tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44391880985413412852024-03-19T04:48:07.504-04:00Picture Books & PirouettesIntegrating dance, movement, and children's literatureKerry Aradhyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14099941502319174759noreply@blogger.comBlogger211125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4439188098541341285.post-86317137846435189422024-01-22T22:30:00.012-05:002024-02-13T12:16:55.157-05:00A BIG Congratulations to Vashti Harrison!<p></p><p>Today the American Library Association announced the 2024 Youth Media Awards, and author/illustrator <a href="https://www.vashtiharrison.com" target="_blank">Vashti Harrison</a> was a BIG winner!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy7D8d0AyokRiY3Z_DFNYXUyE-PZ0S3rLb52do7YxpDCj73lqpzAZhiG7S5hMSqvtLYWUHrLsLRG57j-ZbQAKJZB5O9CpH2XKRyWuXCU5QeRF6-ZmQQ5jZxS249fSSzKGgsgAKMuTq2kNqnBdLK5Lcj2Td3F2KBXRQNqhyphenhyphenkcuGh9lw_jWMPsyVRIvrR_XN/s1170/Screenshot%202024-01-22%20at%2010.09.27%E2%80%AFAM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1170" data-original-width="992" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy7D8d0AyokRiY3Z_DFNYXUyE-PZ0S3rLb52do7YxpDCj73lqpzAZhiG7S5hMSqvtLYWUHrLsLRG57j-ZbQAKJZB5O9CpH2XKRyWuXCU5QeRF6-ZmQQ5jZxS249fSSzKGgsgAKMuTq2kNqnBdLK5Lcj2Td3F2KBXRQNqhyphenhyphenkcuGh9lw_jWMPsyVRIvrR_XN/s320/Screenshot%202024-01-22%20at%2010.09.27%E2%80%AFAM.png" width="271" /></a></div><p></p><p>If you haven't yet read her gorgeous and groundbreaking picture book <i><a href="https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/vashti-harrison/big/9780316353229/?lens=little-brown-books-for-young-readers" target="_blank">BIG</a></i>, I hope you run to your favorite indie bookstore or local library for a copy. It's possible, however, that it will be out of stock or on loan -- not only because Vashti just won a Caldecott Medal, Coretta Scott King Author Honor, <i>and </i>Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor for the book but because it is, quite simply, a remarkable book! </p><p>Ballet is part of the backdrop, but <i>BIG</i> is about so much more. It's a beautiful, self-affirming story for anyone who has ever received comments -- words -- that have hurt them, be those words about their size (as in this book) or about any other quality they embody. Vashti's sparse test combined with her ingenious use of size, space, and color infuse the story with so much emotion, reminding readers that self-acceptance and self-love are some of the most powerful gifts we can give to ourselves. </p><i>BIG</i> was published by Little, Brown and Company last May, and I picked up my copy in October while visiting friends in Portland. As I browsed the shelves of <a href="https://www.powells.com" target="_blank">Powell's Books</a>, I came upon a display copy with a signed print tucked inside. It was my first time in Powell's (which, by the way, is one of the most amazing bookstores ever), and finding this treasure made it a most magical experience... <div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGh6d1ke9GU_5RwhDqwCxbR8UFLtqLu2WDViW6N_kL70lzcu9vCV4HUQTFtAxW0IhjfaiNA7LTc46qI3uELHSxQ3iiEeDMYRVWlDd_HuauJPwP6_x_DY0FBZ-wsMHmJWUol1C_slBFCi_YYXofMWqdrkgmrKacrmg2ySZbqw6R2bCRlcq_fDiZ5IzsFq9N/s1250/Screenshot%202024-02-13%20at%209.14.49%E2%80%AFAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1250" data-original-width="1050" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGh6d1ke9GU_5RwhDqwCxbR8UFLtqLu2WDViW6N_kL70lzcu9vCV4HUQTFtAxW0IhjfaiNA7LTc46qI3uELHSxQ3iiEeDMYRVWlDd_HuauJPwP6_x_DY0FBZ-wsMHmJWUol1C_slBFCi_YYXofMWqdrkgmrKacrmg2ySZbqw6R2bCRlcq_fDiZ5IzsFq9N/s320/Screenshot%202024-02-13%20at%209.14.49%E2%80%AFAM.png" width="269" /></a></div><div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Congratulations, Vashti!<div><p></p><p>See all the 2024 Youth Media Award winners <a href=" https://www.ala.unikron.com/" target="_blank">here</a>. </p></div></div></div>Kerry Aradhyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14099941502319174759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4439188098541341285.post-82669749033969425602023-11-30T16:26:00.008-05:002023-11-30T16:34:39.284-05:00Playful Dance Chants for Moving and Grooving! <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLkGLwi-TxnghhLbP6kTOOSIOzkK-wPAZQoCu8M6Q5sAFC6g6flM4bxZX6lPwuI0CldnP-YMRzm6KjN5EAIDegcEZUMxYe_kboC9cBiSOq_VbJK7xQ3OBzmRi78p2tTec8DqXJiGPA60UFdRFuJB76r7m5CbbJ9iCNwBJOhVLsXDiY37Uh_8FZ28DmZ8Nj/s1258/Screenshot%202023-10-30%20at%206.21.22%20PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="992" data-original-width="1258" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLkGLwi-TxnghhLbP6kTOOSIOzkK-wPAZQoCu8M6Q5sAFC6g6flM4bxZX6lPwuI0CldnP-YMRzm6KjN5EAIDegcEZUMxYe_kboC9cBiSOq_VbJK7xQ3OBzmRi78p2tTec8DqXJiGPA60UFdRFuJB76r7m5CbbJ9iCNwBJOhVLsXDiY37Uh_8FZ28DmZ8Nj/w320-h253/Screenshot%202023-10-30%20at%206.21.22%20PM.png" width="320" /></a></div><p>One of the reasons I started my blog more than a decade ago was to bring together picture book creators, teachers, librarians, and dance educators who all believe in the power of movement as much as I do. The recent picture book <i><a href="https://www.teachercreatedmaterials.com/free-spirit-publishing/p/tap-and-rap-move-and-groove/930763/" target="_blank">Tap and Rap, Move and Groove</a></i> by author Connie Bergstein Dow and illustrator Debbie Palen is the perfect example of a book that embodies this sentiment. </p><p></p><p></p><p>With the holiday season officially in full swing, <i>Tap and Rap, Move and Groove</i> would make an excellent gift for parents, librarians, or early childhood educators -- both those who regularly incorporate movement into their story times or lesson plans and those who would <i>like</i> to incorporate movement but may be a little hesitant. Here are some reasons I think it's great for both groups...</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>There's a lot of variety in the 14 dance chants included in the book, so you're sure to find one that fits into any theme you want to explore through movement. Animals, feelings, nature, counting -- even feet! Here's a peek at the first page of a two-page chant about all the ways you can dance with your feet... </li></ul><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb2isFxt1jlrfFG-88kAiF6VCjGU_DdioQXWBdDzxfpkcmOVlOlr-Zk8kOUi_FFFem1wsYq6pYyysnQjAGaHFkqTntQIVZqgEzyVs0Usr3Dl6GZCns_uesLgAM62Yk6mfwfVB1HT-5hRPNfegOuorbRNQ4ZTUxKWru6tqpQ9PS4bUljmhIOBAGeaw4OK_1/s1960/Screenshot%202023-11-28%20at%203.08.03%20PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1616" data-original-width="1960" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb2isFxt1jlrfFG-88kAiF6VCjGU_DdioQXWBdDzxfpkcmOVlOlr-Zk8kOUi_FFFem1wsYq6pYyysnQjAGaHFkqTntQIVZqgEzyVs0Usr3Dl6GZCns_uesLgAM62Yk6mfwfVB1HT-5hRPNfegOuorbRNQ4ZTUxKWru6tqpQ9PS4bUljmhIOBAGeaw4OK_1/w451-h372/Screenshot%202023-11-28%20at%203.08.03%20PM.png" width="451" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>If you're in a pinch and need a last-minute creative movement prompt, look no further! Keep this book handy for any extra time you might have at the end of a dance class or school day, especially if the kids have been sitting for a long time and just need to get their wiggles out! </li><li>The back matter is AMAZING if you're looking for some practical support in using the book. It includes guidelines for leading each chant, suggestions for creating boundaries to maintain control in a room full of kinetic kiddos, modifications to make the chants accessible for children with a range of needs and learning styles, and reminders of why creative movement is so beneficial to young children.</li><li>This peppy, brightly colored book also comes with a free digital download full of ideas for enhancing the chants with music, props, and variations to keep children engaged during many repeated readings!</li></ul><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj50jmW56vIpcoyE4E1lj_powhl9wV95PKvQZ_5TUmeXygiZSYkeuzzek67fv3P2NindrGnuJR6SIIr0LhgeUczX-x9N3KWbaDL1PTwmg6Vy95lh6K-N4b7NCnQK3tWktSZcocdoq3AhNJA83DJkMez2vMpWaQZBLOvetqyMiMArJK9o6jlTFeBpPjE9Lh3/s594/Screenshot%202023-11-30%20at%2012.11.08%20PM.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="594" data-original-width="494" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj50jmW56vIpcoyE4E1lj_powhl9wV95PKvQZ_5TUmeXygiZSYkeuzzek67fv3P2NindrGnuJR6SIIr0LhgeUczX-x9N3KWbaDL1PTwmg6Vy95lh6K-N4b7NCnQK3tWktSZcocdoq3AhNJA83DJkMez2vMpWaQZBLOvetqyMiMArJK9o6jlTFeBpPjE9Lh3/w185-h223/Screenshot%202023-11-30%20at%2012.11.08%20PM.png" width="185" /></a></div>If you haven't guessed, author Connie Bergstein Dow is also an experienced dance educator. Learn more about her at <a href="https://www.movingislearning.com/" target="_blank">Moving Is Learning</a> or from my review of her debut picture book <a href="http://kerryaradhya.blogspot.com/2019/06/an-alphabet-of-learning-movement-and-fun.html" target="_blank"><i>From A to Z with Energy!</i></a> But before you go, as we metaphorically wave goodbye, here is the ending of a chant from <i>Tap and Rap, Move and Groove</i> called "Waving Rap"... </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #8e7cc3;"><i>Wave your arms, way up high.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #8e7cc3;"><i>Reach your fingers to the sky.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #8e7cc3;"><i>Step and clap, step and clap, </i></span></div><i><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #8e7cc3;">As we do our waving rap!</span></i></div></i><i><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #8e7cc3;">Jump and hop, twist and bop. </span></i></div></i><i><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #8e7cc3;">Wave everything...</span></i><i><span style="color: #8e7cc3;">and now we stop!</span></i></div></i></div>Kerry Aradhyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14099941502319174759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4439188098541341285.post-47874718664167403262023-10-10T11:12:00.005-04:002023-10-10T12:53:22.480-04:00Sing Along to Boogie in the Bronx!<p>Put on your dancing shoes and get ready to rumba! <i><a href="https://www.barefootbooks.com/ca/new/boogie-in-the-bronx" target="_blank">Boogie in the Bronx</a> </i>hit bookshelves one week ago today! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiudU_EpBi8vttt0Yc4D-vqRBMkRDdtk4GO_M1BntqVMBHJEFGOQ_kRiy5TJTdJn7ggXsnrSXvsgAOLSi_Arfa8Y24_IGKNo8Ze_Fhy7eUnHvKCrgoz-I8Rf-IPrXT4Zpf3sR9hVMEmBjvjg_OVArl1veA6wOLmHm4USFMNzJG5B9r6VO-4oOrGfs7cB38F/s1252/Screenshot%202023-07-21%20at%207.51.21%20PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1206" data-original-width="1252" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiudU_EpBi8vttt0Yc4D-vqRBMkRDdtk4GO_M1BntqVMBHJEFGOQ_kRiy5TJTdJn7ggXsnrSXvsgAOLSi_Arfa8Y24_IGKNo8Ze_Fhy7eUnHvKCrgoz-I8Rf-IPrXT4Zpf3sR9hVMEmBjvjg_OVArl1veA6wOLmHm4USFMNzJG5B9r6VO-4oOrGfs7cB38F/w214-h207/Screenshot%202023-07-21%20at%207.51.21%20PM.png" width="214" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>I became a huge fan of publisher Barefoot Books when my girls (who are both teenagers now) were very young. This new picture book, written by <a href="https://www.jackieazuakramer.com" target="_blank">Jackie Azúa Kramer</a> and illustrated by <a href="https://cargocollective.com/janaglatt" target="_blank">Jana Glatt</a>, embodies all the qualities that have kept me a fan through the years. The art is bold and bright, with equally engaging rhyming text, full of music and movement. As a bonus, it's a singalong! Sung by Sol y Canto to music written by Brian Amador, the song (which mimics the text) and an accompanying animated video can be accessed through a QR code at the end of the book, or <span style="background-color: white;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFRnCGm0RQo" target="_blank">here</a>!</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Although not apparent from the title alone, this book is also a counting book (with numbers and some short phrases in both English and Spanish) and an introduction to Latin, Afro-Latin, and African American dance--all set within the walls of a diverse high-rise apartment in New York City...</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpj_TnCIn_X78gu6CoMAJegHWPOt_LdMzLnnXgiaCIL-k29mV9DQrXFYBBbSQzAFKRzMBhOnxP5Al77oKLrZRCouqwuoufMZ7h5ai8b-Pq1I9ElcHKLfHYhvTW4SlLtM9pnQ9r4ajM-kJjaAZQz91yF5qDJ-fu70ozAq6kVD1gt2_2UbnIDi-oIdzo0hds/s1594/Screenshot%202023-07-22%20at%2010.07.38%20AM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1594" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpj_TnCIn_X78gu6CoMAJegHWPOt_LdMzLnnXgiaCIL-k29mV9DQrXFYBBbSQzAFKRzMBhOnxP5Al77oKLrZRCouqwuoufMZ7h5ai8b-Pq1I9ElcHKLfHYhvTW4SlLtM9pnQ9r4ajM-kJjaAZQz91yF5qDJ-fu70ozAq6kVD1gt2_2UbnIDi-oIdzo0hds/w421-h202/Screenshot%202023-07-22%20at%2010.07.38%20AM.png" width="421" /></a></div><br /><div>Once you listen to the song, you'll also realize that it's an introduction to the rhythms that go along with each the 10 featured dances, including salsa, reggaeton, and conga. The spread below, featuring tango, is one of my favorites. I especially love how the paint brushes of the artists are gliding right along with them as they dance in their apartment...</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLXYn0xUBj3P9m7Z0hG4mvAnxtGZmq34U54X-EnuKKNCRE3j2ehc9UWHvpUJL8IUqVPm0QLrZBRyAIoT0WHNT1xqBTh3tNbuB5J25ZV1dnM0UfKXVc247EjlltkKTCn3AKF2WD7xrQRxLQzRGHQnr7SWRHuWclVSX2Cl6f-TJd2V_G9McqKsueQuFbOzvL/s1598/Screenshot%202023-07-22%20at%2010.05.43%20AM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="778" data-original-width="1598" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLXYn0xUBj3P9m7Z0hG4mvAnxtGZmq34U54X-EnuKKNCRE3j2ehc9UWHvpUJL8IUqVPm0QLrZBRyAIoT0WHNT1xqBTh3tNbuB5J25ZV1dnM0UfKXVc247EjlltkKTCn3AKF2WD7xrQRxLQzRGHQnr7SWRHuWclVSX2Cl6f-TJd2V_G9McqKsueQuFbOzvL/w427-h208/Screenshot%202023-07-22%20at%2010.05.43%20AM.png" width="427" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div><div>One more thing I've always loved about Barefoot Books is that the characters in their books have been from diverse backgrounds for as long as I've been reading them, which means representation has been important to them for a very long time. </div><div><br /></div><div>To that point, I really appreciated the acknowledgment in the back of <i>Boogie in the Bronx</i> thanking a director of diversity education, a disability consultant, a pronunciation consultant, and a dance consultant for their expert advice in creating this book. So, with that...</div></div><div> </div><div>I hope you've still got your dancing shoes on. Let's dance! Vamos a bailar!</div>Kerry Aradhyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14099941502319174759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4439188098541341285.post-7552079137423378262023-09-18T12:55:00.014-04:002023-10-09T13:10:32.276-04:00An Interview with Author Rachel S. Hobbs<div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivmjIIQ7yCJnyPYUzarCMWXJ1U-VNXF7Eqor_jRWjocyQ9xTxEB3YiuJQaVC4asAkVszMWW3ckTTFpV-Jzf5gtZNkIvTD4ZcdEH4Rql974Q14vJ_loD9pClBkmmyPqpa3WJOV2JPIFAcjrTTt_q5hgoLa3lbfCf5_Wa9MtLGk7zQp5xXSRuwIa8jcDVDqp/s2048/Author%20headshot.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivmjIIQ7yCJnyPYUzarCMWXJ1U-VNXF7Eqor_jRWjocyQ9xTxEB3YiuJQaVC4asAkVszMWW3ckTTFpV-Jzf5gtZNkIvTD4ZcdEH4Rql974Q14vJ_loD9pClBkmmyPqpa3WJOV2JPIFAcjrTTt_q5hgoLa3lbfCf5_Wa9MtLGk7zQp5xXSRuwIa8jcDVDqp/w170-h228/Author%20headshot.jpg" width="170" /></a></div></div><div style="display: inline;"><span><div><span style="color: #8e7cc3;"><b><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 17.6px;"><i>Congratulations to winner Angela Dose! Although the giveaway is now closed, I hope you will still enjoy the post!</i></span></span></b></span></div><div style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-style: italic;">I've always loved a good fractured fairy tale -- a retelling of a classic fairy tale but with a unique twist in one or more elements of the original story.</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span><i>I'm so happy to have author <a href="https://rachelhobbswrites.home.blog/?page_id=2" target="_blank">Rachel S. Hobbs</a> here with us today to talk about her debut picture book, a fractured fairy tale </i><a href="https://gnomeroadpublishing.com/products/tango-red-riding-hood" target="_blank">Tango Red Riding Hood</a><i>, illustrated by </i><span style="font-style: italic;"><a href="https://carov-art.carrd.co" target="_blank">Carolina Vázquez</a> and just released by </span><i>Gnome Road Publishing. </i></div><div style="color: #999999;"><div style="display: inline;"><i><br /></i></div></div><div style="color: #999999;"><div style="display: inline;"><i>In this fresh, bilingual take on Little Red Riding Hood, a young tango-loving Argentine girl name Moni sets out to deliver some scrumptious alfajores to her Abuela. As she dances through the forest, she encounters a wolf playing tango music on his bandoneón! It might seem like the perfect pairing of two characters passionate about the tango, but hilarity soon ensues once Moni and the wolf start communicating (or trying to communicate) through speech instead of music and dance. </i></div></div><div style="color: #999999;"><div style="display: inline;"><i><br /></i></div></div><div style="color: #999999;"><div style="display: inline;"><i>A blend of two cultures (as </i></div><div style="display: inline;"><i>Rachel was born to a Californian father and Argentine mother), this book</i><i> would be great</i></div><i> for English or Spanish learners, or for anyone who just wants to read a fun story with an Argentine twist!</i></div><div style="color: #999999;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="color: #999999;"><i style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span><b>GIVEAWAY ALERT!!</b> Stick around after the interview for a chance to win a crocheted rose (inspired by a scene in the book) and a 20-minute ask-me-anything phone call or Zoom with Rachel!</span> </i></div></span></div></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilSz6MSNHjV_LQnSPGTbxTh_haA5VgBBE5JwRzpovrfZKU2RINNfuqfGRdp-OjzpPSXzhy9Ztz-fVoFDvpn9inCyiYBrvOTTYs3ycW5kXJiEMHmn878Rz9_51CfK1ojzykis7aLyBJ_opSTpGdKAKn8uQvu_ERIp4qSBuFFqrGKlwvJILaa5r2V8mBUpdl/s896/Screenshot%202023-08-30%20at%202.01.43%20PM.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="896" data-original-width="646" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilSz6MSNHjV_LQnSPGTbxTh_haA5VgBBE5JwRzpovrfZKU2RINNfuqfGRdp-OjzpPSXzhy9Ztz-fVoFDvpn9inCyiYBrvOTTYs3ycW5kXJiEMHmn878Rz9_51CfK1ojzykis7aLyBJ_opSTpGdKAKn8uQvu_ERIp4qSBuFFqrGKlwvJILaa5r2V8mBUpdl/s320/Screenshot%202023-08-30%20at%202.01.43%20PM.png" width="231" /></a></div><div></div><div><b><span style="color: #8e7cc3;">So happy to have you here with us today, Rachel! And congratulations on your debut picture book! </span></b></div><div><p>Thank you so much for having me! I feel honored, and I'm excited to share my thoughts with a dance-minded community!</p><p><b><span style="color: #8e7cc3;">How are you feeling? Have you been doing anything special to celebrate?</span></b></p><p>I love food, so that's how I've been celebrating! We made some Argentine food recently, and I also plan on making alfajores (the treat mentioned in the book) for my author visits. Don't get me wrong, though. I don't enjoy cooking or baking, but I really wanted to share something I love with others!</p><p>As for how I'm feeling, that's a tricky question to answer! I'm extremely grateful that people can have this personal piece of me in their hands to enjoy what I enjoy. I'm so happy when friends show me photos of themselves holding my book. I'm also really anxious, but that's part of my mental health issues. My adrenaline has been really high. I've learning a lot about self-soothing and self-compassion, so I think that will get me back on track!</p><p><b><span style="color: #8e7cc3;">Yes, self-soothing and self-compassion are so important, and I hope you feel more balanced soon. I also struggle with self-soothing when I am anxious or overwhelmed, and have found that meditation and LOTS of alone time are so helpful, at least for me. Oh, and so is dance!</span></b></p><p><b><span style="color: #8e7cc3;">Speaking of dance, how </span></b><b><span style="color: #8e7cc3;">did you come up with the idea for this tango-themed story?</span></b></p><p>That's a great question! I was listening to a lot of audiobooks at the time, and I was listening to the last book of Stephanie Garber's Caraval series (young adult). If I remember correctly, the main character was going to a ball, and just as she started dancing with someone, I found myself wishing it was tango. It wasn't! But that made me reflect on my love of tango, and how I grew up with it as part of my culture, but my peers didn't. I wished for a way I could introduce it to kids, and I immediately started coming up with the verses Moni sings in the book, to the tune of "El Choclo."</p><p>So dance was really the impetus for writing this book! I originally used more dance words to convey how Moni was moving through the forest. I wanted to show that dancing was always on her mind. Those words didn't make revisions, but I still used words like twirled, whirled, swayed, and of course, tango-specific words, along with actual tango dance steps!</p><p><b><span style="color: #8e7cc3;">I love the color palette and expressive faces of all the characters in this book. What was it like having Carolina </span></b><b><span style="color: #8e7cc3;">Vázquez</span></b><b><span style="color: #8e7cc3;"> as the illustrator? </span></b></p><p>I feel like the luckiest person alive that she was the illustrator! Her palette in the book is vibrant and bold, which is absolutely reflective of tango itself. I think the faces are as expressive as the dance! She added such amazing Argentine-specific touches to the illustrations that I didn't imagine, like the half-hood-half poncho, the other Argentine snacks and drinks, and the mixture of a North American and South American wolf. She is so brilliant and talented!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoFrW65VhLFB2Q4eJbLixxgl8Cw_ganEkwbF-mWCyhA2URHf2JlQOXALISWhqr6dlQJB9LVm1FdlZSI1PPGXLUCFbSEe-uOcuxTmtjm4yRsTmKtVxk3ZXpe9glRObl7pf3kr4ju3JQn1a-Bx0-kWnZZNI1zIE9cvf9rZxM3Pm8O2Ws1Rf_C1hKAj8pDPDJ/s5400/Tango_WBF_Interior%20Spreads_Page_11.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3300" data-original-width="5400" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoFrW65VhLFB2Q4eJbLixxgl8Cw_ganEkwbF-mWCyhA2URHf2JlQOXALISWhqr6dlQJB9LVm1FdlZSI1PPGXLUCFbSEe-uOcuxTmtjm4yRsTmKtVxk3ZXpe9glRObl7pf3kr4ju3JQn1a-Bx0-kWnZZNI1zIE9cvf9rZxM3Pm8O2Ws1Rf_C1hKAj8pDPDJ/w410-h251/Tango_WBF_Interior%20Spreads_Page_11.jpg" width="410" /></a></div><p></p><p><b><span style="color: #8e7cc3;">As a debut picture book author, was there anything that surprised you about the publication process?</span></b></p><p>I have learned so much through the years from SCBWI conferences, books, and classes, so not a lot surprised me, except that I couldn't have dreamed that someone else (the publisher/editor) could envision what I envisioned and loved it the way I had hoped. Finding someone who really understands your manuscript is a more beautiful experience than I had dreamed of. It's hard to get rejections, but those aren't the people you would want to work with on your manuscript. It is worth it to find "the one."</p><p><b><span style="color: #8e7cc3;">So happy that you found "the one" to share your vision for this amazingly multi-layered book. What are you hoping young readers will take away from it? And what are you working on next?</span></b></p><p>I'm hoping young readers will learn a new dance and new music. I'm also hoping they will see how they, too, can infuse their culture into new or familiar stories. And I also want them to know that when you learn a new language it's normal to make mistakes! I have made language mistakes -- both using a Spanish word that I didn't understand was Spanish in talking to English-only friends (realizing I said "the wrong thing") and confusing two Spanish words when I was telling someone a recipe, which would have made a non-edible food! It's something I can laugh about now, and I hope that people will accept that mistakes will happen and that it will be ok. That's how we learn!</p><p>As for what I'm working on...another way of sharing my culture! It involves food and it may or may not be a retelling...</p><p>Thanks again for having me -- this was fun! Now let's dance.</p><p><b><span style="color: #8e7cc3;">Thank YOU for being here, Rachel, and for offering a very generous giveaway. And yes, let's dance. As Abuela says in <i>Tango Red Riding Hood</i>, "Magical things happen when you dance!" </span></b></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-style: italic;"><b></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-style: italic;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhENLk2hGcbBs06MFbDdK3yIA4zAUlENvbWgExxSf9YafcHPwUUbD9FJ7pVfF42qKm0hAy0Ce3FXqtE8y3odRHI6jkqf30Ezjr-wPRAhhGQsBf4aq75sZYCTaI-O5TJXunxKk6cBJtZiSIJkhCyGcdz3NNOPHr5WqfcoavdWtSGhRMH-iqibnxxko1xQmPz/s1150/Screenshot%202023-09-11%20at%203.07.01%20PM.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1150" data-original-width="864" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhENLk2hGcbBs06MFbDdK3yIA4zAUlENvbWgExxSf9YafcHPwUUbD9FJ7pVfF42qKm0hAy0Ce3FXqtE8y3odRHI6jkqf30Ezjr-wPRAhhGQsBf4aq75sZYCTaI-O5TJXunxKk6cBJtZiSIJkhCyGcdz3NNOPHr5WqfcoavdWtSGhRMH-iqibnxxko1xQmPz/w179-h238/Screenshot%202023-09-11%20at%203.07.01%20PM.png" width="179" /></a></b></span></div><span style="background-color: white; font-style: italic;"><b><span style="color: #999999;">GIVEAWAY TIME!! </span></b></span><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="background-color: white;"><i>Leave a comment for a chance to win a 20-minute ask-me-anything session with Rachel, plus this BEAUTIFUL rose she crocheted just for you (pattern by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kati.crafts/" target="_blank">@kati.crafts</a>). And d</i></span><span style="background-color: white;"><i>on't forget to leave an email </i></span><i>address or social media handle so we can reach you if you win. </i><i>The giveaway will close on Thursday, September 28th, at 11:59 pm EST. </i><i>Best of luck!</i></span><p></p><p></p></div>Kerry Aradhyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14099941502319174759noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4439188098541341285.post-81112649206693981422023-07-16T19:26:00.027-04:002023-07-17T21:55:00.150-04:00This Is Rhythm! This Is Tap!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I was three or four years old when I put on my first pair of tap shoes, wearing them at least weekly for the next 15 or so years. Even when I wasn't wearing them, I was tapping. Tapping at the bus stop, under my desk at school, even in the grocery store--relishing in the rhythms I was making and memorizing the steps so I wouldn't have to think about them anymore when the music started playing in class.</div><div><br /></div><div><span>Gregory Hines is the tap legend I've always known best, in part from his captivating performances in the 1985 dance film </span><i>White Nights </i>(which co-starred Mikhail Baryshnikov and was choreographed by Twyla Tharp)<i>.</i><span> If you haven't seen it and have a few minutes, I highly recommend this clip of a Gregory Hines tap solo from the film... </span></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VbxI3K8GnpU" width="320" youtube-src-id="VbxI3K8GnpU"></iframe></div><div><br /><div>Gregory Hines was a master of rhythm tap, which is different from what I learned as a child, and different from what you usually see at a traditional dance recital or musical theatre performance. In rhythm tap, the dancer's center of gravity is a little lower, and the emphasis is much more on the feet and the sounds they make than on anything else, including what the dance looks like. It's literally "music" through movement.<p></p><p>The most famous rhythm tapper performing today is Savion Glover, and I can't tell you how excited I am that Holiday House has published a picture book biography about him! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIA0_YRvjYcQEblAwIzve3BG8RBGuA_KFO5IZAeqg9wlRJOlxOqmLTPkagTghcj_RMKVqMP0pnowa5P1MgtGeTenAxuPNXTNI4heUy4caSrRSsTJH74DjRoX3UeML8luWlixyZ7cJq_-PefQeiCadn8syybbZbTGvVvDMNX7P0Pl6Ut0JAcdLGo4IpskU1/s538/Screenshot%202023-07-16%20at%2010.28.20%20AM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="428" data-original-width="538" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIA0_YRvjYcQEblAwIzve3BG8RBGuA_KFO5IZAeqg9wlRJOlxOqmLTPkagTghcj_RMKVqMP0pnowa5P1MgtGeTenAxuPNXTNI4heUy4caSrRSsTJH74DjRoX3UeML8luWlixyZ7cJq_-PefQeiCadn8syybbZbTGvVvDMNX7P0Pl6Ut0JAcdLGo4IpskU1/w374-h299/Screenshot%202023-07-16%20at%2010.28.20%20AM.png" width="374" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p><i>This Is Tap: Savion Glover Finds His Funk,</i> by <a href="https://selenecastrovilla.com" target="_blank">Selene Castrovilla</a> and <a href="https://www.lfreemanart.com" target="_blank">Laura Freeman</a>, not only tells the story of how Savion's natural knack and passion for rhythm propelled him to stardom but also serves as an intuitive introduction to rhythm tap. </p><p>Full of lyrical language and onomatopoeia, the words on the pages--with all their rhythms and sounds--are the perfect embodiment of this dance style. And the illustrations, ranging from a bouncing baby Savion to an adult Savion combining the funk of hip-hop with all those beats in his body, focus on the feet and boost the energy of the already boisterous text... </p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="color: #800180;">Hittin' meant expressin' yourself with your feet</span></i> </p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="color: #800180;">Makin' a statement</span></i> </p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="color: #800180;">When the audience picked up on what you were putting' down, you hit</span></i> </p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="color: #800180;">RIFFITY, SPIFFITY, BOMPITY, ROMPITY,</span></i> </p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="color: #800180;">CLAP, CLAP, CLAP!</span></i></p></blockquote><blockquote><p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #800180;"></span></i></p></blockquote><p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #800180;"></span></i></p><p>While preparing to write this post, I learned that Savion Glover was actually a regular on Sesame Street from 1990 to 1995. That means there's probably a whole bunch of lucky 30-something-year-olds out there who grew up with Savion...and tap dancing! That makes me so happy. </p><p>In case you'd like to see Savion Glover in action, or simply feel like reminiscing about Sesame Street, I'm going to leave you with a few videos. The first is of a young Savion playing a rhyming game in which he rhymes/raps while dancing out a bunch of words that rhyme with "tap." It's adorable...and infectious!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/c360ztXHlXc" width="320" youtube-src-id="c360ztXHlXc"></iframe></div><p>The second video, also from Sesame Street, stars both Savion Glover AND Gregory Hines, who was one of Savion's teachers. What a treat to see two generations of tap legends together on--in my humble opinion--the best children's show ever created...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vPtt9fZNi4A" width="320" youtube-src-id="vPtt9fZNi4A"></iframe></div><p>And the final video is a clip of a more mature Savion Glover dancing, in 2002, with the cast of the Tony Award-winning musical <i>Bring in 'da Noise, Bring in 'da Funk </i>during a telethon for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Wowza!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0-2kUSSzKwI" width="320" youtube-src-id="0-2kUSSzKwI"></iframe></div><p>Learn more about <i>This Is Tap: Savion Glover Finds His Funk</i> from publisher Holiday House <a href="https://holidayhouse.com/book/this-is-tap/" target="_blank">here</a>. You can also read <a href="https://ums.org/2019/06/21/from-margins-to-mainstream-tap-dance-history/#:~:text=Brief%20History,and%20retain%20their%20cultural%20identities" target="_blank">this blog post</a> from the University of Michigan's University Musical Society for a brief introduction to the very interesting, but complex, history of tap dance in America. </p></div></div>Kerry Aradhyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14099941502319174759noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4439188098541341285.post-23941186853348327042022-10-31T13:10:00.001-04:002022-10-31T13:43:34.700-04:00Ride, Roll, Run: Time for a Fun Giveaway!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #8e7cc3;"><i>Happy Halloween to all who celebrate! No tricks from me today, but I do have a treat -- a giveaway of the fabulous new picture book <a href="Ride, Roll, Run: Time For Fun!" target="_blank"><span style="color: #8e7cc3;"><b>Ride, Roll, Run: Time for Fun!</b></span></a></i><b> </b><i>by Valerie Bolling and Sabrena Khadija! Leave a comment at the end of this post to enter, and make sure to subscribe to the comments to find out the results. I'll choose a random winner when the giveaway closes at 11:59 pm EST on November 7th!</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYfYoFG95U6NKiVeWlxcBCJSpJYhrdrI-QCbuvRVnWmXdZzsgD4AH4DWY8H2RgtBO-X-H9omwKMHYtvLHnNwq6LG28n0HpSCl-iWTCMQtc6CKPWFEV7mCL-jSSrmtFGeZC9D-CZ6mi2gn9rjhVrWmTmIyHL7yrN6nPISXP7WH_VMgyzpwZWClSJJLMVA/s450/Screen%20Shot%202022-10-05%20at%208.12.48%20PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="449" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYfYoFG95U6NKiVeWlxcBCJSpJYhrdrI-QCbuvRVnWmXdZzsgD4AH4DWY8H2RgtBO-X-H9omwKMHYtvLHnNwq6LG28n0HpSCl-iWTCMQtc6CKPWFEV7mCL-jSSrmtFGeZC9D-CZ6mi2gn9rjhVrWmTmIyHL7yrN6nPISXP7WH_VMgyzpwZWClSJJLMVA/s320/Screen%20Shot%202022-10-05%20at%208.12.48%20PM.png" width="319" /></a></div><p>Children's author <a href="http://www.valeriebolling.com/index.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #8e7cc3;">Valerie Bolling</span></b></a> burst onto the scene in 2020 with her debut picture book, <i><a href="http://kerryaradhya.blogspot.com/2020/03/lets-celebrate-dance-and-diversity.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #8e7cc3;"><b>Let's Dance!</b></span></a>, </i>using joyful rhythm and rhyme to celebrate dance and diversity around the world. Her new picture book, <i>Ride, Roll, Run: Time for Fun!</i> is another joyful ode to childhood, this time celebrating community and friendship. And...as you can tell from the title...it's full of movement! </p><p>The book begins just as a school day ends, and a diverse group of students make their way into the neighborhood for a fun afternoon. They play on skateboards, bikes, and jungle gyms. They make music and dance, play double dutch, and shoot hoops. They partake in nearly every activity you might imagine children would enjoy outside in the streets!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX-FUsPs17V6ulyBdl0I57BBAulQ25sdA6mYDSBZAR_f31Y-ehSU2KqjSKoj6oY6oJRRP-L-dS5P8VSXvz77iazsCjDn00MHqUeyVyi6HDBN65zomAWB5-vwt9UX6-aZ6zA_bZpkzIOaG7XMPpRbefHKXLi4jJa0l1YQ-B96zXFgzC5HB6yxPkcJnRFw/s922/Screen%20Shot%202022-10-29%20at%209.05.36%20PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="461" data-original-width="922" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX-FUsPs17V6ulyBdl0I57BBAulQ25sdA6mYDSBZAR_f31Y-ehSU2KqjSKoj6oY6oJRRP-L-dS5P8VSXvz77iazsCjDn00MHqUeyVyi6HDBN65zomAWB5-vwt9UX6-aZ6zA_bZpkzIOaG7XMPpRbefHKXLi4jJa0l1YQ-B96zXFgzC5HB6yxPkcJnRFw/w430-h215/Screen%20Shot%202022-10-29%20at%209.05.36%20PM.png" width="430" /></a></div><p></p><p>The beautiful digital art by <a href="https://www.sabrenakhadija.com" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #8e7cc3;">Sabrena Kadija</span></b></a> adds a retro flair to the book. Maybe it's the color palette, or the big-rimmed glasses some of the children are wearing, but the art combined with the concept of the book transports me back to my own childhood....to my own memories of playing outside with my brothers or other neighborhood kids for hours on end after school or on the weekends. </p><p>Perhaps I am in a nostalgic mood, but reading this picture book also brings back memories of the many hours I spent watching Sesame Street as a child. The diversity, the childhood innocence, and all that neighborly love! </p><p>Sesame Street holds a very special place in my heart, and now <i>Ride, Roll, Run: Time for Fun! </i>does, too!</p><p>So...I know I said "no tricks from me" at the beginning of this post, but I may have misspoke. I do have one little trick...I'll give you an extra entry in the giveaway if you answer this question in the comments: Which movement from the title of the book do you prefer? Riding? Rolling? Running?</p><p>Thanks for reading all the way through!</p>Kerry Aradhyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14099941502319174759noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4439188098541341285.post-64973666653031027272022-03-08T17:46:00.007-05:002022-03-14T20:00:55.643-04:00A Celebration of Women...and a Giveaway!<p>For so many families, the past two years been tumultuous--saturated with unexpected changes, necessary adjustments, and a heavy dose of soul searching along the way. That's how it's been for my family, so unfortunately my blog didn't get much attention during the thick of it all. But...I am back. I am ready to reboot my blog. I am ready to talk some more about picture books and dance!!</p><p>Since it is International Women's Day, what better way to celebrate than to feature a picture book full of women who both made history and informed the future, helping pave the way for so many who came after them. And this is <i>Picture Books & Pirouettes</i>, after all, so this book must be about dancers :)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjUP7kOUjWOWEB-eui5BI4c6_Li-IRbXWDSHOl7h-PyB_07ZOU3GTbBXD3eEecan6tqSgjO1ZymxTxAJmSjab9AvBsjZNNxFxbjHueN1DuFSCLo1EVuP2gIkqtTYGGMLsPwEY9AHxli1pV9ff2Y1H4ymJs8I9Qc_Ghv81CfMPf-Vv8z8FxILbG8cSslrA=s397" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="397" data-original-width="308" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjUP7kOUjWOWEB-eui5BI4c6_Li-IRbXWDSHOl7h-PyB_07ZOU3GTbBXD3eEecan6tqSgjO1ZymxTxAJmSjab9AvBsjZNNxFxbjHueN1DuFSCLo1EVuP2gIkqtTYGGMLsPwEY9AHxli1pV9ff2Y1H4ymJs8I9Qc_Ghv81CfMPf-Vv8z8FxILbG8cSslrA=s320" width="248" /></a></div><br /><p><a href="https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Black-Ballerinas/Misty-Copeland/9781534474246" target="_blank"><i>Black Ballerinas: My Journey to Our Legacy</i></a> is a compilation of 27 stories of Black ballerinas who fought back against discrimination throughout the past 100 years and influenced the career of the book's author, <a href="https://mistycopeland.com" target="_blank">Misty Copeland</a>, who made history herself as the first Black female principal dancer at the American Ballet Theatre. Each story in the book is very personal, with Misty describing not only biographical information about each dancer but also detailed thoughts and feelings about her own connection the women. I actually got goosebumps reading some of the stories!</p><p>Each story is accompanied by a full-page drawing of the featured dancer by illustrator <a href="http://www.salenabarnes.com">Salena Barnes</a>. The art is contemporary and whimsical, with a wonderful sense of movement and joy and a soft pallet of greys, golds, pinks, and blues. Each illustration is also accompanied by an inspirational quote by the dancer. Although this picture book is not intended for the youngest children, it is a powerful book for older children through adults interested in dance, history, and the strength of women.</p><p><b>Giveaway</b></p><p>Luck was on my side not too long ago when I was browsing the children's section of a book store and came across a copy of <i>Black Ballerinas</i> that was signed by Misty Copeland. Of course I snapped it up. And today I would like to offer it to one of you!</p><p>All you have to do is leave a comment on this blog post and either follow up with the comments or leave your contact information so I can reach you if you win. One idea is to leave a comment about a special woman (past or present) who has influenced your own life. </p><p>The giveaway will close at 12:00 am EST on March 16, 2022, and I will use a random number generator to choose the winner. Good luck, and Happy International Women's Day!</p><p><br /></p><script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script>Kerry Aradhyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14099941502319174759noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4439188098541341285.post-58343498629823253612020-06-03T23:49:00.003-04:002020-06-06T00:56:23.649-04:00#BlackLivesMatter #BlackStoriesMatter<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I'm still looking for words for what is happening in our country right now. Our youngest daughter, who is 13, is also looking for words. I think she is off to a good start with the sign she made below. We're planning to attend the outskirts of a peaceful demonstration in our hometown on Friday, and these are the words she will carry with her...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj749X3Dz-vPus_9Kjqy6mJPG-LCsKHrHLksO3A2pAZUE1gdG25lUicDhmAONHDpuNaLcxJ8GmLby_pIxa-HLjT73aSAy5uk3IzbPMft9CD-yaxV0yEovjCQttJ5tOd4eH7t1o_Jt-mBhUi/s1600/BLM_mira.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj749X3Dz-vPus_9Kjqy6mJPG-LCsKHrHLksO3A2pAZUE1gdG25lUicDhmAONHDpuNaLcxJ8GmLby_pIxa-HLjT73aSAy5uk3IzbPMft9CD-yaxV0yEovjCQttJ5tOd4eH7t1o_Jt-mBhUi/s1600/BLM_mira.jpg" /></a></div>
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I haven't made my sign yet but am going to include this incredibly beautiful tribute (below) that our friend in Chicago, Meenakshi Dash, painted. She has given permission to share it, with or without credit, so feel free to do so if you are as moved by it as I was. Her painting has helped calm me amidst the turmoil and allowed me to begin thinking about how I can take action in this time of change...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Painting of George Floyd by Meenakshi Dash (2020)</td></tr>
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Earlier today, a Black colleague at my workplace offered suggestions on how all of us can be part of the change. (Thanks, Shawnda!) Stand up immediately if someone says or does something racist, whether that person realizes it or not. Push through the awkwardness you might feel. Make and display a sign, like my daughter did. Attend a protest. Educate yourself about racism, African American history, police brutality. Start a conversation with family and friends.<br />
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I would like to add that you can read or share a book by a Black author or a Black illustrator. Here are a few whose picture books I have featured on my blog. If you click on the author and illustrator links, you can learn more about the creators and see some of their truly amazing portfolios. The book links take you to my blog posts, some of which include interviews or stories about meeting the creators... <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRXXSYabe0KUQQ8uLYP1Orbwsv1ldr2A8lMncEBUAa9eYSwwcM9h3DNkKoxiTyftNS4u4Rx1-JmswhD9p2bMsDooE75rgJa-_QA-v3aGp1_vO_LKZxlQBlDbfMxvpa9jkdx4wDlxmX53cW/s1600/Screen+Shot+2020-06-03+at+4.29.11+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="324" data-original-width="257" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRXXSYabe0KUQQ8uLYP1Orbwsv1ldr2A8lMncEBUAa9eYSwwcM9h3DNkKoxiTyftNS4u4Rx1-JmswhD9p2bMsDooE75rgJa-_QA-v3aGp1_vO_LKZxlQBlDbfMxvpa9jkdx4wDlxmX53cW/s320/Screen+Shot+2020-06-03+at+4.29.11+PM.png" width="253" /></a><b></b><br />
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<b><b>Author: <a href="https://www.michellemeadows.com/" target="_blank">Michelle Meadows</a></b></b><br />
<b><b>Illustrator: <a href="http://www.ebonyglenn.com/" target="_blank">Ebony Glenn</a></b></b><br />
<b><b>Book: <a href="http://kerryaradhya.blogspot.com/2019/02/an-interview-with-author-michelle.html" target="_blank">Brave Ballerina: The Story of Janet Collins</a></b></b><br />
<b>Book: <a href="https://kerryaradhya.blogspot.com/2014/01/are-you-ready-to-hibernate.html" target="_blank">Hibernation Station</a></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0-W2tXdsw9M7HFsW3g5DNzane9j1VJR3Np5i06j8sYIxq4iYKmihH5F6yWhyphenhyphenZg0b2TP_AtLLfkJwEmLCGkSNnX-YAU8NzVjTmET001VHzFVw7_US7ORfz_eAhXleFUALZvtHm-5orqsoK/s1600/Screen+Shot+2020-06-03+at+4.29.58+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="328" data-original-width="256" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0-W2tXdsw9M7HFsW3g5DNzane9j1VJR3Np5i06j8sYIxq4iYKmihH5F6yWhyphenhyphenZg0b2TP_AtLLfkJwEmLCGkSNnX-YAU8NzVjTmET001VHzFVw7_US7ORfz_eAhXleFUALZvtHm-5orqsoK/s320/Screen+Shot+2020-06-03+at+4.29.58+PM.png" width="249" /></a><br />
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<b>Illustrator: <a href="http://www.theodore3.com/" target="_blank">Theodore Taylor III</a></b><br />
<b>Foreword: <a href="https://mistycopeland.com/" target="_blank">Misty Copeland</a></b><br />
<b>Book: <a href="http://kerryaradhya.blogspot.com/2019/02/raven-wilkinson-true-inspiration_20.html" target="_blank">Trailblazer: The Story of Ballerina Raven Wilkinson</a></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6lRi4fugtUklXfHKMF3kk-6Yh2ymoIGJOed7TSCpnhLc36fmLVlf04VoEOvgWJYXPzaQMhehKBXB7KnyMS-MU0L9OXNDdCHEmiaVOBk0TfAYi3-c1XxAkIqHrGZaRg_MTciR6DY2YaEB6/s1600/Screen+Shot+2020-06-03+at+4.24.48+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6lRi4fugtUklXfHKMF3kk-6Yh2ymoIGJOed7TSCpnhLc36fmLVlf04VoEOvgWJYXPzaQMhehKBXB7KnyMS-MU0L9OXNDdCHEmiaVOBk0TfAYi3-c1XxAkIqHrGZaRg_MTciR6DY2YaEB6/s1600/Screen+Shot+2020-06-03+at+4.24.48+PM.png" /></a><br />
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<b>Author: <a href="http://valeriebolling.com/index.html" target="_blank">Valerie Bolling</a> </b><br />
<b>Book: <a href="http://kerryaradhya.blogspot.com/2020/03/lets-celebrate-dance-and-diversity.html" target="_blank">Let's Dance!</a></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCjP868WfTBz1NxclqP3AaYL12RPGQNdBmJ9Tww25AK6Aejyhx2Bm1AyTGQle1kk4Lfwh_BmhpDSsJyO3hKehIPZ520xpj3q9IVbvcSeMgKFNZoDxx6gC8-eusjcJwd3QuMe51OWUB7xFF/s1600/Screen+Shot+2020-06-03+at+4.32.03+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCjP868WfTBz1NxclqP3AaYL12RPGQNdBmJ9Tww25AK6Aejyhx2Bm1AyTGQle1kk4Lfwh_BmhpDSsJyO3hKehIPZ520xpj3q9IVbvcSeMgKFNZoDxx6gC8-eusjcJwd3QuMe51OWUB7xFF/s1600/Screen+Shot+2020-06-03+at+4.32.03+PM.png" /></a><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; font-family: "Josefin Sans"; font-size: 17.600000381469727px;">Author: <a href="https://painted-words.com/portfolio/connie-schofield-morrison-2/" target="_blank">Connie Schofield-Morrison</a></b><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "josefin sans"; font-size: 17.600000381469727px;"><b>Illustrator: <a href="https://morrisongraphics.com/" target="_blank">Frank Morrison</a></b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "josefin sans"; font-size: 17.600000381469727px;"><b>Book: <a href="http://kerryaradhya.blogspot.com/2016/11/time-to-get-back-into-rhythm.html" target="_blank">I Got the Rhythm </a></b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4kXuV8I-3VXs4DmTGfJhHWO4ZfNmfS8h6Emom_25Gr7pt8G3eOaYZPiLqxoKVJADNP2Hi5HCpza9zfu-FN6oY_Apl8LQlVFPppQlQmBSapaDaxM_V81oN8N3U9BKnjbd_ESsX63qWMzAS/s1600/Screen+Shot+2020-06-03+at+4.34.36+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="324" data-original-width="266" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4kXuV8I-3VXs4DmTGfJhHWO4ZfNmfS8h6Emom_25Gr7pt8G3eOaYZPiLqxoKVJADNP2Hi5HCpza9zfu-FN6oY_Apl8LQlVFPppQlQmBSapaDaxM_V81oN8N3U9BKnjbd_ESsX63qWMzAS/s320/Screen+Shot+2020-06-03+at+4.34.36+PM.png" width="262" /></a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "josefin sans"; font-size: 17.600000381469727px;"><br /></span><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; font-family: "Josefin Sans"; font-size: 17.600000381469727px;">Author: <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/12/books/obituary-patricia-mckissack-dead-childrens-book-author.html" target="_blank">Patricia C. McKissack</a></b><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "josefin sans"; font-size: 17.600000381469727px;"><b>Illustrator: <a href="https://www.jerrypinkneystudio.com/frameset.html" target="_blank">Jerry Pinkney</a></b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "josefin sans"; font-size: 17.600000381469727px;"><b>Book: <a href="http://kerryaradhya.blogspot.com/2011/02/giveaway-mirandy-and-brother-wind.html" target="_blank">Mirandy and Brother Wind </a></b></span><br />
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Here are a couple other fantastic resources for finding children's books that feature Black characters and voices:<br />
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<b><a href="https://thebrownbookshelf.com/">The Brown Bookshelf </a></b><br />
<a href="https://mamajenn.com/brownlikemebooks/"><b>"Brown Like Me" Books</b></a><br />
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If you have particular Black authors or Black illustrators you admire, or other websites you recommend, please give them a shoutout in the comments below. #BlackLivesMatter #BlackStoriesMatter</div>
Kerry Aradhyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14099941502319174759noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4439188098541341285.post-25480616621808594772020-03-06T03:59:00.004-05:002020-03-06T04:23:49.809-05:00Let's Celebrate Dance and Diversity!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiklUmP9mn7ZzWNnNM_JSAVO64SYPFc72-xCiGgoDtH138t_DhyphenhyphenBuY-l0yBWyv4o685Cc6I2JJVVYcdMQl0EMBYp9RkK_KFljsCdB0gH1pYfa6wpT-DgwgQ_W5j7tB1QCkGk0d1urMfOPIG/s1600/Screen+Shot+2020-03-05+at+11.01.23+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="565" data-original-width="706" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiklUmP9mn7ZzWNnNM_JSAVO64SYPFc72-xCiGgoDtH138t_DhyphenhyphenBuY-l0yBWyv4o685Cc6I2JJVVYcdMQl0EMBYp9RkK_KFljsCdB0gH1pYfa6wpT-DgwgQ_W5j7tB1QCkGk0d1urMfOPIG/s320/Screen+Shot+2020-03-05+at+11.01.23+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Happy book birthday -- on March 3, 2020, to be exact -- to the new picture book </span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Lets-Dance-Valerie-Bolling/dp/1635921422" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank"><i>Let's Dance!</i> </a><span style="font-family: inherit;">by author <a href="http://www.valeriebolling.com/index.html" target="_blank">Valerie Bolling</a> and illustrator </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://childrensillustrators.com/MaineDiaz/portfolio" target="_blank">Maine Diaz</a></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">I've been in contact with </span>Valerie <span style="font-family: inherit;">and am excited to both tell you and show you more about her lively new book and how it came to be!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVruOIgTS6wTAWDURbK_RXiaHy3C2dr8BV51pKncEr-RHd-XTu4hv4xzOcafh8Pb8OYdvSRx5UQ26SN_wQGLknK9mOPnBeto5pnWKb6deocQeHj-0eTrZiDl_WyCL_AagHsuEfgIZaQNgZ/s1600/Screen+Shot+2020-03-05+at+11.15.35+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="535" data-original-width="420" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVruOIgTS6wTAWDURbK_RXiaHy3C2dr8BV51pKncEr-RHd-XTu4hv4xzOcafh8Pb8OYdvSRx5UQ26SN_wQGLknK9mOPnBeto5pnWKb6deocQeHj-0eTrZiDl_WyCL_AagHsuEfgIZaQNgZ/s320/Screen+Shot+2020-03-05+at+11.15.35+PM.png" width="249" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Author Valerie Bolling</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">In only about 60 words of rhyming text, <i>Let's Dance! </i>manages to introduce readers to 10 types of dance and spread the messages that dance is fun and dance is for everyone. Valerie says she knew from the very beginning that she wanted this book to celebrate diversity and wanted her words "to promote a world in which marginalized and/or underrepresented children can see themselves and feel valued and heard." </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Luckily Valerie's editor Jes Negron agreed and expanded on her vision by making the theme more global. "Where I saw <i>Tappity-Tap/Fingers Snap</i> as tap dance, she imagined flamenco from Spain," says Valerie. "I envisioned the electric slide for <i>Glide and Slide/Side to Side,</i> but Jes suggested long-sleeve dancing from China. I was thrilled with her ideas!"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">As you can see from the two images above, </span>Maine Diaz<span style="font-family: inherit;"> really delivered on Valerie's vision of diversity and the global theme. Her 20 amazingly vibrant illustrations, including images of a boy in a wheelchair and a child in a tutu whose </span>gender is not discernible,<span style="font-family: inherit;"> really pop off the page.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Maine also weaves different </span>shapes<span style="font-family: inherit;"> into her illustrations -- like large and small circles and curls </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">in the two images above and triangles, stars, and more in many others. When the smaller shapes scattered throughout the book are combined</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">, they add a </span>celebratory<span style="font-family: inherit;"> feel, </span>acting<span style="font-family: inherit;"> like confetti!</span><br />
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<i>Let's Dance!</i> is Valerie's debut picture book, and she's busy writing more. You can keep up with her on <a href="https://twitter.com/valerie_bolling" target="_blank">Twitter </a>and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/valeriebollingauthor/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, and of course you can celebrate dance and diversity by reading her book!</div>
Kerry Aradhyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14099941502319174759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4439188098541341285.post-59419130412872624622020-02-16T12:02:00.000-05:002020-02-16T12:03:40.734-05:00Art and Heart by Dow Phumiruk <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Valentine's Day has passed, but it's always a good time to share a poem about love. Here's a short verse about loving yourself by artist Dow Phumiruk, accompanied by adorable ballerinas holding hearts. You can see more of Dow's beautiful portfolio of art and creativity at <a href="https://artbydow.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Art by Dow</a>. Enjoy!<br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Maybe you'd like to share your heart.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Love yourself first. That's the best place to start!</span></b></div>
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Kerry Aradhyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14099941502319174759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4439188098541341285.post-88096605219466350382019-06-06T11:15:00.003-04:002023-11-30T15:35:51.675-05:00An Alphabet of Learning, Movement, and Fun!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><i>Time to play and have some fun, </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><i>trying new things one by one.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><i>Are you ready? Are you set? </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><i>Let's explore the alphabet!</i></span></div>
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As a lover of both writing and movement, I am always looking for children's books that truly integrate the two. The new picture book <i><a href="https://www.freespirit.com/early-childhood/from-a-to-z-with-energy-connie-bergstein-dow-gareth-llewhellin" target="_blank">From A to Z with Energy</a> </i>by Connie Bergstein Dow and Gareth Llewhellin<i> </i>does exactly that, introducing young children to the alphabet while teaching them about the importance of movement and encouraging them to make movement part of their regular routine.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">Image courtesy of Free Spirit Publishing</span></td></tr>
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As the book goes through each letter of the alphabet, a group of children experiment with movements ranging from climbing, wading, and hiking to dribbling, kicking, and passing. Interspersed between all the movements are some equally important lessons on healthy living in general.<br />
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<i><span style="color: #0b5394;">L is for a healthy lunch</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #0b5394;">that gives you fuel to grow.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #0b5394;">M is for your muscles, </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #0b5394;">from your head to your big toe.</span></i></div>
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As you can tell from the images above, the illustrations by <a href="http://www.garethllewhellin.com/" target="_blank">Gareth Llewhellin</a> only add to the exuberance emanating from this book. What a diverse and friendly bunch of children included on each and every page! From camping trips to sled rides to baseball games, the settings that Gareth created only highlight the point that movements can be done everywhere!<br />
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It might come as no surprise that the mastermind behind this book, author <a href="http://www.movingislearning.com/index.htm" target="_blank">Connie Bergstein Dow</a>, is both a writer and a mover herself. After receiving an MFA in dance from the University of Michigan, Connie danced professionally in both the United States and South America, and she has also been a dance educator for many years. She has written two books on integrating movement into early childhood classrooms and has published poetry in <i>Highlights High Five</i> and <i>Highlights Hello</i> magazines. <i>From A to Z with Energy</i> is her debut picture book, and what a perfect fit for her background!<br />
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Something that sets this book apart from many others is that it includes a six-page guide at the back explaining the physical and social-emotional benefits of movement and providing parents, teachers, and caregivers with a variety of movement activities to supplement those mentioned in the book. Half of the movement activities use prompts from the book, and half can be used alongside the book or independently. All of the activities are designed to use movement to explore the letters of the alphabet.<br />
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Now that I know more about Connie, the inspiration for this unique book and guide makes a whole lot of sense! Learn more about Connie, her books, and her ideas at her website, <a href="http://www.movingislearning.com/" target="_blank">Moving Is Learning!</a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmfWlKd2oQfLiXrERsBsEjx3naXmrGfvs3OK8pyZ5T1PrMRK2QkdCSTxR29sJPdy9kblawz2df6Vp6JlUJLtoxnk9yXt1UlijpmgsjRicenrUB1bgFJwTxKSNh8XnvDNay9395vURQXFMY/s1600/Dancing+at+Blue+Manatee+May+2019+2+2+copy.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="946" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmfWlKd2oQfLiXrERsBsEjx3naXmrGfvs3OK8pyZ5T1PrMRK2QkdCSTxR29sJPdy9kblawz2df6Vp6JlUJLtoxnk9yXt1UlijpmgsjRicenrUB1bgFJwTxKSNh8XnvDNay9395vURQXFMY/s400/Dancing+at+Blue+Manatee+May+2019+2+2+copy.jpg" width="236" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">Connie leading a movement activity during a <br />recent school visit for <i>From A to Z with Energy.</i></span></td></tr>
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Kerry Aradhyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14099941502319174759noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4439188098541341285.post-61989620491710991042019-05-19T02:00:00.004-04:002019-06-19T20:24:45.208-04:00Giveaway: Dear Ballerina by Monica Wellington!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<i style="color: #ea9999;">I'm hosting a giveaway for the new picture book </i><a href="https://holidayhouse.com/book/dear-ballerina/" target="_blank">Dear Ballerina,</a><span style="color: #ea9999;"> </span><i style="color: #ea9999;">written and illustrated by the generous and talented </i><a href="https://www.monicawellington.com/" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">Monica Wellington</a><i style="color: #ea9999;"> and published by Holiday House. But that's not all! Monica's daughter </i><a href="https://www.nycballet.com/Dancers/Dancers-Bios/Lydia-Wellington.aspx" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">Lydia Wellington</a><i style="color: #ea9999;"> is a member of the New York City Ballet, and the winner of the giveaway will also receive a signed pair of Lydia's pointe shoes -- perfect for a special ballet-themed story time! Leave a comment at the end of this post by 11:59 PM EST on Saturday, June 8, 2019, to enter. Please leave contact information if I won't otherwise know how to reach you. </i><br />
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My two girls are growing up so quickly, and I've been thinking a lot about mentors and role models lately. The girls are both in middle school, and I'm always hoping that new, inspiring people will enter their lives to encourage them and support them in pursuing their still-developing interests and talents. <i>Dear Ballerina </i>struck a chord with me, as I see it playing a similar role of inspiring and encouraging children -- in this case, young girls who are fond of ballet. <br />
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The book starts as a simple letter that a little ballerina might write to an older ballerina who had trained at the same dance studio. You can see the opening spread below, along with some of Monica's earlier sketches of the spread.<br />
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The text continues from the perspective of the little girl, as she explains how much she loves to dance, how she is preparing for a performance, and how she dreams of following in the older ballerina's footsteps. It is clear from the writing and pictures throughout the book that the young dancer truly idolizes the older ballerina.<br />
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When Monica's daughter Lydia was studying ballet as a child, she also used to write letters to ballerinas she admired. Today, the tables are turned, and Lydia frequently receives letters from ballerinas who admire <i>her. </i>In fact, Monica said that's what sparked the idea for this book!<br />
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<i>Dear Ballerina</i> ends with a short reply from the older ballerina to the young ballerina, encouraging her to follow her dreams and enjoy every moment of it. At the New York City Ballet, there's a tradition for the professional dancers to send their used pointe shoes to the children who send them letters. It's not unheard of for a professional ballerina to go through 100 or more pairs of pointe shoes a season, so giving away shoes -- as Lydia and the other dancers do -- seems like a great way to reduce waste <i>and</i> make many young dancers giddy with excitement. Below are a few of the letters Lydia has received lately, both asking for and thanking her for her point shoes!<br />
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Don't forget to leave a comment on this post, and you could win a copy of <i>Dear Ballerina</i> and receive a pair of Lydia's pointe shoes as well. Also check out <a href="http://kerryaradhya.blogspot.com/2015/02/an-interview-with-monica-wellington.html" target="_blank">this interview with Monica</a> about <i>My Ballet Journal</i> -- a charming journal and coloring book she also created with inspiration from her daughter Lydia. </div>
Kerry Aradhyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14099941502319174759noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4439188098541341285.post-45755020575318748962019-02-20T23:08:00.000-05:002020-06-04T00:31:35.222-04:00Raven Wilkinson: A True Inspiration<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdGpM7M7HcGkavmTVLTRnkZ6x2p5Lo3DN2gDNanKYAKClS0pumItfO7lx1w-VEl3QFkXucc4I2eKY65iB0PYUUS6j8cbUo8llayoQZP_abf1BxorjrZvnYRoNcpjN9bFbG8dh4EQJB6cF9/s1600/Screen+Shot+2019-02-20+at+2.28.20+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="237" data-original-width="259" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdGpM7M7HcGkavmTVLTRnkZ6x2p5Lo3DN2gDNanKYAKClS0pumItfO7lx1w-VEl3QFkXucc4I2eKY65iB0PYUUS6j8cbUo8llayoQZP_abf1BxorjrZvnYRoNcpjN9bFbG8dh4EQJB6cF9/s200/Screen+Shot+2019-02-20+at+2.28.20+PM.png" width="200" /></a>Misty Copeland, the first female Black principal dancer for the American Ballet Theatre, has been in the news and mentioned on social media again and again over the past few years. She's also become quite well known in the world of children's literature. For young readers, she's been featured in <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Misty-Copeland-You-Should-Meet/dp/1481470434/ref=pd_sbs_14_1?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=1481470434&pd_rd_r=4JZ3EZ5XZV0GC0XCXAHA&pd_rd_w=xC6iY&pd_rd_wg=dq9VK&psc=1&refRID=4JZ3EZ5XZV0GC0XCXAHA" target="_blank">You Should Meet Misty Copeland</a>, </i><i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/When-Grow-Up-Copeland-Scholastic/dp/1338032224/ref=pd_sbs_14_2?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=1338032224&pd_rd_r=A29445827AWX0KCDQB8J&pd_rd_w=gy4bl&pd_rd_wg=IFxht&psc=1&refRID=A29445827AWX0KCDQB8J" target="_blank">When I Grow Up: Misty Copeland</a>, </i>and <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Girl-Named-Misty-Copeland-American/dp/1338193058/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1521579184&sr=1-2&keywords=misty+copeland" target="_blank">A Girl Named Misty: The True Story of Misty Copeland</a>. </i>Misty is obviously a role model for many young girls and has even written a picture book of her own -- <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Firebird-Misty-Copeland/dp/0399166157" target="_blank">Firebird</a> -- </i>that uses her story to inspire girls everywhere to reach for their dreams. But who inspired Misty Copeland?<br />
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The answer is someone you may or may not have heard of -- someone featured in the picture book <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Trailblazer-Story-Ballerina-Raven-Wilkinson/dp/1499805926" target="_blank">Trailblazer: The Story of Ballerina Raven Wilkinson</a></i>, written by <a href="http://www.ledaschubert.com/" target="_blank">Leda Schubert</a> and illustrated by <a href="http://www.theodore3.com/work/" target="_blank">Theodore Taylor III</a>. I feel very privileged to have learned about Ms. Wilkinson's powerful story through this book, which is full of details and sometimes sobering illustrations that really help the reader settle into the story's historical time and setting.<br />
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"When I was twenty-three years old, I watched a documentary called <i>Ballets Russes</i>. This was the day my life and my purpose changed," Misty Copeland writes in the foreword of the book. "I discovered a black ballerina named Raven Wilkinson, and it was in her that I saw myself and what was possible." Misty was already a professional ballerina when she learned about Ms. Wilkinson, and now is honored to call her both a mentor and a friend.<br />
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<i>Trailblazer</i> begins with a young and passionate Raven seeing the famous Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo perform when she was just five years old. It then takes readers through Raven's childhood and difficult journey to become the first Black ballerina to dance with the very same company. After Raven first auditioned for the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo, a friend told her that she wouldn't be able to join because she was Black. That didn't stop Raven, who auditioned again, and again, until the director asked her to join the company in 1955, when she was just 20 years old.<br />
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As the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo toured the country, Raven faced many challenges. The Ku Klux Klan was active, it was illegal in some states for Black dancers to perform alongside White dancers, and men even rushed the stage once during a performance to object to Raven's presence.<br />
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One of the last straws for Raven was when she was told by a ballet mistress that she would never be able to dance the lead role in <i>Swan Lake</i> because she was Black. She left the Ballet Russe in 1963, though she did later dance and act with other groups in Europe and the United States, and she led the way for many Black ballet dancers who came after her. She was a trailblazer!<br />
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The book ends with an intersection of Raven's life with that of Misty Copeland. In 2015, Misty Copeland became the first Black ballerina in a prominent American ballet company to dance the lead role in <i>Swan Lake</i>, and Raven Wilkinson was there to celebrate with her!<br />
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<i style="color: #999999;">Thanks to publisher <a href="https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=little+bee+books&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8" target="_blank">little bee books</a> for a review copy of </i><span style="color: #999999;">Trailblazer: The Story of Ballerina Raven Wilkinson, </span><i style="color: #999999;">which was released in 2018.</i></div>
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Kerry Aradhyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14099941502319174759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4439188098541341285.post-10070525156453698392019-02-13T20:13:00.001-05:002022-09-25T15:31:08.640-04:00An Interview with Author Michelle Meadows<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixaxjudsomCwQfZylYZlnnxe2SbdgwltMaMP3SfOAVJRz-kH8GYyHMtrSpocmJE05wjgjVVhpRHh-KJA8lwhYBbDRIRFIQ7gdvwHpnGFTEDhBLxAWwSRt5qdFhWRIf4olYZV1KEB65f7zb/s1600/Screen+Shot+2019-02-13+at+6.45.30+PM.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="132" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixaxjudsomCwQfZylYZlnnxe2SbdgwltMaMP3SfOAVJRz-kH8GYyHMtrSpocmJE05wjgjVVhpRHh-KJA8lwhYBbDRIRFIQ7gdvwHpnGFTEDhBLxAWwSRt5qdFhWRIf4olYZV1KEB65f7zb/s200/Screen+Shot+2019-02-13+at+6.45.30+PM.png" width="157" /></a><span style="color: #999999;"><i>All ballerinas are brave to get up on stage and share their talents with an audience. But one ballerina in particular--Janet Collins--had to be braver than most. A Black girl born in New Orleans in 1917, Janet had to overcome extraordinary racial prejudice to be given the opportunity to even dance on a stage at all. According to the author's note in the back of the new picture book </i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Brave-Ballerina-Story-Janet-Collins/dp/1250127734" target="_blank">Brave Ballerina: The Story of Janet Collins</a>, <i>Janet was once told she couldn't join a dance company unless she painted her skin white! </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><i>I'm thrilled to have the author of this new book, <a href="https://www.michellemeadows.com/" target="_blank">Michelle Meadows</a>, on my blog today to share her inspiration and process for writing this story. I've followed Michelle's career since my two daughters were in preschool, and I love the infectious rhyme in her books, including </i><a href="https://www.scholastic.com/teachers/books/pilot-pups-by-michelle-meadows/" target="_blank">Pilot Pups</a>, <a href="https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Piggies-in-the-Kitchen/Michelle-Meadows/9781416937876" target="_blank">Piggies in the Kitchen</a>, <a href="https://www.scholastic.com/teachers/books/super-bugs-by-michelle-meadows/" target="_blank">Super Bugs</a>, <i>and more. </i>Brave Ballerina<i> is Michelle's first nonfiction book for kids.</i></span></div>
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<b style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #783f04;">Congratulations on such a beautiful book! You write about this a little bit in the author’s note at the back of the book, but what inspired you to write about Janet Collins?</span></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I was taking a wonderful ballet class when I started researching Black ballerinas. When I started looking into history, I learned that Janet Collins was the first Black principal dancer with the Metropolitan Opera House. This was news to me, and I thought a picture book would be a great way to educate others about her inspiring story and her passion for dance.</span></span></div>
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<b style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: inherit;">Did your own experiences with dance affect any aspect of writing this book?</span></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Definitely! I took ballet as a child and have always loved it. Taking ballet as an adult brought back some nice childhood memories. Doing the movements and dancing to music helped me with the language and rhythm of the text.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b>Before I move on to my next question, I have to share this adorable photo of you as a little girl, with your brother Marcus, after one of your ballet recitals. A great throwback shot!</b></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: inherit;">All of your previous books have been in rhyme, but I was somehow expecting this one to be in prose. Maybe it’s because I haven’t seen too many picture book biographies out there in rhyme. But I love your approach! Did you ever consider writing this one in prose, or did it come to you in rhyme from the start?</span></b></div>
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<b style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #222222;">I love rhyme! I really love the music of language, and rhyme is so much fun to write. I often start out in rhyme. For this book, I actually started out in prose and it wasn’t working.</span><span style="color: #222222;"> </span><span style="color: #222222;">When I switched to rhyme, things clicked into place. It felt natural and true to the subject matter.</span><span style="color: #222222;"> </span></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: inherit;">This book covers a lot of time, from Janet Collin’s early childhood to her rise as a prima ballerina, yet you cover this span of time in very few words. How did you go about deciding what to include in the book and what to leave out?</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #222222;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="color: #222222;">As I researched Janet’s life, I thought a lot about the events in her life that helped shape her as a dancer, the events that were most interesting to me personally, and the events that I thought would be appealing to kids. I was particularly interested in the fact that during times of racial segregation, some ballet schools would not admit black dancers. Doors were closed because of discrimination. I wanted to show children the various obstacles Janet faced and how she still kept dancing…</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span><b><span style="color: #783f04;">One of my favorite things about <i>Brave Ballerina</i> is the “This is the” phrase that is repeated frequently throughout the book as each new concept is introduced. How did you come up with this approach?</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #222222;">In addition to taking ballet while working on <i>Brave Ballerina,</i> I was volunteering to help kids with reading at a local Boys & Girls Club.</span><span style="color: #222222;"> </span><span style="color: #222222;">I was spending a lot of time with children in first and second grade. I thought about how I would tell them this story about a girl who swayed with the palm trees in her yard as a child. “This is the girl who danced in the breeze…” popped into my head, and I let things roll from there.</span></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: inherit;">I find the illustrations by Ebony Glenn to be very expressive and endearing, especially in terms of the facial expressions for Janet Collins. What was your reaction when you saw the illustrations for the first time? </span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #222222;">Joy! Gratitude! More joy! I love everything about Ebony’s illustrations. They are more beautiful than I could have imagined.</span><span style="color: #222222;"> </span><span style="color: #222222;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span><b><span style="color: #783f04;">As <i>Brave Ballerina</i> has been on bookshelves for a few weeks now, have you heard anything about the early response from readers? I can imagine the book is already inspiring many young children!</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #222222;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="color: #222222;">I have heard from parents and teachers who are very enthusiastic about the book. I recently posted a <a href="https://docs.wixstatic.com/ugd/3be353_1917bc6fd6ee405f8905fdfc2c773697.pdf" target="_blank">teacher’s guide for the book</a> on my website. I also had the opportunity to share the book with students at the Dance Theatre of Harlem school, and they were excited. My husband and I watched the students dance in a show, and it was really special to think that it all started with Janet Collins!</span><span style="color: #222222;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: inherit;"><b>Are there any projects in the works right now that you are able to share with us?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="color: #222222;"><br /></b><span style="color: #222222;">Yes, Ebony and I are working on another picture book with Holt/Macmillan--a picture book biography of Olympic gymnast Simone Biles. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Ebony again, especially on a book about such an amazing gymnast. I would do a backflip about it if I could!</span><span style="color: #222222;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span><b><span style="color: #783f04;">I am sure lots of little girls and boys will soon be doing backflips for you! Thanks so much for letting us know about your upcoming book and for sharing some of the backstory for <i>Brave Ballerina!</i> </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #222222;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="color: #999999;"><i>Visit Michelle and learn more about her picture books at <a href="http://www.michellemeadows.com/">www.michellemeadows.com</a>.</i></span></span></div>
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Kerry Aradhyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14099941502319174759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4439188098541341285.post-3119539957582629352018-11-01T02:21:00.002-04:002018-11-01T20:28:41.735-04:00Two Treats -- No Tricks -- for Halloween!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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The signs of Halloween have been hard to miss. Decorations on doorsteps. Thriving Halloween pop-up shops. Costume parades at many preschools and elementary schools this week. Tonight was finally the night for many of us to hover behind our doors, waiting for the bell to ring so we could be charmed by all those darling costumes and all those little voices reciting "Trick or Treat!"<br />
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Well, here are two treats of a different kind, delivered straight to your computer screens this Halloween evening...or perhaps a day or so later by the time some of you read this.<br />
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The first treat is a short, playful poem I wrote to capture the spirit of Halloween, at least from the perspective of young children, many of whom are all about dressing up and trick or treating with friends...<br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Ghosts and goblins. <o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Wicked witches.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Monster stiches.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Trick or treat!</b><i><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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The second treat is the new picture book <i><a href="http://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Monster-Boogie/Laurie-Berkner/9781481464659" target="_blank">Monster Boogie</a></i> by <a href="https://laurieberkner.com/" target="_blank">Laurie Berkner</a> and Ben Clanton. In addition to being an author, Laurie is a singer and songwriter with many a catchy tune for young children under her belt. <i>Monster Boogie</i> is actually one of her songs turned into a book!<br />
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The big purple monster you see on the cover of the book does the "monster boogie" and the "monster wiggle" with a young brother-and-sister duo all "round the room." As you'll see from the following YouTube video of Laurie singing the song for a group of children in monster masks, it is very infectious! This book is perfect for getting kids moving -- at home, during story time at the library, or in a dance class. And don't forget to play the song after reading the book to really get the kids moving around <i>your </i>room! </div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Happy Halloween!</span></b></div>
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Kerry Aradhyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14099941502319174759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4439188098541341285.post-34334586010238396472018-04-11T19:06:00.000-04:002018-04-16T12:59:27.689-04:00"Favorite Things" & Giveaway for Diva Delores!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Diva Delores is a big seal, with an even bigger ego, who's finally graduated from the opera chorus to center stage. But she's a little too full of herself to admit she might need help preparing for her new role. Fernando is a tiny, ultra-cute mouse who has all the knowledge and talent to help Delores succeed. But will she let him?<br />
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Welcome to the final stop on the blog tour for <i>Diva Delores and the Opera House Mouse</i> by Laura Sassi and Rebecca Gerlings! Told in humorous verse with illustrations bursting with personality, <i>Diva Delores</i> is one of my favorite new picture books. So this post is going to be all about favorites! It includes:<br />
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<li>Illustrator Rebecca Gerlings' and author Laura Sassi's favorite parts of working on the book</li>
<li>My favorite things about the book -- written as a poem to be recited to the tune of "My Favorite Things" from <i>The Sound of Music</i></li>
<li>A <b><span style="color: #a64d79;">**GIVEAWAY**</span></b> courtesy of publisher Sterling Books (U.S. and Canadian addresses only)</li>
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Thanks, also, to Sterling for letting me include a couple spreads from the book in this post.<br />
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There's a lot to cover, so let's get started!<br />
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<b>REBECCA GERLINGS' FAVORITE THINGS </b><br />
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<b>What was your favorite part of illustrating this story?</b><br />
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<span style="color: #bf9000;">My favorite part of illustrating a picture book is always the character development. It's brilliant fun to bring characters to life and imbue them with personality. And what wonderful personalities Delores and Fernando are! (My second favorite part was choosing the color palette -- I hope it conveys the richness and old-world glamour of an opera theatre.)</span><br />
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<b>Do you have a favorite stanza or stanzas from the book?</b><br />
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<span style="color: #bf9000;">I particularly enjoyed illustrating the stanzas where Delores was huffing and tantrumming! It meant I could really go to town with her body language and accentuate the contrast between the two characters' personalities for added humor. Having young children means I have a lot of first-hand experience of temper tantrums to draw inspiration from...</span><br />
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<i><span style="color: #990000;">The cast and the maestro</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #990000;">were greatly relieved,</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #990000;">but Diva Delores, </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #990000;">quite frankly, was peeved. </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #990000;">She bellowed and bawled.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #990000;">"You helped me, it's true,</span></i></div>
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<span style="color: #990000;"><i>but a </i>mouse<i> help a </i>diva<i>?</i></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #990000;">That simply won't do!"</span></i></div>
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<b>LAURA SASSI'S FAVORITE THINGS</b><br />
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<b>What was your favorite part of writing this story?</b><br />
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<span style="color: #bf9000;">My favorite part of writing this story, once I had settled upon the story's structure in terms of meter and rhyme, was to play with plot and wording until the story sang! And I love Rebecca's response to the illustrator's version of this question, because for me, too, it was loads of fun (and hard work) to really develop Delores' and Fernando's characters and to think about what made each one tick...and how to convey that within the framework of a rhyming text. It was a truly joyful moment for me when I had the idea to add the varying "Tra-la-la-las" at the end of the certain spreads to convey Delores' inner mindset, and eventually, her growth. Once I added that element, I knew the manuscript was getting close to submissions stage.</span><br />
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<b>Do you have a favorite illustration from the book? </b><br />
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<span style="color: #bf9000;">This is an extremely difficult question because I am smitten with each and every one of Rebecca's charming illustrations! However, since story beginnings are very important in capturing and keeping the reader's attention, I think I will choose the opening spread. By using opposite background colors (gray and white) for this spread, Rebecca cleverly and effectively sets up from the outset the very different life goals and perspectives of Diva Delores and that adorable opera house mouse, Fernando. </span><br />
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<i><span style="color: #990000;">Fernando loved chocolate</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #990000;">and cheese on dry toast,</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #990000;">and popcorn and gumdrops,</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #990000;">but what he liked most...</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #990000;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #990000;">was feasting on Mozart, </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #990000;">Puccini, and Strauss,</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #990000;">and lending a paw </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #990000;">at the Old Opera House.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #990000;">Delores loved glamour and</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #990000;">spotlights and praise.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #990000;">She longed to be showered </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #990000;">with fragrant bouquets.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #990000;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #990000;">Now here was her chance, </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #990000;">after years in the chorus,</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #990000;">to take center stage and be </span></i></div>
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<span style="color: #990000;">Diva<i> Delores!</i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzy53EPlVWDT0vY9nvzmwIyDC8NCN_o8TXJ_rKa9uY_de6e54h2LYwoWL2LRa2Fc9cRIObuT4N-o5bj7A59IxJ0rI1dp_ACMu7GrIx0jedGnH-SBVIBJ1vVb6ei11SpV5PY61Z3ZaYqVDD/s1600/Diva+Spread+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1600" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzy53EPlVWDT0vY9nvzmwIyDC8NCN_o8TXJ_rKa9uY_de6e54h2LYwoWL2LRa2Fc9cRIObuT4N-o5bj7A59IxJ0rI1dp_ACMu7GrIx0jedGnH-SBVIBJ1vVb6ei11SpV5PY61Z3ZaYqVDD/s400/Diva+Spread+1.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #bf9000;">I feel compelled to add that I also love the glorious joy of the spread where Rebecca depicts Delores and Fernando singing on stage, but I don't want to spoil the story, so I don't want to comment too much on that one. Please note, however, that this is the spread that I have chosen to have framed so it can join the collection on the special wall in my house that showcases illustrated spreads from each of my published books.</span><br />
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<b>What a wonderful idea to have a special wall in your house to "house" some of your favorite illustrations! I ADORE the spread you are speaking of and hope that our readers will buy the book -- or enter our giveaway -- so they can see it, too. But if they just can't wait, they should go to <a href="http://www.kidlit411.com/2018/04/Kidlit411-Laura-Sassi-Rebecca-Gerlings.html" target="_blank">stop seven on the blog tour, at KidLit411</a>, to see the spread :)</b><br />
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<b>MY FAVORITE THINGS </b><span style="font-family: "ms ゴシック";">♩ ♪</span><span style="font-family: "ms ゴシック";"> </span><span style="font-family: "ms ゴシック";">♫</span><span style="font-family: "ms ゴシック";"> </span><span style="font-family: "ms ゴシック";">♬</span><span style="font-family: "ms ゴシック";"> </span><span style="font-family: "ms ゴシック";">♪ ♩</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZhmnbtIBebQFuxqWtOSituNC6MOcQI8I3XjAGOnpHXjR4EjKdCiXhBtwdgUMDtytsJhybmt_p7Onn_PzxA-xqBNDamoT9R27uOSlMMXKbvxv6h5oo3jyMtlsfXexLHg8C4rOUpCwMH2of/s1600/Screen+Shot+2018-04-06+at+10.17.03+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="281" data-original-width="726" height="121" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZhmnbtIBebQFuxqWtOSituNC6MOcQI8I3XjAGOnpHXjR4EjKdCiXhBtwdgUMDtytsJhybmt_p7Onn_PzxA-xqBNDamoT9R27uOSlMMXKbvxv6h5oo3jyMtlsfXexLHg8C4rOUpCwMH2of/s320/Screen+Shot+2018-04-06+at+10.17.03+AM.png" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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Diva Delores<br />
A mouse named Fernando<br />
One knows what pride is and one knows glissando<br />
Red and gold artwork and verse that all sings<br />
These are a few of my favorite things<br />
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Pink fluffy wig that looks fab on Delores<br />
Unlikely friendship<br />
And tra-la-la chorus<br />
Sparkly gold cover that's worthy of kings<br />
These are a few of my favorite things<br />
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When the book's done<br />
When I close it<br />
When I just can't grin<br />
I simply remember my favorite things<br />
And then I must read again<br />
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<b><br /></b><b><span style="color: #a64d79;">**GIVEAWAY**</span> <span style="color: #a64d79;">TIME</span></b><br />
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Now it's <i>your</i> turn to talk about favorites. You can enter the giveaway for one copy of <i>Diva Delores and the Opera House Mouse</i> by leaving a comment on this post that mentions one of your favorites related to the opera. It can be your favorite opera, your favorite song from an opera, your favorite experience at an opera, or anything else along those lines. I, for instance, might say that my favorite part of going to the opera is seeing the dancers! (Had to get dance into this post somehow :)<br />
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If I might not know how to contact you, please leave an email address or link to your social media site. One lucky winner will get picked randomly one week from today -- on April 17 at 11:59 pm EST. Good luck!!</div>
Kerry Aradhyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14099941502319174759noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4439188098541341285.post-84309278212355867312017-11-17T11:31:00.000-05:002017-11-17T11:40:14.370-05:00Poetry Friday: Wintry Night<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<i><span style="color: #660000;">It's been a while since I've posted here, and even longer since I've participated in Poetry Friday...so today is a doubly good day! Thanks to <a href="http://www.raincitylibrarian.ca/?p=20201">Raincity Librarian</a> for hosting the roundup and to all you poetry lovers out there for participating. </span></i><br />
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Officially, winter is still pretty far away. But the shorter days and more frequent cloud coverage are certainly making it feel like winter. The newfound darkness has also affected my spirits, as I have to admit I was in a bit of a fog last week. Luckily I started adjusting toward the end of the week, and inspiration slowly crept back in. Ahhh...what a comforting feeling.<br />
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On Sunday afternoon, I turned on our gas fireplace for a true wintry experience--with my computer in my lap of course. While I was fireside with our dog, reminiscing warmly about the fires and fireplaces of my childhood, the following poem came to be. It's less playful than the poems I usually write for the littlest of tots, and is perhaps for a slightly older audience, so I wasn't quite sure what to do with it. This seemed like a good place to put it.<br />
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Even though the poem relays a moment of stillness, I'm still posting it here on my blog, which emphasizes movement and dance. Moments of stillness can be integral to telling the story of a dance or relaying the emotion of a piece of choreography. This is also a reminder that amid the chaos of the upcoming holiday season, don't forget to enjoy your own little moments of stillness!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK5fuVYhBgFXhnAeCdL8cStJsbQyMGIyiIs2wwDteFywxRfKLj205BOk7Xip80YEmmNUsA1oBCC3ZmR91sPbyTpVyNA_1kWprPEY3XNg9_TN9c8HsUBlaPUGS0ebP8O_bqX1OuR_6tpgzO/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-11-12+at+4.27.07+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="741" data-original-width="559" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK5fuVYhBgFXhnAeCdL8cStJsbQyMGIyiIs2wwDteFywxRfKLj205BOk7Xip80YEmmNUsA1oBCC3ZmR91sPbyTpVyNA_1kWprPEY3XNg9_TN9c8HsUBlaPUGS0ebP8O_bqX1OuR_6tpgzO/s400/Screen+Shot+2017-11-12+at+4.27.07+PM.png" width="301" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Found this after I wrote the poem. So perfect!<br />
<a href="https://www.puzzlewarehouse.com/puzzles-by-artist-tom-wood/?aid=&cid=0&sort=mostPopular&show=15&stock=1&page=1">Art by Tom Woods for Puzzle Warehouse</a></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK5fuVYhBgFXhnAeCdL8cStJsbQyMGIyiIs2wwDteFywxRfKLj205BOk7Xip80YEmmNUsA1oBCC3ZmR91sPbyTpVyNA_1kWprPEY3XNg9_TN9c8HsUBlaPUGS0ebP8O_bqX1OuR_6tpgzO/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-11-12+at+4.27.07+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><b style="text-align: left;"><br /></b></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: #660000;">Wintry Night</span></b></div>
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<i><span style="color: #7f6000;">Crackle crackle<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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Orange light<o:p></o:p></div>
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Burning embers<o:p></o:p></div>
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Wintry night<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i><span style="color: #7f6000;">Nuzzle nuzzle<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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Furry friends<o:p></o:p></div>
Snuggle closer<br />
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Stirring ends<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i><span style="color: #7f6000;">Drifting drifting<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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Wondrous dreams<o:p></o:p></div>
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Just as purrr-fect<o:p></o:p></div>
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As it seems...<o:p></o:p></div>
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Kerry Aradhyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14099941502319174759noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4439188098541341285.post-85125980706563543342017-02-15T17:27:00.000-05:002017-02-16T20:34:23.066-05:00Imagination Abounds in The Green Umbrella<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: inherit;"><i>I'm honored and excited today to be the last stop on the blog tour for the new picture book </i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Green-Umbrella-Jackie-Az%C3%BAa-Kramer/dp/0735842183" target="_blank"><b>The Green Umbrella</b></a><i>, written by debut author <a href="http://www.jackieazuakramer.com/" target="_blank"><b>Jackie Az</b></a></i><span style="font-style: italic;"><a href="http://www.jackieazuakramer.com/" target="_blank"><b>úa Kramer</b></a> and illustrated by the talented <a href="http://maralsassouni.com/" target="_blank"><b>Maral Sassouni</b></a>. As a special treat, after you read this post, head over to <b><a href="http://mariasmovers.com/2017/02/16/the-green-umbrella/" target="_blank">Maria's Movers</a></b> to read dance educator Maria Hanley's ideas for incorporating movement into a reading of this imaginative and heartwarming book!</span></span></div>
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We've lived in northern California for about three and a half years, and it's rained more in the past two months than it has in all the other months we've lived here combined. That's a lot of much-needed rain for California...and why I especially appreciate the timing of <i>The Green Umbrella</i>'s publication<i> </i>by NorthSouth Books. Given that this is the rainy (or snowy) season in many parts of the country and even some parts of the world, I'm sure I'm not the only one who can relate to the opening scene of the book...<br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><i>One rainy day an Elephant was taking a walk with his green umbrella.</i></span></div>
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Hopefully the children who read this book (or who have it read to them) will also relate to how imaginative the characters in the book are. Besides the elephant, there's a hedgehog, a cat, a bear, and an old rabbit -- and each has a different idea of what the green umbrella actually is.<br />
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<i><span style="color: #38761d;">Along came a Hedgehog.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #38761d;">"Excuse me," said the Hedgehog. "I believe you have my boat."</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #38761d;">"Your what?" asked the Elephant.</span></i></div>
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The hedgehog thinks the umbrella's a boat, the cat says it's a tent, the bear is sure it's his flying machine, and the old rabbit is convinced it's a cane. It's not clear if the animals actually believe the umbrella is the objects they mention, or whether they are just being imaginative. But honestly, it doesn't really matter, and therein lies the beauty of this book. Children, after all, play with their stuffed animals as if they are alive, and some even have imaginary friends. Who are we to tell them what is real and what is not, when their minds are so active and their inner worlds so rich.<br />
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Through the imagination of illustrator Maral Sassouni, several little mice also appear and re-appear throughout the book, carrying warm-colored umbrellas of their own to contrast nicely with the cool green of the elephant's umbrella. Young children are so good at picking up all the artistic details in picture books, so I'm sure they'll enjoy searching for, and maybe even counting, all the mice they see.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMkgLrzrRPeYa1cksfR93wB3heq9ECihQM_gDAmHzrxyWvIpsYHVybB6WIkYjwo1Fn9KxT-SH_obPO5rQcSXs9BbBAfsyU8MUFJG64sL7FFB0CrQitNrLTTaeol9bBDfiXUZp5x7XGzzmD/s1600/TheGreenUmbrella+Elephant+Front+MatterPage_04+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMkgLrzrRPeYa1cksfR93wB3heq9ECihQM_gDAmHzrxyWvIpsYHVybB6WIkYjwo1Fn9KxT-SH_obPO5rQcSXs9BbBAfsyU8MUFJG64sL7FFB0CrQitNrLTTaeol9bBDfiXUZp5x7XGzzmD/s400/TheGreenUmbrella+Elephant+Front+MatterPage_04+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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In addition to being imaginative in its writing and illustration, <i>The Green Umbrella</i> is likely to spark the imaginations of its readers. You could help this process along by asking a young reader "What else could we use a green umbrella for?" Or you could brainstorm other everyday objects such as, let's say, a cooking pot. You could ask the reader to think about what else a cooking pot could be. A baseball cap? A drum? A bed for a small animal? The possibilities are endless!<br />
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This book could also be a great springboard for creating movement. I can imagine preschoolers or a class of young dancers moving as if they are boats, tents, or flying machines. I'm sure Maria Hanley from Maria's Movers has some other great ideas for movement, which you can check out <a href="http://mariasmovers.com/2017/02/16/the-green-umbrella/" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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And even though this post focuses on imagination, <i>The Green Umbrella</i> also includes strong themes of friendship and generosity -- all of which you can see in <b><a href="http://mrschureads.blogspot.com/2017/01/book-trailer-premiere-green-umbrella-by.html" target="_blank">this fantastic book trailer</a></b>. Watch the trailer, pick up a copy of the book, and let your imagination soar along with it!</div>
Kerry Aradhyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14099941502319174759noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4439188098541341285.post-88433331142763322862016-11-11T16:48:00.002-05:002016-11-11T17:27:20.675-05:00Deer Dancer Offers Inspiration<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Wednesday morning was difficult for many, including me and the other three writers staying at the <a href="http://www.wellstoneredwoods.org/" target="_blank">Wellstone Center in the Redwoods</a> this week. Just after 9 am that day, to help clear our minds, we embarked on a one-hour hike through the trail just behind the center...<br />
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As we wound through the old, towering trees, climbing up and down the small inclines along the trail, we tried to steer our conversation away from politics. We also stopped to enjoy the scenery when it inspired us, especially taking notice of scattered rays of light streaming through the trees. It was exactly what we needed that morning, and exactly why I think we all came to the writing center -- to disconnect from our everyday lives, reconnect with our inner selves, and re-ignite our creativity and dare I say faith -- faith not only in the creative process but, as it turns out, in humanity as well.</div>
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The trees along the trail and the accompanying inspiration reminded me of the picture book <i><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/deer-dancer-mary-lyn-ray/1117053525?ean=9781442434219" target="_blank">Deer Dancer</a></i> by <a href="http://www.marylynray.com/" target="_blank">Mary Lyn Ray</a> and <a href="http://www.laurenstringer.com/" target="_blank">Lauren Stringer</a>, which I brought with me to the writing center in hopes that I would find a good place and time to blog about it. There couldn't be a better place and time than here and now.</div>
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<i><span style="color: #6aa84f;">There's a place I go that's</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #6aa84f;">green and grass, </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #6aa84f;">a place I thought that no one knew --</span></i></div>
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As you can see from the very poetic, opening lines of the book, the main character has a special place she likes to go for solitude -- a place not unlike the trail we hiked on Wednesday. And, as we found inspiration in the light shining through the trees on the trail, the little girl finds inspiration from a chance encounter with a deer...</div>
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<i><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #6aa84f;">I stayed still </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #6aa84f;">as he came nearer, nearer</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #6aa84f;">until he was so close</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #6aa84f;">I could almost have touched him.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #6aa84f;">He looked at me. I looked at him. </span></i></div>
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As the book continues, we follow the girl to her ballet class and then back out to the special place where she first saw the deer. The deer returns, and the girl watches the way it lowers its antlers, grazes, and leaps and turns around her. Remembering how her dance teacher had told her to "hold your head as if you're wearing antlers," "listen with your cheekbones," and "look with the eyes in your shoulders," the girl responds to the deer's movements over and over. When the deer finally leaves, the girl realizes she had gotten lost in the inspiration the deer provided and found her <i>own </i>dance. The creative process had prevailed!</div>
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I hope that this week and in the coming weeks and months we can all find inspiration, and that we can re-ignite our faith -- faith not only in the creative process but, as it turns out, in humanity as well. </div>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><i>Thanks to publisher <a href="http://www.simonandschusterpublishing.com/beach-lane/" target="_blank">Beach Lane Books</a> for sending a review copy of </i>Deer Dancer<i> to me oh so long ago. Read one of my favorite other reviews of the book at <a href="https://whattoreadtoyourkids.com/2014/07/29/dance-and-ballet-stories-for-children/" target="_blank">What to Read to Your Kids</a>.</i></span></div>
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Kerry Aradhyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14099941502319174759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4439188098541341285.post-70230563079869518422016-11-07T21:00:00.001-05:002016-11-08T11:04:43.144-05:00Time to Get Back into the Rhythm!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I just arrived in the Santa Cruz Mountains for a weeklong writing retreat at the <a href="http://www.wellstoneredwoods.org/" target="_blank">Wellstone Center in the Redwoods</a>. The grounds are gorgeous...and so peaceful...and I am just settling into my room and thinking of some goals for the week. One of my goals, of course, is to get some blog posts out!<br />
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The hustle and bustle of life really does take a toll on you (or at least it does on me), so I am so looking forward to the solitude I'm going to have this week. I've already cleared my regular work calendar and am going to spend the ENTIRE week focused on children's writing. I am excited to get back into the rhythm of writing and creating! And speaking of rhythm....</div>
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<i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/I-Got-Rhythm-Connie-Schofield-Morrison/dp/1619631784" target="_blank">I Got the Rhythm</a></i> by Connie Schofield-Morrison and illustrator Frank Morrison has been on my "to blog about" list for far too long. Finally I am here to tell you about it! And a much belated thank you to the publisher, <a href="http://www.bloomsbury.com/us/" target="_blank">Bloomsbury</a>, for sending me a review copy.</div>
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The very simple text and exuberant illustrations in this book show readers that rhythm is everywhere -- if you just keep your eyes open. Musicians have rhythm in the way they play their instruments. Butterflies have rhythm in the way they flap their wings. Even street vendors have rhythm in the way they pass out food. And, as the main character in <i>I Got the Rhythm</i> finds out, once you find the rhythm, there are many ways to keep it going! </div>
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<i><span style="color: #e06666;">I looked at the rhythm with my eyes. BLINK BLINK</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #e06666;">I smelled the rhythm with my nose. SNIFF SNIFF </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #e06666;">I sang the rhythm with my mouth. OOH LA LA</span></i></div>
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The main character also uses her hands, fingers, hips, knees, and feet to keep the rhythm going as she takes a walk through the city with her mom. By the end of the book, her whole body is involved, and she is dancing up a storm!</div>
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If I find the rhythm again this week at my retreat, I hope I can keep it going, too. Let me know if you have any good ideas for "getting back into the rhythm" or keeping it going once you find it -- whether it's to do with writing, dancing, or another activity you love!</div>
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Kerry Aradhyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14099941502319174759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4439188098541341285.post-44831845062961206062016-09-11T14:07:00.000-04:002016-09-11T14:07:11.369-04:00An Interview with Author Judy Cook<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHeqg2GiZe_llynBhxVDrPi9HRqMo_dVBUPI_62KNMFnlzjKmTX16_6Surmrg0S6gfkz7WQLUqhzw2ja5C0r4TKyCfBCVm26eN12ba083xr99fbQZb8p6iKtcIL-X6nwcDCLboal9HhIiC/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-09-11+at+10.30.26+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHeqg2GiZe_llynBhxVDrPi9HRqMo_dVBUPI_62KNMFnlzjKmTX16_6Surmrg0S6gfkz7WQLUqhzw2ja5C0r4TKyCfBCVm26eN12ba083xr99fbQZb8p6iKtcIL-X6nwcDCLboal9HhIiC/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-09-11+at+10.30.26+AM.png" /></a><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-style: italic; text-indent: -0.25in;">Last time I blogged it was related to dancing dinosaurs. And guess what? My post today is about dancing dinosaurs, too! Canadian author and dancer Judy Cook is here with me to answer some questions about her debut picture book </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><a href="http://www.friesenpress.com/bookstore/title/119734000015612731/Judy-Cook-When-Dinosaurs-go-Dancing" target="_blank">When Dinosaurs Go Dancing</a></span><span style="font-style: italic; text-indent: -0.25in;">, recently published by FriesenPress and a great blend of rhythm, rhyme, dance, and science!</span></span><br />
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<b><span style="color: purple;">Thanks for joining us, Judy! I'd love to hear more about your background in dance. When did your passion for dance begin and where
has it taken you professionally?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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I started dancing when I was a child at
Sonia’s Dancing Academy in Saskatoon. I seemed to have a special talent for tap
dancing, and after receiving a trophy for “the most outstanding tap performer”
at a dance festival, I was hooked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A
little praise goes a long way!<o:p></o:p></div>
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I
kept taking jazz, tap, and ballet classes and even helped my teacher Sonia
Fabian in teaching little kids. When I finished high school, I decided to
continue my studies at the dance college at Ryerson University in Toronto.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had found my path in life!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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I was
so happy in Toronto because I had found a group of people who loved dance as
much as I did. I was dancing from morning until night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would even come to the campus on the
weekends for extra ballet classes. After graduating, I auditioned for stage
shows and began dancing professionally on TV and in shows around the Toronto
area.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I
was in a show at the Skyline Hotel for a year and then decided to go to
Winnipeg when I was accepted for an apprentice position with <a href="http://www.winnipegscontemporarydancers.ca/web4/wcd/" target="_blank">Winnipeg's Contemporary Dancers</a>. I danced with them as an apprentice for a year and then
started a theatre company “Canadian Content Theatre” with some theatrical friends
of mine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We travelled and performed all
around Canada with that company for over 15 years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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That’s when we created our show “Listen to
the Bones.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a musical theatre
show all about dinosaurs and was initially in collaboration with a touring
Dinosaur Alive exhibit that was at the Manitoba Children’s Museum for a summer.
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<span style="color: purple;"><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;">What an interesting path that led you to dancing, theatre...and eventually dinosaurs! </b></span><b style="color: purple; text-indent: -0.25in;">How did you come up with the idea for <i>When Dinosaurs Go Dancing?</i></b><br />
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The book title is from a song in our “Listen
to the Bones”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>musical.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is a dance I still do with the
kindergarten-grade 2 students.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have
been doing this dance for years in the schools, and the students have always
loved it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I kept thinking that somebody
should write a book based on this song, but when I realized that I was probably
the only person who would ever do it.....I started jotting down ideas for the
book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: purple;">It’s always fun to learn more about debut
authors and their paths to publication. What was yours like? Did it happen
quickly or was it a long road?</span></b></div>
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It was a long road for me…..12 years. I
didn’t know how a person went about publishing a book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was talking to an old school chum from
Saskatoon about my idea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His kids had
loved our dinosaur song “Listen to the Bones” when they were growing up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He took out a cheque book and made out a
cheque to me for $5,000! He laughingly said that if I make a million I can
pay him back some day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So that’s how I
got the money to pay an illustrator, and that’s how I met Sonia Nadeau, who is
now a dear friend of mine! I<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>also went to
a publishing workshop at Humber College in Toronto, so I went into the project
with wide-open eyes, realizing that it was very difficult to sell a lot books, and
even to make back your money, especially if you are trying to do it yourself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"><br /></span></span></span>
<b><span style="color: purple;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Because you chose to self-publish your book
through FriesenPress, you needed to find an illustrator on your own, as you have alluded to. How did you find Sonia Nadeau?</span></span></b></div>
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Yes….after I got the money I looked around
for an illustrator from Winnipeg, and when I saw Sonia’s work I immediately knew
she was perfect for the book project. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: purple;">For most traditionally published picture books, the authors and
illustrators don’t interact much during the publication process. What was your
relationship with Sonia Nadeau like as the book was coming together?</span></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: purple;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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Because I was used to collaborating with
other artists in all the previous creative work I had done and because I was so
close to the dinosaur material for so-o-o many years, I just knew I needed a
more hands-on approach with the illustrator. Sonia was also close to the material because
she had a job in a day care and just by chance had been using our music with
the kids in her classes for six years!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
went to her day care….we recorded the kids dancing to the music, and she used the
video for some of the inspiration for her drawings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> I</span> also knew I wanted the dinosaurs to be
taken from scientific renditions, and Sonia has a friend who draws dinosaurs for
encyclopedias, so every dinosaur in the book was drawn that way!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We share a particular sense of humour, and we
had lots of meetings and were on the same page from the start.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is a delight to work with and I hope we
can do it again soon!<o:p></o:p><br />
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<b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: purple;">I read in your bio at the back of <i>When Dinosaurs Go Dancing</i> that you conduct workshops in schools through several different arts programs. Can you tell us more about those workshops?</span></b><br />
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I have created a theatrical dance program for schools in which the students and I choreograph together and all the classes perform for each other at the end of the week. I work with some students who have extensive dance backgrounds mixed with some others who have none.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s my challenge to help create and guide the students to show off everybody’s talents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s where my theatre training comes in handy. If somebody in the class has a special talent, we just choreograph it into our piece. My objective is for everyone to have a positive experience with the art form of dance! I was also the dance specialist for a two-year research project creating a dance program focusing on children with fetal alcohol syndrome in the Norway House Cree Nation, and was part of a panel to share the research at a world arts festival (<a href="http://education.kennedy-center.org//education/vsa/" target="_blank">VSA</a>) held in Washington, DC. I have had very positive experiences creating dance programs for children with disabilities.<br />
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<b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: purple;">How do you incorporate the book into your
workshops for children?</span></b></div>
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I have just started to do
readings in schools, and I have taken parts from the musical and adapted them to
do fun scenes with the kids. The kids become newsboys in a scene that’s set to
music and based on when people first began to discover dinosaur fossils.<o:p></o:p></div>
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There is also a hand dance "Back
in Time”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>set to a music soundscape.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can use the same music with the kids for creative
transformations….We theatrically change
from being the wind…..to becoming a fish…..to flying like a pteranodon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> I</span>t’s all great for workshop
material. The kids can work together and
make different dinosaurs out of their bodies while learning to be cooperative
and work together as a group. <o:p></o:p></div>
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My partner Rubin Kantorovich
and<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>recently co-wrote a new song called the "Bruce
Rap." It’s all about the<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> m</span>osasaur I mention in my book. When I was doing a school workshop, I gave a verse to each group of four-to-six
kids to work on, and they learned the words and choreographed cool moves to go
along with it. Then they<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>performed it
for another class!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They LOVED that
activity!<o:p></o:p></div>
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The fossil skeleton of the mosasaur is on display at the Canadian Fossil Discovery Centre in Morden, Manitoba. FriesenPress's printing press is
located in Altona -- a town close to the fossil museum.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They printed 2,000 copies of the book for a big giveaway at
the Altona Sunflower Festival this year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
was so fun to be able to give books away and not have to worry about making my
money back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was a fun event AND
they gave me 250 free paperback copies that I can sell!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span>
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Sonia and I also had a book launch at the fossil museum.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did the dance with the kids, Sonia gave
an illustration workshop along with the reading, and we premiered the “Bruce
Rap" song.</div>
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<b><span style="color: purple;">What great ways to promote the book! Through all of these activities, have you found any parts of the book that resonate the most with children and their caregivers? <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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I think the younger children enjoy the rhyme
in the first part of the book and their older brothers and sisters like the
dinosaur and fossil facts in the second part.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They all love Sonia’s beautiful illustrations, and the dancers connect to
all the dance-related parts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: purple;">What other book projects might you have in the works? Any more dancing dinosaurs on the horizon? </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I would love to do another book with Sonia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d like to do a teacher’s guide, too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Right now I’m working on trying to
find ways to distribute the book to school and public libraries.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some of my friends who are teachers have told
me they have used the book in their classes and are having a lot of fun with
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Sonia and I just found out some more
positive news.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #16191f; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">The
<a href="https://www.momschoiceawards.com/" target="_blank">Mom’s Choice Awards</a></span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #16191f; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"> has named <i>When Dinosaurs go Dancing</i> among the
best in family-friendly media, products, and services. </span>I’m hoping that will
help us promote the book.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></span></span>
<b><span style="color: purple;">Congratulations. That's fantastic news! And thanks for sharing more about your journey with us today!</span></b></div>
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Thanks so much for this opportunity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s fun to share with people the background
of how it all came together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have
learned so much about the book business by doing this project, and maybe my
story will help inspire someone else out there to keep their dreams alive and
perhaps create their own book!</div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #999999;"><i>To learn more about Judy and W</i>hen Dinosaurs Go Dancing, <i>you can check out the book's <a href="https://www.scbwi.org/display-book-launch-party/?id=361447" target="_blank">launch page </a>through the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. You can also follow Judy on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/judymcook" target="_blank">here</a>.</i></span></span></span></div>
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Kerry Aradhyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14099941502319174759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4439188098541341285.post-78019940299039754332016-04-18T13:48:00.003-04:002016-04-18T13:48:35.696-04:00Get Ready for a Dinosaur Dance!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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My family and I are vacationing in Japan right now. It's our last day in Tokyo, and we've decided to chill out in the hotel for a little while before heading out into the city one more time. I've been working on some children's writing during our trip, and as only a children's writer might say, I've had dancing and dinosaurs on my mind this morning. Then lo and behold, I discovered this new board book -- <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Dinosaur-Dance-Sandra-Boynton/dp/1481480995/ref=zg_bsnr_2896_4" target="_blank">Dinosaur Dance!</a></i> -- by Sandra Boynton!<br />
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I've loved Sandra Boynton since my kids were little. They're 9 and 11 now, so we don't read too many board books these days. But Boynton's books bring back such great memories for me, and I still buy them as presents for friends who have babies and toddlers.<br />
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<i>Dinosaur Dance</i> isn't coming out until August, so I can't give it a proper review just yet. But, somehow, I am fully confident I will love it. Just wanted to let you know about it, too!</div>
Kerry Aradhyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14099941502319174759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4439188098541341285.post-82302944211182681222016-01-20T22:25:00.000-05:002016-01-21T12:52:41.000-05:00My Favorite Collaboration Is Back!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: inherit;"><b><i>Read It. Move It. Share It. </i></b></span></div>
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-style: italic;">I</span></span><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: inherit; font-style: italic;"> can't believe it's been two years since Maria Hanley from </span><b style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: inherit; font-style: italic;"><a href="http://mariasmovers.com/" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Maria's Movers</a> </b><i><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: inherit;">and I took a break from "Read It. Move It. Share It." But we're back! We </span><span style="color: #3d85c6;">probably</span><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: inherit;"> won't be posting every month but hope to collaborate at least a few more times this year. It feels so good to be back! To remind you about our collaboration, I choose picture books for Maria to use in her creative movement classes in New York City, and then we both share our experiences with the books. This month's book is </span></i><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: inherit;">Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site<i>!</i></span><br />
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<i><a href="https://www.chroniclebooks.com/titles/goodnight-goodnight-construction-site.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site</span></b></a></i> was published a few years back by debut author Sherri Duskey Rinker and seasoned illustrator <a href="http://www.tomlichtenheld.com/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Tom Lichtenheld</span></b></a>. It quickly rocketed to the top of the New York Times Bestseller List, and for good reason. It's clever, adorable in its words and pictures, and appealing both to children who love trucks and to parents -- and dance teachers! -- who might be anxious to settle their little ones down after a long day at school or play.<br />
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The book starts out showing a variety of different trucks working hard until the sun begins to set. It then quickly focuses in on each type of truck and what it has to do to finish its work for the day and get ready for bed. It's written in rhyme, with each truck getting a short introduction, a stanza about what kind of work the truck does, and a stanza to say goodnight.<br />
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The first truck in the book, the crane truck, works "hard to help his team" by raising "one last beam." He also reaches, stretches, lifts high, and swings his beam. Only then can he get ready for bed...<br />
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<i><span style="color: #3d85c6;">He slowly folds his boom back in, </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #3d85c6;">And then with one last sleepy grin, </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #3d85c6;">He tucks himself in nice and tight (sigh!),</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Then cuddles up and says goodnight.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Shh...goodnight, Crane Truck, goodnight.</span></i></div>
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This pattern is repeated for a cement mixer, a dump truck, a bulldozer, and an excavator. And as you might imagine, there are fabulous movement words everywhere in the book! There's spinning, churning, lifting, carrying, spilling, and so much more.<br />
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As the book comes to a close, the trucks are together again...although they are all sleeping this time. One of my favorite stanzas happens as the book winds down. I love the messages that it sends to young children, who are probably identifying strongly with the trucks by the end of the book. Work hard. Be proud of your work. And make sure your work is fun! Great lessons to carry into adulthood as well...<br />
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<i><span style="color: #3d85c6;">These big, big trucks, so tough and loud,</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #3d85c6;">They work so hard, so rough, so proud.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Tomorrow is another day, </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Another chance to work and play.</span></i></div>
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I can't finish this post without also mentioning the brilliant illustrations by Tom Lichtenheld that really bring this book to life. He personifies the trucks so well, giving them great facial expressions whether they are working, playing, feeling sleepy, or snuggling into bed. So sweet.<br />
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I can't wait to find out how Maria used the book in her classes. Let's go see <b><a href="http://mariasmovers.com/2016/01/20/goodnight-goodnight-construction-site/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">here</span></a></b>.<br />
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You can also click <b><a href="http://www.chroniclebooks.com/blog/2012/02/03/interview-with-1-new-york-times-bestselling-author-sherri-duskey-rinker/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">here</span></a></b> to read an interview with author Sherri Duskey Rinker and learn more about her inspiring road to publication. And if you like what you've heard and seen so far, check out the second picture book by the amazing team of Sherri Duskey Rinker and Tom Lichtenheld -- <b><i><a href="http://www.chroniclebooks.com/titles/steam-train-dream-train.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Steam Train, Dream Train</span></a></i></b>!</div>
Kerry Aradhyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14099941502319174759noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4439188098541341285.post-83946481666864993952016-01-04T11:55:00.000-05:002016-01-04T11:57:06.331-05:00Happy New Year!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Wishing you and your loved ones all the best in the new year. I have a feeling it's going to be a good one. Happy reading and dancing!</div>
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Kerry Aradhyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14099941502319174759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4439188098541341285.post-48474249846841938482015-11-09T16:37:00.000-05:002015-11-14T16:41:46.958-05:00Bear Can Dance -- and Why You Should, Too!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I was browsing through posts on Facebook this morning and read this wonderful quote by a dancer from the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater...<br />
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<i><span style="color: #666666;">I wish more people knew what it felt like to actually dance. I'm not referring to the difficulty of learning a technique or a combination. I mean the part that comes after everything clicks. When your most focused mind, your most moldable body, and your truest spirit all intertwine at their highest level. That point will look different for everyone, of course, but I wish everyone could attempt to reach it at least once. It can literally feel like flying. </span></i>-- Ailey dancer <a href="http://www.alvinailey.org/about/alvin-ailey-american-dance-theater/company-bios/fana-tesfagiorgis/fana-tesfagiorgis">Fana Tesfagiorgis</a> to the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/nycdanceproject/">NYC Dance Project</a><br />
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I let this quote seep into my soul, "liked" it, and went on with my day. Little did I know it would creep back into my head later in the day when I was reading the new picture book <i>Bear Can</i> <i>Dance! </i>by <a href="http://www.suzannebloom.com/">Suzanne Bloom</a>.<br />
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<i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bear-Can-Dance-Goose-stories/dp/1629794422">Bear Can Dance!</a></i> is the seventh in a series of books by Bloom about Bear and his friend Goose. In this book, Bear wishes he could fly! Another character, Fox, comes up with a few clever ideas to help Bear, but none of them work very well. Goose isn't much help, either, insisting that Bear cannot fly. Or can he?<br />
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<i><span style="color: #666666;">Bear can dance?</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #666666;">It's like flying, but with your feet on the ground. Mostly. </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #666666;">Ohhhh. Bear can dance!</span></i></div>
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The only reason Bear wanted to fly was because he wanted to "swoop and glide and feel the wind" in his fur. Flying can do that, but so can dancing! After reading the book, I frantically searched Facebook until I found the quote from Fana Tesfagiorgis again, only realizing then how truly magical it was for today.<br />
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I love it when fate steps in to bring people, objects, ideas together. In this case it brought together a beautiful quote from Fana Tesfagiorgis, a beautiful book by Suzanne Bloom, and me!<br />
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Kerry Aradhyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14099941502319174759noreply@blogger.com0