Archive for the ‘Storytime Standouts Shares Early Literacy News and Commentary’ Category

I’ve started to pull together some quotes about Social Responsibility and have created a new page for them. I’ve also included cover art from some of the titles I include in my Supporting Social Responsibility with Read Alouds workshop. Please take a look I would love to hear your suggestions for quotes. Please let me know your ideas.

The Canadian Children’s Book Centre has announced the finalists for the TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award, Prix TD de littérature canadienne pour l’enfance et la jeunesse, Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award, Norma Fleck Award for Canadian Children’s Non-Fiction, Geoffrey Bilson Award for Historical Fiction for Young People and the John Spray Mystery Award.

TD CANADIAN CHILDREN’S LITERATURE AWARD ($25,000) -Sponsored by TD Bank Group

Burn
Written by Alma Fullerton (Midland, ON)
Dancing Cat Books

Canadian Railroad Trilogy
Written by Gordon Lightfoot (Toronto, ON)
Illustrated by Ian Wallace (Brookline, MA)

The Glory Wind
Written by Valerie Sherrard (Miramichi, NB)
Fitzhenry & Whiteside

I Know Here
Written by Laurel Croza (Markham, ON)
Illustrated by Matt James (Toronto, ON)
Groundwood Books

Plain Kate
Written by Erin Bow (Kitchener, ON)
Scholastic Canada

PRIX TD DE LITTÉRATURE CANADIENNE POUR L’ENFANCE ET LA JEUNESSE ($25,000) – Sponsored by TD Bank Group

Le chasseur de loups-marins
Written by Claire Vigneau (Sherbrooke, QC)
Illustrated by Bruce Roberts (Westmount, QC)
Éditions Les 400 coups

Devant ma maison
Written and illustrated by Marianne Dubuc (Montreal, QC)
Éditions La courte échelle

La fille d’en face
Written by Linda Amyot (St-Charles-Boromée, QC)
Éditions Leméac

Oh ! la vache !
Written by Alain M. Bergeron (Victoriaville, QC), Édith Bourget (Saint-Jacques, NB),Colombe Labonté (Saint-Lambert, QC) and Guy Marchamps (Trois-Rivières, QC)
Illustrated by Caroline Merola (Montreal, QC)
Soulières éditeur

Xavier-la-lune
Written by Martine Audet (Montreal, QC)
Illustrated by Luc Melanson (Laval, QC)
Éditions Dominique et compagnie

MARILYN BAILLIE PICTURE BOOK AWARD ($20,000) – Sponsored by A. Charles Baillie

I Know HereWritten by Laurel Croza (Markham, ON)
Illustrated by Matt James (Toronto, ON)
Groundwood Books

In Front of My House
Written and illustrated by Marianne Dubuc (Montreal, QC)
Translated by Yvette Ghione (Toronto, ON)
Kids Can Press

Singing Away the Dark
Written by Caroline Woodward (Victoria, BC)
Illustrated by Julie Morstad (Vancouver, BC)
Simply Read Books

Spork
Written by Kyo Maclear (Toronto, ON)
Illustrated by Isabelle Arsenault (Montreal, QC)
Kids Can Press

Stanley’s Little Sister
Written by Linda Bailey (Vancouver, BC)
Illustrated by Bill Slavin (Millbrook, ON)
Kids Can Press

NORMA FLECK AWARD FOR CANADIAN CHILDREN’S NON-FICTION ($10,000) – Sponsored by the Fleck Family Foundation

Case Closed! Nine Mysteries Unlocked by Modern Science
Written by Susan Hughes (Toronto, ON)
Illustrated by Michael Wandelmaier (Toronto, ON)
Kids Can Press

Evolution: How We and All Living Things Came to Be
Written and illustrated by Daniel Loxton (Victoria, BC)
Kids Can Press

Not Your Typical Book About the Environment
Written by Elin Kelsey (Pacific Grove, CA)
Illustrated by Clayton Hanmer (Toronto, ON)
Owlkids

Viola Desmond Won’t Be Budged
Written by Jody Nyasha Warner (Toronto, ON)
Illustrated by Richard Rudnicki (Halifax, NS)
Groundwood Books

Watch This Space: Designing, Defending and Sharing Public Spaces
Written by Hadley Dyer (Toronto, ON)
Illustrated by Marc Ngui (Cambridge, ON)
Kids Can Press

GEOFFREY BILSON AWARD FOR HISTORICAL FICTION FOR YOUNG PEOPLE ($5,000) – Sponsored by the Canadian Children’s Book Centre’s Bilson Endowment Fund

Exiles from the War: The War Guests Diary of Charlotte Mary Twiss(Dear Canada)
Written by Jean Little (Guelph, ON)
Scholastic Canada

Folly
Written by Marthe Jocelyn (Stratford, ON)
Tundra Books

The Glory Wind
Written by Valerie Sherrard (Miramichi, NB)
Fitzhenry & Whiteside

Queen of Hearts
Written by Martha Brooks (Winnipeg, MB)
Groundwood Books

Wild Geese
Written by Caroline Pignat (Kanata, ON)
Red Deer Press

JOHN SPRAY MYSTERY AWARD ($5,000) – Sponsored by John Spray

Borderline
Written by Allan Stratton (Toronto, ON)
HarperTrophyCanada

Dead Bird Through the Cat Door(Megabyte Mystery)
Written by Jan Markley (Calgary, AB)
Gumboot Books

The Mystery of the Cyber Bully(Marty Chan Mystery)
Written by Marty Chan (Edmonton, AB)
Thistledown Press

A Spy in the House(The Agency)
Written by Y.S. Lee (Kingston, ON)
Candlewick Press

Victim Rights(Ryan Dooley Mystery)
Written by Norah McClintock (Toronto, ON)
Red Deer Press

For almost four years, I have enjoyed using Library Thing to catalogue many of my children’s books. I say, “many of my books” because I don’t have everything catalogued. Every now and then I come across a book that I’ve not yet added to my catalogued library.

I love Library Thing because it allows me to catalogue my books, relatively easily (using ISBN codes), it allows me to attach tags and reviews to books and, best of all, it allows me to produce an attractive print out of some or all of my titles. I use Library Thing nearly every day. Whenever I receive a new title, the first thing I do is add it to my online library. When I am developing a workshop, I search for and tag books (i.e. “Green” or “Social Responsibility”) and, once I have presented a workshop, I prepare a list of the books (including title, author, tags, publisher, ISBN code) and create a PDF for distribution to workshop attendees.

Here is an example of a typical “Ready for Reading” Book List developed using Library Thing.

For me, the $25.00 fee for a lifetime membership has been a marvelous investment. I can’t imagine managing my workload without Library Thing.

You can view my Library Thing profile here

You can check out my Library Thing catalogue here.

Last Friday morning, I spent well over an hour exploring a wonderful shop in Vancouver that is both inspiring and uplifting. I rediscovered the delightful items available for purchase at 4th Avenue’s Craftworks.

Since 1966, 3H Craftworks Society has provided a craft-therapy program for adults with physical disabilities and/or mental health challenges. Member clients gain confidence and self esteem while participating, creating, and socializing with other members of the community. Member clients are renumerated monthly for the projects they complete. Products are then sold through a store at 2208 West 4th Avenue, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. In addition, products are available through mail order and via email: sales@3hcraftworks.com

For teachers, the array of colourful and high quality felt board stories and (finger and hand) puppets is absolutely dazzling. What a selection! Parents, grandparents, and friends will find all sorts of beautiful gifts and toys. Don’t miss The Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly – she’s absolutely great.

Be sure to “like” 3H Craftworks: Creations by Artisans with Disabilities on Facebook, check out their Twitter feed as well @craftworkson4th Best of all, investigate their wonderful products for yourself. I guarantee, you will leave with a smile on your face.

I have been playing around with Twitter for awhile and am starting to feel reasonably comfortable with it. My user name is @StoryStandouts and I’d love to have you “follow me” . I’ve added my Twitterfeed to this site and you’ll find a link to it in the column to the left of this post.

I’d also be really interested in feedback – what sort of news would you like me to share?

If you “Tweet”, please let me know your user name…

Congratulations to the winners of this year’s Chocolate Lily Awards

.

Picture Book Category –

Winner – Fred and Pete at the Beach by Cynthia Nugent
2nd Place – Stanley’s Beauty Pageant by Linda Bailey and Bill Slavin

Chapter Book Category –

Winner – Zach and Zoe — Bully and the Beagle by Kristin Butcher
2nd Place – Goldfish Don’t Take Bubble Baths by Trina Wiebe

Novel Category

Winner – The Giant Slayer by Iain Lawrence
2nd Place – Bank Job by James Heneghan and Norma Charles

The winners of the 2010/2011 Red Cedar Book Awards are:

Fiction Award Winner:

Libertad by Alma Fullerton

Libertad at Amazon.com

Libertad at Amazon.ca

Information Book Award Winner: Everything but the Kitchen Sink by Frieda Wishinsky and Elizabeth MacLeod

Everything but the Kitchen Sink: Weird Stuff You Didn’t Know About Food at Amazon.com

Everything But the Kitchen Sink at Amazon.ca

The winner of the 2010/2011 Stellar Book Award is: The Summoning by Kelley Armstrong
The Summoning (Darkest Powers, Book 1) at Amazon.com

The Summoning (Darkest Powers, Book 1) at Amazon.ca

It was such a pleasure to have the opportunity to interview John Wilson. He is one of my eldest son’s favourite authors. You will find my profile of John Wilson in the Spring 2011 issue of Canadian Children’s Book News.

Thank you to everyone who left comments about E is for Environment. Carol C and Tracy B each won copies of the book!

Be sure to watch for future book giveaways, guest posts and contests.

Raising a child who reads well and loves to pick up a book is a team effort. Parents can support young readers’ and writers’ formal learning by being involved and enthusiastic, providing encouragement and tools.

Here are some ways you can help set the stage for reading success.

Download a free, printable PDF of this information

  15 Tips for Supporting Young Readers and Writers

Storytime Standouts shares tips for parents who want to help children with reading and writing.

• Be a reader and a writer – make sure your children see you reading books for pleasure and information as well as writing letters or making lists.

•Read aloud to your children every day – even once they have learned how to read.  Make it a priority to find great articles and engaging books to share with your family.

• Be flexible.  Read when, where and how it suits your child.  If your child won’t sit still, it is okay to play quietly or color a picture while listening.

• Write silly notes to your children.  Print out  riddles and add them to a  lunch bag or hide them under a pillow.

• Have Grandma or Grandpa send emails, encourage your child to reply.

• Try a new recipe, read a map, solve a mystery, check out the comics or learn magic tricks together.  Help your child realize the value of being a good reader.

• Hook your child with wonderful series books or look for more books by a favourite author or illustrator.



• Encourage your child to notice and read environmental print (stop signs, entrance,  exit, push and pull signs as well as labels on groceries or names of familiar stores).

• Listen to your children when they read (or when they pretend to read).  Offer lots of encouragement to readers and writers of every age.

• If possible, have a basket of  books, a well-placed reading light and a comfortable chair inviting young readers to curl up and enjoy a story.

• Keep writing implements; coloured pencils, erasers, rulers and paper handy.  A stapler is also great for children who want to make their own books.

• Visit your public library regularly.  Encourage your children to borrow fiction and non fiction books.

• Get to know your child’s school librarian and make sure the librarian knows your child’s ability and interests.

• Explore your community with your child.  Background experiences help readers to understand.  A child who has been to an aquarium or a farm will make connections when reading about sea creatures or baby piglets.

• Ask for recommendations and suggestions.  Most libraries have lists of book recommendations.  Check with friends and teachers and look at our picture book and chapter book recommendations.   If you need help, send an email. We will gladly give you suggestions.

For further information, check out our page on early literacy.

Can’t resist sharing Lane Smith’s “It’s a Book.” Hope you enjoy it is much as I did…

If you are helping a beginning reader, these ideas will be of assistance to you and your child.

Often with beginning readers, there is alot of emphasis on having the child read aloud to an adult. Sometimes teachers will even assign “Home Reading (aloud)” homework. The fact is that some children don’t want to read aloud to an adult. They may worry about making mistakes and feeling “exposed.” If your child doesn’t want to read aloud to you, suggest that she read aloud to a favourite doll or teddy bear or even the family dog. There was a study, not long ago, that found reading aloud to a dog was effective in improving reading skills.

I also want to mention that parents should continue to read aloud to children long after they learn to read for themselves. So, don’t stop reading aloud just because your child has started to read. Hearing you read more challenging stories will encourage them to improve their own reading skills. We want them to have an appetite for more difficult books and an appreciation for the amazing stories that are available to good readers.

Click on the book covers for more information about each book and follow this link for more information about Beginning to Read.

Anyhow, back to the “plan” for helping a beginning reader…

My advice is to relax. Learning to read is not a race and becoming an early reader does not ensure a love of books. Reading is like so many other milestones in childhood. Some children become readers quickly and almost effortlessly, while others require encouragement and lots of extra help. Your child will become a reader – I am sure of it – and, if you can keep the experience positive, relaxed and happy, I believe you will be playing a critically important part in raising your child to love to books and reading.

Please share your ideas, questions and suggestions about helping a beginning reader.

“Scribbling Women”: True Tales from Astonishing Lives
written by Marthe Jocelyn

When I was invited to participate in Marthe Jocelyn’s blog tour for her fascinating new book, “Scribbling Women”: True Tales from Astonishing Lives, I had no idea that having an opportunity to read and savour her words would touch me in such a positive and personal way.

For Marthe Jocelyn, it must have been a daunting task to select eleven women writers to profile. She not only describes their writing, she illuminates us about the worlds they lived in, the choices they made and their extraordinary experiences. The resulting book, is an intimate, revealing look at the lives of these remarkable women and a celebration of women’s writing in general. Carefully researched, Ms. Jocelyn provides the back stories and guides her readers to appreciate the hardships, danger, drama, heartache and triumphs these fascinating women experienced.

Respectfully and lovingly written, “Scribbling Women” provides behind-the-scene glimpses that will inspire readers to consider the story behind the author each time they read. As well, the insight will encourage women to take up a pen or keyboard to share their own dreams, ideas and observations.

Several of the stories resonated with me personally and it would be difficult to select a favourite except for the fact that I have a copy of Mrs. Beeton’s Book of Household Management. It was in my husband’s parent’s home when we dealt with the contents just about one year ago. Held together by my father-in-law’s masking tape repair job, many of the pages are discoloured, some are loose.

Having read, “Scribbling Women”, not only do I know the previous owner of the book, I feel I have gained insight into the author and how she impacted the world around her. I am truly grateful for the information and will treasure Mrs. Beeton’s Book of Household Management – even if If don’t have a housekeeper (as second in command) in my home.

Readers interested in “Scribbling Women” will want to learn more about this blog tour. Be sure to visit Tundra Books’ weblog and discover how to win an enormous collection of Marthe Jocelyn’s wonderful books.

As well, please visit one of these blogs and read more about “Scribbling Women”

Jo Ann at Journey of a Bookseller and Melanie at The Indextrious Reader

Update June 18, 2012 “Scribbling Women” nominated for the Norma Fleck Award For Canadian Children’s Non-Fiction

“Scribbling Women”: True Tales from Astonishing Lives at Amazon.com

“Scribbling Women”: True Tales from Astonishing Lives at Amazon.ca

The Canadian Children’s Book Centre has today announced the creation of a new membership level: Professional Creators. Effective immediately, published authors, illustrators and professional storytellers, will be offered memberships for a discounted (annual) rate of $35.00.

All members receive a one-year subscription to the quarterly magazine Canadian Children’s Book News and a copy of Best Books for Kids & Teens, the CCBC’s annual selection guide. Members also receive an invitation to the Annual General Meeting each June and invitations to special events hosted by the CCBC throughout the year.

In addition, Professional Creator members will have the opportunity to be listed in the Canadian Children’s Book Centre’s Author, Illustrator, and Storyteller Directory.

According to LitWorld.org, nearly 1 billion people entered this century unable to read a book or sign their name.

World Read Aloud Day is about showing the world that all people should be able to read and write. World Read Aloud Day enlists the support of children, teens and adults in celebrating the power of words. It is intended to create a community of readers advocating for every child’s right to a safe education along with access to books and technology.

We hope that by celebrating this day in communities around the globe, we will convey the message that all children have the right to read and to write and, by exchanging words and ideas, we can change the world.

Suggested activities for celebrating World Read Aloud Day

Here are our answers to 10 frequently asked questions about reading aloud to children.

Simply put, reading aloud to your children will positively effect them for the rest of their lives.

Reading aloud and sharing wonderful stories will make them laugh (and cry), expand their vocabulary, broaden their view of the world, teach them lessons, prepare them for formal reading instruction and create long lasting memories.

Here are my answers to ten frequently asked questions about reading aloud to children…

When should I start reading to my baby?
Some people would say, “Start while the baby is still in the womb.” For me personally, I think six months is a good age. Ideally, starting to read to your child should happen before the baby is really mobile. Snuggle up and enjoy a couple of board books every day.

When can I stop reading to my child(ren)?
My personal opinion is that you should continue reading aloud daily to your children (at least) until they are teens. We know that as children get older, the words, paragraphs and chapters become longer, there are fewer illustrations and the content is often more complex. If you continue to read to your child – even after he becomes an independent reader – you and he can enjoy books that are too challenging for him to read independently. This provides great motivation for him to continue reading

Who should read aloud to our children?
Everyone! I would love to have parents, grandparents, babysitters, aunts and uncles read aloud to children. Each adult can bring something special to the read aloud and/or storytelling experience. For boys, it is very valuable to have a male role model for reading. I know of one family where Dad reads the stories while Mom sits nearby and enjoys her own book. This is great for the children to observe.

What if my child won’t sit still for a story?
Hearing the story is more important that sitting still for the story. Allow your child to bathe or color or bounce a ball while you read aloud.

My child wants to hear the same story over and over again… I’m bored. What should I do?
Read your child’s favorite story and then offer an incentive to listen to something different… “We can turn the light out now and you can go to sleep OR you can stay up late tonight and hear this new story!” My prediction is 9/10 children will want to stay up late to hear a new story.

I have two children, aged six and three. Can I read the same stories to them or do they each need their own stories?
Ideally I would try to read stories to each BUT that may only be possible occasionally. Just do your best.

What if a book includes a word or idea that I object to?
Rather than avoid the book altogether, use this as an opportunity to explain your objection to your child. Books can be great springboards for frank discussions about behavior, language and more.

My child likes those puzzle books but I find them really boring. What’s the point of those books?
I Spy, Spot Seven, Can You See What I See? – type books help your child to notice small details and will also introduce new vocabulary. Enjoy in moderation.

Some of these fairy tales can be awfully scary… Is it okay to read them to my child?
You’re right, witches and potions and monsters can be scary. Be guided by your child. If your child wants to hear you read a scary story, trying it while sitting comfortably with you enables them to enjoy a shiver of excitement in a safe setting, One of my fondest camping memories involves a campfire, a book of ghost stories and a flashlight!

English is not my first language. I am uncomfortable reading English to my children. What should I do?
Books on tape or CD could help you and your child enjoy books together. Look for these at your local library. While you are at the library, find out about storytimes, many libraries offer several opportunities for children to hear stories read aloud. Wordless and almost wordless picture books may also be a good choice for you and your child. Finally, you will spend many years encouraging your child to try new things – I would encourage you to try reading at least one book to your child every day even though you may make mistakes.

Our page about Wordless and Almost Wordless Picture Books

For book recommendations, check out our picture book and chapter book suggestions.

If you have a specific question about reading aloud to children, leave a comment. We promise to reply with our best ideas to help you read aloud to your child.

Canada will celebrate Freedom to Read Week February 20 – 26, 2011. Freedom to Read Week is an annual event that encourages Canadians to think about and reaffirm their commitment to intellectual freedom. There are many ways to get involved including attending or hosting an event, participating in a photo contest, reading or releasing a challenged book.

Freedom to Read Homepage

January 27th is Family Literacy Day in Canada and this year’s theme is “Play for Literacy.” I hope you will join in making family literacy a priority by participating in a community event or planning some special activities at home. Next Thursday evening, how about turning off the television, computers and smart phone and dusting off a board game or two. Why not challenge your children to a game of Scrabble, Life, Monopoly, Skip-Bo or Blokus?

In our household, Scrabble is the current favourite. We play as individuals or form two teams. During the holidays, we awarded double points to any “sort-of Christmas-y” word – just to change things up a little.

When the boys were younger, we played countless games of Skip-Bo. Skip-Bo is a fantastic game for developing math sense – without anyone realizing that is what’s happening. It is great for children and adults to play together and it has a “junior” version for younger kids.

Blokus is not as well known but it is another game we have played many times. It really encourages players to think and plan. An enjoyable strategy game, Blokus is also great for kids and adults to play together.

Blokus Classics Game at Amazon.com

Blokus Board Game at Amazon.ca

You will find more information about Family Literacy Day at ABC Life Literacy Canada

Please check out our many free printables that support family literacy and our Pinterest Family Literacy Board.

Please share your thoughts about Family Literacy Day and favorite board games.

Scrabble Crossword Game at Amazon.com

Scrabble Crossword Board Game at Amazon.ca

When Christmas shopping for my thirteen year old, I wanted a non electronic toy and I stumbled upon Brain String – Advanced. This non electronic, 3D puzzle was a “hit” in our home throughout the Christmas holidays as it was picked up by various family members. New puzzles were created and solved over and over again.

The puzzle features color-coded elastic strings stretched within a transparent, symmetrical dome. The challenge is to work, by slightly stretching the strings, from outside the dome to create a knot inside it and then to solve the puzzle you created by manipulating the strings until you untangle the knot. This is done by moving the strings from surface to surface and hole to hole. The strings have color-coded buttons that match the string colors. The buttons and strings move from hole to hole and surface to surface as you attempt to untangle your knot. Ideally, a “solved puzzle” will have like colors on each surface of the dome and no entangled strings.

A highly recommended non-electronic toy for teens and adults who enjoy a mental challenge, Brain String Original is also available.

Brain String (Advanced) at Amazon.com

Brain String Teaser (Original) at Amazon.com

Brain String (Advanced) at Amazon.ca