This issue's specials -

Halloween Books are 30% off!

October 19, 2004 

"Einstein Never Used Flash Cards" 

Teacher Featured Books 

Events Galore 

"101 Ways to Bug Your Teacher" 

Hungry for Banana Bread? 

"Coming on Home Soon" 

Santa's Stray 

"A Child is a Child" 

Happy Halloween! 

Greetings from Gaylene, 

"Einstein Never Used Flash Cards" by Kathy Hirsch-Pasek, PhD and Roberta Minchnick Golinkoff, Phd. (ISBN 1594860688, $13.95)  This book's title made me take notice. The authors, two developmental psychologists who are also mothers, examine our culture's trend toward looking at life as a race and how it impacts children.  "We are told that faster is better, that we must push learning along at a rapid pace. We are told that our children are like empty rooms to be filled by the adults who serve as the interior designers of their lives....This books tells the story of development from the scientist's point of view.  It thus offers an antidote not only to the hurried child but also to the hurried parent and hurried teacher!"  I think every teacher or parent should read a book like this from time to time to remind us of what is "normal" and to remember that allowing some unscheduled, free time to play can be one of the most important things we can do for our kids. 

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What a busy month October has been!  We enjoyed seeing many of you at Watermark last week for the Tomie dePaola signing.  We thoroughly enjoyed having this beloved author in our midst for the afternoon!  He signed some extra copies for us, so if you did not get your signed copy of "Guess Who's Coming to Santa's for Dinner", it's not too late!  Tomie stated that it occurred to him when he received a greeting from a friend who signed her card "Olga Klaus," that Santa had a family too. This is what happens when they all show up for a holiday dinner!  Every family has its "characters" and Santa's is evidently no exception.  There are a limited number of signed copies still available.  Call to reserve yours. (682-1181) 

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There are many great Halloween books that are enjoyed year after year, but are usually only on display once annually.  To help you stock up, we are discounting our Halloween books as the Teacher Featured Books for this issue!  There is still plenty of time to enjoy them with your students before Halloween!  A personal favorite of mine is "Dem Bones" by Bob Barner. You can sing along with the colorful skeleton band and also learn about human anatomy!   Each page contains song lyrics, with the opposite page telling something about the skeletal system!  Come in, browse and enjoy 30 percent off on Halloween books! 

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"The Man Who Loved Clowns" by June Rae Wood is a much loved book.  June will be at schools in the area this next week, and is coming to Watermark next Saturday morning, October 23 at 10:00 a.m.  I hope you will join us to meet this special author! 

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The events continue into November, as well!  Lee Wardlaw, author of many books for children from 2 to 12, will be visiting some area schools and will have a presentation/signing at Watermark on Thursday evening, November 4 at 7:00 p.m.  We hope you can find the time to welcome this author to Wichita. Lee tells me she was born in Salina, Ks. and hopes to make a pilgrimage to her birthplace while in Kansas. She currently lives in California.  Lee's latest book "101 Ways to Bug Your Teacher" was recently named to the Best Books of the Month list in ALAN, the journal of the National Council of Teachers of English.  Here's what the School Library Journal has to say: "Sneeze Wyatt, inventor extraordinaire, and his friends from "101 Ways to Bug Your Parents" are back in another fast paced and humorous adventure at Jefferson Middle School. . .In spite of the title, the characters show respect for their teachers and parents, and for one another.  A delightful read." 

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An event that the aspiring writers and illustrators out there will want to know about is scheduled for Saturday, November 6.  The Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI)  will have an informational meeting at Watermark on November 6 from 1-4 p.m.  The meeting includes lunch and a panel discussion about the children's book market, writing and illustrating books for every age, as well as questions and answers.  The cost will be $15 for SCBWI Members and $18 for non members. (lunch included).  To preregister, send a check and your name, address and phone number to SCBWI, 2250 N. Rock Road, Suite 118-182, Wichita, Ks. 67226.  Make checks payable to SCBWI.  If you have questions, e mail  Wichita SCBWI@aol.com.  The panel will include Luanne Marten, Kansas SCBWI Regional Advisor and children's book illustrator, Debra Seely, author of "Grasslands" and "Last of the Roundup Boys", Lee Wardlaw, as mentioned above, and Dian Curtis Regan, author of "Chance, "Monster of the Month Club" and Princess Nevermore" 

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Banana bread anyone?  If you need a great recipe, look no further!  Local librarian Sally Hayes' recipe is featured in Joanne Fluke's latest book "The Sugar Cookie Murder".  Check it out! 

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Jacqueline Woodson has a great new book called "Coming on Home Soon", illustrated by E.B. Lewis.  The beautiful watercolor illustrations help tell the story of Ada Ruth, whose mama must go to Chicago to find work during WWII while Ada Ruth stays with her grandmother on the farm.  Mama tells Ada Ruth she'll be coming on home soon.  A simple story told in a gentle, straightforward manner.  This book is an ALA Notable Book and is a beautifully blends text and art. (Published by Putnam, ISBN:  0 399 23748 8,$16.99) 

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At Watermark you can help the Lord's Diner by making a suggested donation of ten dollars and receiving a beautiful book called "Santa's Stray".  Written by Polly Basore and illustrated by Carlene Williams, the book tells of a stray cat that didn't always smell the best and was often rejected, but who found its way into a warm, cozy house on Christmas eve.  Santa had a conversation with the cat as he was putting presents under the tree and decided (since Santa understands all animal languages) that this cat could help him decide which toy to give which child. The illustrations are just lovely, and the story can be a springboard for talking about rejection, acceptance, and helping others. 

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"A Child is a Child" by Brigitte Weninger, illustrated by Eve Tharlet (published by Penguin, ISBN 0698 40006 2, $14.99) is a sweet story told with excellent illustrations about some little orphaned frogs.  Their parents went missing, and there was no one to care for them. The other animals heard their sad story and wondered what to do, since none of them felt they could provide a proper home for baby frogs (being backbirds, moles, and hedgehogs, themselves).  But Mama Mouse came to the rescue with her 5 little mice behind her, picked up the baby frogs and took them home.  In response to the other animals' doubts that a mother mouse could raise baby frogs, Mama replied,  "A child is a child. All children need a place to live and play, good food to eat and someone who loves them."   This is a story about pitching in to help those in need and creating a bigger family for the benefit of all.  The other animals even pitched in and helped by gathering food, enlarging Mrs. Mouse's house and becoming extended family to the frog babies. 

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Well, it's time to wrap things up.  I need to buy Halloween candy. The problem is trying not to eat it before the trick or treaters come! I hope you survive the Halloween frenzy, and Happy Haunting! 

Until Next Time, 

Gaylene

 

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