thinking and talking and celebrating the new book.

The second party took place the very next day, but this party moved out to the country at the Abbe Hills Farm -- the atmosphere was a departure from the first party.  At this party we enjoyed tastes of the vegetables from the farm: salsa made from fresh tomatoes, onions, and peppers; roasted new potatoes; tiny vegetable sandwiches.  Jackie shared the book with a hay rack full of children, and adults who listened too.  Books were available to read, children were able to visit the fields (traveling the distance on a tractor pulled hay rack) and gathered vegetables from the soil -- and then there was another cake.  A great time. 

Jen and Deb from the Bookhouse in Marion, Iowa talk to Jackie and Rich Martin -- The Bookhouse has a good stock of Farmer Will Allen and the Growing Table.

Reading beside the farm wagon -- grassy fields, open air-- every place is a great place to read.

Earlier related posts:
Announcement of the parties:  http://bit.ly/book_farm
Review by Betsy Bird on the SLJ blog: http://bit.ly/Fuse8_WillAllen
Jackie Martin's book page for Will Allen:  http://www.jacquelinebriggsmartin.com/books/allen.html

McBookwords arranges appearances by authors/illustrators in libraries, school, other literature forums. We are now booking Jacqueline's appearances for 2013-2014, and in addition McBookwords has a dozen or more authors that speak with young readers. If you would like to investigate having Jacqueline or any other author visit your school or library -- for an author appearance please contact us at McBookwords. Each of these authors often speak in schools with young readers, and at all types of groups that are interested in literacy and books. Authors/illustrators can provide so much in terms of background and inspiration for reading and writing. smc

Book Launch Party - Will Allen and the Growing Table by Jacqueline Briggs Martin

Book Launch Party - Will Allen and the Growing Table by Jacqueline Briggs Martin

In September 2013, Farmer Will Allen and the Growing Table, by Mount Vernon, Iowa resident Jacqueline Briggs Martin, was released by Readers to Eaters.  Our corridor community will be celebrating the book's release with two launch parties - one a traditional book store party and the second, a farm party.  Both parties will be an opportunity to meet the author, interact with other readers, and learn about farming in urban areas (and in Iowa).  A brown bag vegetable pick will be part of the farm party.  Keepsakes at each party, and much more.

For more about the book read Betsy Bird's review on the SLJ blog.
And visit the author's book page on her website.

Book Launch Parties - October 12 & 13, 2013

 

Farmer Will Allen and the Growing Table
by Jacqueline Briggs Martin
Illustrated by Eric Shabazz Larkin. 
Readers to Eaters, 2013.

The Book Store Party
and the Farm Party

You're invited to BOTH parties - come to one or both.  All events are free and open to readers of all ages.  

---

 

 

October 12th, 2013 (Saturday)
Book Store Party
10:00 a.m. 

October 12, 2013 (Saturday): At the book store launch Jacqueline Briggs Martin will read from her new book and answer questions about Will Allen and how she came to write the book.  New Bo Books will make copies of the book available for purchase, and Jacqueline Briggs Martin will autograph books that you purchase.  Keepsake for every attendee, including an invite to the farm party on the following day.  Everyone welcome and the event is free.
New Bo Books • 1105 3rd St SE • Cedar Rapids, IA 52401• phone:(319) 247-2665  

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October 13th, 2013 (Sunday)
Farm Party
2-4 p.m.

Farm Party - October 13, 2013 (Sunday):  Jacqueline Briggs Martin and farmer Laura Krouse invite readers of all ages to visit Abbe Hill Farms, near Mount Vernon to hear Jacqueline Briggs Martin read from her new book.  A "Brown Bag Vegetable Pick" will follow the book reading.   Each attendee will be provided a brown bag and invited to pick vegetables from the farm's gardens.  Jacqueline Briggs Martin will autograph books that you purchase. Popcorn and cider.  Conversation and information about farming in the country and in urban settings, books and writing.  Everyone welcome and the event is free.  The Bookhouse (Marion, Iowa) will have Jackie's books available for purchase -- and of course, Jackie will autograph any books purchased.

Abbe Hills Farm is located at 825 Abbe Hills Road • Mount Vernon, IA 52314 • phone: (319) 895-6924.  For specific driving directions go to http://www.abbehills.com/contact 

McBookwords arranges appearances by authors/illustrators in libraries, school, other literature forums.  We are now booking Jacqueline's appearances for 2013-2014, and in addition McBookwords has a dozen or more authors that speak with young readers.  If you would like to investigate having Jacqueline or any other author visit your school or library -- for an author appearance please contact us at McBookwords.  Each of these authors often speak  in schools with young readers, and at all types of groups that are interested in literacy and  books. 
Authors/illustrators can provide so much in terms of background and inspiration for reading and writing.
 smc 

Coffee with Jeni Reeves

During the summer months activity seems to slow down for many educators but for writers and illustrators the work goes on non-stop.  A few days ago Jeni Reeves took time out from her writing/illustrating tasks to sit down and have a cup of coffee with me.

Jeni Reeves @ Java Creek

Much to catch up on.  Jeni has made research trips to New York City, Chicago, Virginia -- all in the quest of accurate details to guide her current writing/illustrating project (left for her to disclose when she is ready).  She's visited with Arthur Geisert during his celebration of the release of his most recent book and the whole town of Bernard's celebration.  She's successfully completed murals for the popular African American Museum's current exhibit -- Western Africa: Before the Boats.  The exhibit opened on January 12,  2013 and will be available until March 30, 2014.  Busy woman.  But on this day we had coffee and much conversation and was looking together towards the coming academic year.  A very nice day.



McBookwords arranges appearances by authors/illustrators in libraries, school, other literature forums.  We are now booking Jeni's appearances for 2013-2014, and in addition McBookwords has a dozen or more authors that speak with young readers.  If you would like to investigate having an Jeni or any other author visit your school or library -- for an author appearance please contact us at McBookwords.  Each of these authors often speak  in schools with young readers, and at all types of groups that are interested in literacy and  books. 

Authors/illlustrators can provide so much in terms of background and inspiration for reading and writing.

 smc 

Dinner with Jackie (ALA - Chicago)

 

Before leaving for Chicago and the 2013 ALA convention we made plans to gather a few librarians/book friends to celebrate the forthcoming book Farmer Will Allen and the Growing Table (Readers to Eaters, 2013).  In preparation - a favors, we made miniature boxes featuring the new book and a few of other titles she has had published.  Inside were some growing seeds and a brochure to introduce Farmer Will Allen to those at the dinner.  If you wish to create these boxes (to use as a jackdaw container, a favor with planting seeds, snacks during story hour, literary artifact) - here's a template for the box. (pdf file)  If you would like to invite Jackie to your school or library please contact McBookwords.

Dinner with Jackie at the Tavern at the Park --
On the first night in Chicago at the American Library Association's conference, and from my window at the Hilton Chicago (25th floor), the sky is dimming as the sail boats find their way along the river.  By the time I was ready to leave for dinner with Jackie (Jacqueline Briggs Martin) the windows were streaked with rain.

But there are taxis on Michigan Avenue right outside of the Hilton, so I grabbed one and headed to the Tavern at the Park to meet 8 other librarians and Jacqueline Briggs Martin.

The atmosphere at the Tavern at the Park was excellent. The waiter, Nicholas, was very accommodating, and service was efficient and non-intrusive.
I had Steak Diane and it was delicious, tender and very very good.   I asked the waiter to substitute a baked potato for the whipped potatoes and the entree was superb.

Dr. Linda M. Waskow, a library media
technology specialist from Beaufort SC and
Jacqueline Briggs Martin.

Philip Lee, publisher of Jackie's newest book, Farmer Will Allen and the Growing Table (Readers to Eaters, 2013) generously sent along copies of the book for each of us attending the dinner.
Each of us was able to get our book autographed by Jackie.

A few pictures.

BTW GREAT FOOD - Check out the Tavern at the Park.  Their menu is on the web. 

Jean Gerlach and Jacqueline Briggs Martin with Farmer
Will Allen and the Growing Table.

Jean Gerlach has been a school librarian in such places as the St. Maur International
School in Yokohama (Japan), in New York (Orange-Ulster Boces), and in Stuttgart, Germany.  Her passion is promoting Peace.  She has a snow machine that comes into play when Jacqueline Briggs Martin's Snowflake Bentley and the study of snowflakes is in the curriculum.  We would love to see pictures of the snow machine.




 

Jackie and one of the first copies of Farmer
Will Allen and the Growing Table (Readers to Eaters, 2013).

Check out information about this new book by following the links on Jackie's website at http://www.jacquelinebriggsmartin.com. 

Susan Grigsby and Diane Cordell, educational consultant,
and teacher librarian emeritus from Queensbury, NY

Linda Martin and Jenny Schwartzberg prepare to order.

Susan Grigsby is a passionate advocate for libraries, the freedom to read, and for strong library programs in pubic schools. She was the 2011 Georgia Library Media Specialist of the Year.  Each summer she puts together the state library association's 2-day professional conference for Georgia's school librarians.

Diane Cordell is a teacher librarian, emeritus, and currently works on special projects for the CyberSmart Educational Company.  On Cybersmart's website at www.cybersmart.org she is described as the "Chief Cyber Smarty."

Jean Gerlach and Lyn Miller-Lachmann

Barb Langridge, Founder of ABookandaHug.Com

and Dr. Linda M. Waskow.

Linda Martin was School Librarian of the yar for Georgia in 2007, and is a sought after storyteller - having performed from New York to Hawaii.  She is currently an ALA Councilor.  Besides being very interested in the art of storytelling, she makes jewelry and plays around with her ukulele.







Lyn Miller-Lachmann is an author in her own right.  She was editor-in-chief of Multicultural Review for 16 years and more recently is a author of resources for educators and of young adult fiction.  Her young adult novel Gringolantia (2009) was a 2010 ALA Best Book for Young Adults and given an Americans Award Honorable mention from the Consortium of Latin American Studies Programs.  Her most recent novel, Rogue (2013; A Junior Library Guild selection) portrays an eighth grader with undiagnosed Asperger's syndrome and an X-men obsession.  Miller-Lachmann also hosts a bilingual program on WRPI-FM and teaches 7th graders (part-time).  http://lynmillerlachmann.fatcow.com/

Barb Langridge is passionate about exciting young learners to read.  She maintains a website at ABookandaHug.com where she shares book recommendations, and she regularly interviews authors for her area television station.  Those videos are accessible on the ABookandaHug.com site.
She truly believes books make magic.





Dr. Linda M Waskow is from Beaufort, SC where she is an information specialist in Beaufort Elementary School.  She maintains a blog at http://doc4kids-mt.blogspot.com/ where she occasionally posts her thoughts on kids and technology -- and books.

Diane Cordell and Jacqueline Briggs Martin

Jacqueline Briggs Martin - Autographing
a copy of Snowflake Bentley

Jacqueline Briggs Martin - autographing an advanced
copy of her soon-to-be released book -
Farmer Will Allen and the Growing Table for Linda Martin.

Jacqueline Briggs Martin and Linda Martin -- wish
I knew what the joke was.  #9

Susan Grigsby and Jacqueline Briggs Martin as Jackie
prepares to autograph a copy of Jackie's 1998 book,
Snowflake Bentley.

Jacqueline Briggs Martin and author Lyn Miller-Lachmann

Jacqueline Briggs Martin and Lyn Miller-Lachmann, who is rarely seen in anything but a t-shirt, hoodie, and jeans, dressed up for this special event.

 

 The evening was indeed a special event, we all had great conversation, stories to tell, books to be signed, and many good laughs and certainly a good time.

Jacqueline Briggs Martin autographing her Farmer Will Allen
and the Growing Table for Jenny Schwartzberg -
Gift Specialist and Collection Development Assistant
at Newberry Library