In Terms of Chocolate...

Check out Beth's Book Review Blog.

Beth has a unique way of rating the books that she reads. She rates them in terms of chocolate.

The Angry Thunderstorm received the Ghirardelli rating. As a chocolate lover, I couldn't be more pleased.

Thank you, Beth, for the wonderful review!

Reading More Into The Story...

Last week, I posted a link to Julia Lawrinson's Writing In The Margins blog titled Why I Write For Children. Julia perfectly articulated why most childrens' authors are passionate about writing for children - you have a direct relationship with readers who care passiontaely about what they read. Children have a relationship with books that is lost to most adult readers which makes writing for them so intense and wonderful.

As a new author, I couldn't agree more with Julia Lawrinson. I LOVE writing the story and have considered it the greatest joy - until today. Today I learned that reading the story to a group of children is, by far, the most rewarding part of the author experience.

This morning, I visited Tutor Time, an early childhood development center where my good friend, Faith, goes to school. (You may recall Faith from an earlier post.) I had the privilege of reading The Angry Thunderstorm to two different age groups - both were delightful.

Before we read the book, we talked about thunderstorms. I asked, Who is afraid of thunderstorms? Little hands went up all over the room. And why are you afraid of thunderstorms? Little faces and voices became animated, "The lightning scares me..." "The thunder is loud..." "I don't like the thunder or the lightning." Then I asked, Why do you think the thunderstorm makes lightning? Why do you think the thunderstorm makes thunder? Why do you think he brings rain? Why do you think the thunderstorm's winds blow so strong? When we began traveling down this new path of thinking, the focus went from what happens during a storm to why it happens. That is the point when we began reading the book.

When children read a story, their world become magical. They are transported into another realm and it is as if their little minds are soaking up every detail of this new place. In this world, the Thunderstorm is alive and he speaks directly to them telling them the big, important job he has to do; and why it takes such powerful strength to get it done. In this world, they are the child at the window experiencing the Thunderstorm's bad attempt at a first impression. When a child reads, they experience.

Today's reading was the most exhilerating and humbling lesson. I may have written the story. I may have read the story. But it is the Thunderstorm that held their hand and took them on the intense and wonderful journey from uncertainty to understanding.

Smoosh People! A Sophie-isticated Idea from a Sophie-isticated Entrepreneur...

Today, I would like to introduce you to a sophisticated young reader and entrepreneur named, Sophie. Sophie's mother and I have worked at the same agency for several years. In fact, I have known Sophie since she was a baby. I have always enjoyed hearing Sophie's mother share stories about her latest escapades - mainly because Sophie thinks differently than most children her age. Her inquisitive nature begs for answers, adventure and experience. Perhaps that is why, at her young age, there is always a glimpse of the older, experienced and cultivated individual that we will get to know in the years to come.

Not too long ago, I recieved an email from Sophie's mother. It read, "Supporting tiny entrepreneur! Sophie has designed and produced twenty SmooshPeople. She will be selling them for ten cents by my desk today, starting at 10:15 am. [P.S. - I'll reimburse the dimes...but she is very excited and I would consider it a great favor.]" I was excited. I didn't know what SmooshPeople were, but they sounded neat. So, I pre-ordered thirty of them. At 10:03 am, I received another email from Mom, "Tiny Entrepreneur had opening night jitters. SmooshPeople still at factory. Will update when she is ready to unveil. [P.S. - Thanks for your patience.]" While I have never known Sophie to be shy or have jitters about anything...being an entrepreneur can be stressful at any age. That said, I was happy to remain patient for my order.

The next morning...

I opened the next email from Mom. It read, "It's on! Spurred by YOUR interest, Sophie will be unveiling the SmooshPeople at 11:30 am in my area. [P.S. - For those of you who pre-paid, we will deliver your's personally.]"

I knew that Sophie's Mom had purchased The Angry Thunderstorm for Sophie. When I opened my bag of SmooshPeople, here is what I saw... Little Thunderstorm SmooshPeople. Each spongey SmooshPerson had black cloud hair. While you can't see it in the picture, each of their arms were painted lightning bolts. And their emotions went from grumpy to a little concerned. Then, from sad to happy...just like the book! I was THRILLED! Like the thunderstorms we encounter, each Smooshie is different and unique. I have them hanging on my peg board at work. It was the best five dollars I have ever spent. I know what you're thinking. I only ordered thirty of them... I threw in two dollars for shipping and handling.